Aside from the music, many other events take place at our Festival. Below is a selection of some of the usual entertainment on offer. Some considerable variation may be necessary in 2021 as we deal with the effects of the Covid pandemic.
Inner State (confirmed)
Andy Andrews and Christine Bissell were Inner State again in 2021:
Henry and Lydia have travelled a long way to join their fellow pilgrims on The Mayflower and were looking forward to their new life across the pond. Lydia is worried, however, because she’s never been to sea; Henry can’t swim and the dog will probably be sick. Unfortunately it looks like they’ve missed the boat (in more ways than one!) because they got held up on the way and there’s been a mix up with the tickets! What now? Can anyone help this hapless pair?
Kings German Artillery
The Kings German Artillery defended the Redoubt Fort, demonstrating musket drill and cannon firing and took part in the odd skirmish with marauding pirates.
River Rogues Pirates
Bands of pirates roamed the town throughout the weekend. Look out for them on the Shanty Train and at the Redoubt Fort.
Andy Peters
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.
Rachel Richards Ropework
Rachel joined us again at the Redoubt Fort with some of her beautiful rope craft
Workshops
A selection of workshops usually takes place over the festival weekend. Playing the Bones is one of the most popular of these and is currently scheduled to take place again this year.
Spoken Word Sessions
The Spoken Word sessions have proved to be a popular addition to the festival. Participants bring along a poem, story, monologue or other piece of prose to read out to others, or just come along and listen. Items can be self penned or not and the only stipulation is that there must be a sea/ maritime theme and with an emphasis on the Mayflower this year. John Kempster hosts these sessions for us.
Walks & Talks
Our Festival also features talks, walks and discussions plus guided tours of Harwich throughout the duration of the Festival. We have a particularly interesting set of talks and lectures in this year of the Mayflower. Full details were in our published Programme.
Dovercourt Amateur Dramatic Society were Mayflower Pilgrims again in 2021 and can be seen around the town throughout the Festival.
Finally, Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership organised special Shanty Trains along the picturesque Mayflower Line between Manningtree & Harwich Town. With Shanty singing, pirates, activity packs and prizes. It is hoped these can run in 2022.
Tickets & full details at www.esscrp.org.uk/tickets/