The Vision
You might have already seen that Gloucester Tall Ships has new branding this year, with many interpreting the individual elements of the design in different ways. This year’s Festival is bigger than better than ever before, situated in the stunning Gloucester Docks, where incredible history and the new and exciting collide.
With Gloucester Docks approaching their 200th Anniversary in 2027, it seemed fitting that this year’s event will reflect a celebration of new ideas, new business and both the people that arrived here all those years ago, with those who work and visit today.
Excitement and discovery will be delivered across the Festival weekend, combined with tradition and heritage, both old and new.
The Creative Team
The Tall Ships Team are thrilled to announce, that Robin Kemp has been appointed as Creative Director for the event.
Robin has a wealth of experience in designing and delivering major events across the country. In 2023, Robin was Host City Creative Director for Eurovision in Liverpool, an event that delivers to hundreds of thousands of people across the world.
The wider Team has years of experience between them, having worked on some of the world’s largest cultural and music events in the world, including Glastonbury Festival
What can Visitors expect?
Well of course the Tall Ships are the heart of the Festival, which visitors love to climb aboard, learn, explore, and experience, but there is so much more for all generations.
This year’s event plays host to not one, but two stages, packed with a not to be missed line up of acts, with live music from well-known artists, and fresh new local acts.
You will find incredible street theatre, activities and experiences for kids, independent traders, and of course food and drink trucks to keep your energy levels high.
What’s New for 2024?
Visitors will of course find all the things that they have known and loved from previous Festivals, but this year the programming is far bigger, not just for those who are fans of Tall Ships!
There is something for everyone on each of the three days of the Festival, but each has a slightly different vibe.
Saturday is all about Rocking the Docks, with a party atmosphere to embrace the ships’ arrival, Sunday gears more towards families and kids, whilst on Monday that nautical theme ramps up a notch, with all things folk and Shanty.
This year there is also a kid’s zone called Stowaways Hideout! Here visitors will find an amazing playground installation, which has never been to the UK before, crammed with mechanical games and puzzles for all ages of children, think a combination of art sculpture and playground. On top of this there will be street performers, and craft and workshop areas.
And finally, a word from Creative Director Robin Kemp himself …
‘It is crucial for any ambitious city to have an event and cultural strategy and projects like Tall Ships are crucial to that. Events tell a story about place, attract new audiences, and reimagine somewhere familiar for audiences who already live here.
I hope that over the coming years Gloucester Tall Ships can grow and become a real calling card for the city as well as attracting other events into the city.’
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Get your tickets Here!