The Phoenix of Dell Quay tall ship is preparing to set sail for the two-day Sea Bangor maritime festival which takes place this Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June!
The majestic vessel will dock at Bangor’s seafront for the first time since 2017, giving visitors to the seaside town an opportunity to climb on board during both days of the popular festival.
Usually docked at Charlestown in Cornwall, the Phoenix was originally built in Denmark back in 1929 and started her life as an evangelical Mission Schooner. She has enjoyed a varied life and even featured in the Ridley Scott ‘1492 Conquest of Paradise’ movie.
The tall ship joins a jam-packed maritime themed programme during the course of the weekend that includes entertainment and activities for all the family.
Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council with support from Bangor Chamber of Commerce, South Eastern Regional College (SERC), Bangor Marina and Translink, thousands of visitors from the Borough and beyond will visit Bangor to see a host of water and aerial displays.
In the Sky
The AeroSuperBatics Wingwalking team of high flyers are among the main attractions. They will swoop over the lough in their modified Breitling Stearman biplanes at 4.30pm on the Saturday and 3pm on the Sunday, performing incredible feats in the sky in what will be a spectacular aerial display above Bangor.
Get Your Feet Wet
And if you fancy getting your feet wet, you can take part in one of the Royal Yachting Association’s sailing experiences on the Saturday or try kayaking on the Sunday. There will be boat tours on offer too, allowing you to explore Bangor’s coastline from the sea.
On the Ground
A bit closer to earth, you can watch Daniel Doyle create stunning sculptures made out of sand near the entrance to the Long Hole while the Eisenhower Pier will host the popular Rowing Challenge which features local community teams competing for the Sea Bangor Cup. Watch them battle it out for the prestigious trophy!
Those keen to keep their feet firmly on dry land can visitthe Army Reserve Village in the Marina car park or head to the Tented Village in Quay Street car park. The Tiddler’s Tent Silent Disco is open for all the family while the ‘Under the Sea’ creative experience marquee will inspire and engage.
If you fancy a gentle ride, you can check out the funfair rides or jump on the Panoramic Wheel and get a bird’s eye view of the marina. You might even be able to spot Detritus of the Deep from above. Having exited the depths of the ocean, he’ll be roaming around the crowds on his stilts in an attempt to find out why his sea home is being destroyed by pollution.
Food, Glorious Food!
All that activity will get those tummies rumbling and the Sea Bangor Café will serve a variety of food with a focus on local business and local produce. Plus, there will be cookery demonstrations and competitions hosted by SERC, including ‘Bangor’s Best Balti’ (pre-registration essential at visitardsandnorthdown.com), helping to find the master chefs in our midst.
The food stalls, street theatre and live music from different local bands in the Open House Shanty Shack will all add to the bustling atmosphere so make sure you come to Sea Bangor this weekend!