A world-famous race is coming to the North for its only mainland date – along with some household-name music and four days of free family fun.
The Tall Ships Races are returning to Hartlepool this year for the first time since 2010, in what is being billed as one of the biggest free events to be held in the UK, and two major music acts have been announced.
The event, which runs from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th July, will feature four days of live music, with indie rock band Maximo Park headlining on Friday and acclaimed reggae band The Wailers on Saturday.
Event Director Cath Honey said: “The Tall Ships Race is a truly awe-inspiring event and we’re delighted to be welcoming it back to Hartlepool.
“Across the four days, we’ve got some really exciting music lined up. We’re delighted to have booked North East indie legends, Maximo Park, who will be headlining on Friday 7th July, and on Saturday 8th July, we welcome the most iconic reggae band on the planet, Grammy-nominees, The Wailers, who were Bob Marley’s band.
“Over 35 tall ships will be taking part in the event, which the public will be able to board for free and learn more about. There will also be a large crew parade lining the streets from the port area through the Headland, along the beautiful coastline and finishing on the Town Moor for a prize giving ceremony. The event site within the port will also host hundreds of stalls and family activities.”
The Tall Ships Race is an annual event organised by Sail Training International, featuring a range of famous vessels who travel the world, stopping at designated ports along the way. Each host port delivers a major event over four days to celebrate the race, often accompanied by live music and family entertainment – and thousands are expected to attend.
Holy Moly & The Crackers, The Young Un’s, She Drew The Gun, Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra and Hartlepool’s own Michael Gallagher will also perform, with more acts and a varied, fun packed family festival programme set to be announced.
Cath added: “This will be the second time Hartlepool has hosted the tall ships and it brings a tremendous sense of pride, as well as being such a boost for the region; last time, people travelled from all over the UK.
“This is an international event which not only brings tall ships from across the globe, but also brings together a wide range of people, from those who have a passion for the maritime aspect through to people who will be attending the event for the first time for an amazing family day out.”
To keep up with the latest news and announcements, visit www.tallshipshartlepool2023.co.uk/ and follow the event’s social media accounts.