The host city of the Tall Ships Races 2018 has outlined its offering for groups and tour operators planning a visit this year.
On 11th July, a fleet of vessels will arrive at the port of Sunderland, at the North East coast, in preparation for The Tall Ships Races 2018. This will mark the start of a four-day festival of entertainment before the ships depart for Esbjerg, Denmark.
The Tall Ships Races involves four European cities taking part in two challenging races across the North Sea. Organisers have unveiled plans to ensure groups and coach drivers can enjoy everything the event has to offer.
What will the festival entail?
The entertainment, which will include street theatre, food and refreshments, displays and live music, will be spread across the four days, beginning on 11th July when the ships will lower their gangways to visitors.
On 12th July, the programme of culture and entertainment will continue when a Crew Parade will weave through the city centre, bringing a carnival atmosphere to the streets, followed by a prize-giving ceremony.
The 13th July will see a major artistic commission taking place on the riverside and local sail trainees taking part in the event, will arrive to join their ships.
On the final day of the event, the ships will take part in a spectacular Parade of Sail, past the coastal resorts of Roker and Seaburn, with onshore entertainment continuing well into the evening.
Group information
Coaches will be directed to park at the nearby Stadium of Light, home to Sunderland AFC, with drop offs closer to the main event sites to minimise walking distances.
In addition, fully accessible shuttle buses will run at frequent intervals between event zones on the north and south of the River Wear.
Tall Ships Races project director, Michelle Daurat, commented: “We’re expecting over one million visitors to the event and are looking forward to welcoming groups from across the country.”
For more information, visit www.tallshipssunderland.com.
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