Aside from the music, many other events take place at our Festival. Below is a selection of some of the usual entertainment on offer.
SB Victor Cruises
Cruises aboard Sailing Barge Victor are always one of our most popular events. A 90 minute cruise along one of our two rivers, accompanied by music and singing from some of our top artists. Book early to be sure of a place.
Inner State
Eric and Hilda Viking are looking for somewhere nice to settle down, or plunder, after a pretty rough voyage and not enough lager breaks. On board, and feeling slightly queazy is their captured Saxon sheep, Dolly (or Nelly Mutton to her friends) who is anxious to go home to a nice grass sandwich.
Charlotte Oliver and Hannah Hill
Look out for these two bringing their exciting Shadow Puppet Show “Cool Skool for Pirates” to the festival this year. Learn how to become a real pirate through, songs, actions and puppetry. Suitable for children 6 years and up.
Kings German Artillery
The Kings German Artillery defend the Redoubt Fort, demonstrating musket drill and cannon firing and taking part in the odd skirmish with marauding pirates.
Pirates and Smugglers
Bands of pirates roam the town throughout the weekend. Look out for them on the beach and at the Redoubt Fort
Kipperland
Visitors will be able to see demonstrations of splitting and smoking herrings, plus old photographs and text about an industry which once employed a quarter of the population. There will also of course be the opportunity to buy the finished, freshly smoked product, which are such a success that they sell out very quickly. Come to the Redoubt Fort and try a food which has health benefits second to none.
Andy Peters – Maritima Wood Carving
Andy Peters is a very welcome regular at the Festival, demonstrating his amazing skills at Figurehead carving. He has specialised in decorative Maritime carving for over 30 years, producing intricate and beautiful Figureheads, Nameboards, Trailboards and all things nautical. Watching a true craftsman at work is one of the highlights of the Festival.
Percussion Workshop with Jig Dolls led by Martin Judkins & Corine Nugteren
In a 45 minute fun filled workshop Martin and Corine teach how to use the Jig Doll as a percussion instrument. Each doll creates sound by dancing to the beat of the music and provides entertainment with its appealing appearance and movements. A Jig Doll is suited to everyone, regardless of level of musical ability. All you need is to be able to tap to a beat or rhythm and the Jig Doll will do the rest! Jig Dolls will be provided.
Rachel Richards Ropework
Rachel will be joining us again at the Redoubt Fort with some of her beautiful rope craft
Workshops
A wide range of workshops take place over the festival weekend. Playing the Bones is one of the most popular of these and will take place again this year. In addition we have a selection of musical and historical workshops. Full details will be in the printed Programme.
Walks & Talks
Our Festival also features talks, walks and discussions plus guided tours of Harwich throughout the duration of the Festival. Harwich has a wealth of fascinating history to draw upon and these events cover many aspects of our towns past. Full details will be in our comprehensive Souvenir Programme.
Families and Children
There is plenty to interest all ages at the festival but for those arriving with children in tow be sure to check out the Redoubt Fort and new for this year, we have some Foreshore Foraging with Libby Scarfe and Cool Skool for Pirates Shadow Puppetry with Charlotte and Hannah.
