Make the most of your Mersey River Festival Weekend with our top tips on what to see…

Are you a bit dazed and confused after such an amazing Bank Holiday weekend across the city? From the Rock and Roll Marathon to Sound City and beyond, the sun cracked the flags all weekend!

With a bit of a breather we’re now gearing up to have a blast at the International River Mersey Festival 2016 which kicks off this Friday evening!

To help you get the most out of the family friendly festival, which runs from 3^rd-5^th June, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of things to do and see, and the best bit is, it’s forecast to be sunny again!

Action

Wakeboarding – Salthouse Dock

The UK professional Wakeboard tour returns to The Albert Dock and these guys have got some serious moves. Find yourself a good vantage spot around the dock and witness the wakeboarding elite pull off some amazing tricks and jumps on the bespoke wake park.

Flyboarding Demonstrations – Albert & Salthouse Docks

Flyboarder Jay St John is set to soar 60ft into the feet propelled by our very own river Mersey to perform flips, spins and dolphin dives in a showcase that will knock your socks off. Don’t be surprised if the kids are asking for a flyboard for Christmas after these displays that take places right across the weekend.

Tip: If you want a piece of the action there’s a range of water activities for everyone to get involved in from Swan pedalo’s to row boats for a more relaxed approach to the weekend. Download a festival programme for more details.

Music

Home-grown Talent – Mann Island

Check out the Sound Waves stage at Mann Island Basin to hear Liverpool community choirs belt out some stunning performances in this sun trap location which is also perfect for al fresco dining! There’s also a full programme of street theatre and pop up performances for this stage which will keep the younger ones entertained while the adults chill out!

Rolling on the River – Pier Head

The musical legend that is Billy Ocean will take to the main stage on Sunday evening following a stellar line up of acts right across the weekend. Check out our guide to who’s on here. The Real Thing, Soul II Soul, Gwen Dickey’s Rose Royce and Shola Ama will be performing alongside the best of our local acts, The Tea Street Band, Louis Berry and Jalen Ngonda. If you’re less soul and more swing, look out for The Wack Pack who will be performing some big band classics, sure to get the crowd involved.

Tip: Our very own Jay Hynd is hosting this year’s main stage so head on down on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy this free music festival (heckling Jay is optional!)

READ our 16 facts about 16 acts playing the River Festival this weekend here.

Ship Shape on the Mersey

Boats – Across the Waterfront

From adrenaline fuelled power boats to tall ship treats, this year’s Northern Boat Show is bringing an amazing array of vessels to the Liverpool waterfront. Don’t miss the Pelican of London, Kaskelot and Phoenix as they sail into position alongside 60+ other ships to celebrate Liverpool’s maritime heritage.

Thundercats, Ho!

New to this year’s festival is the British Thundercat Racing Tour which sees 18 teams battle it out on the majestic River Mersey to take the winners podium. This high energy sport will make for a great addition to the festival as visitor’s cheer on from the Albert Dock.

Tip: If you or your little ones are model enthusiasts, check out the great display at the Liverpool Cruise Terminal featuring naval ships, tugs and liners from eras gone by!

Family Fun

Waterfront Trail

Keep the little ones entertained in between the huge ships and music performances by taking part in the waterfront trial, linking the Albert Dock and Pier Head this activity, with ice-cream pit stops along the way, is sure to wear them out!

Shore Side Activities

The Anchor and Mermaid court yards are hosting tonnes of family friendly activities this weekend, from maritime themed street theatre performances to make and do sessions for children of all ages. There are coffee shops, toilets and an ATM near by the Anchor courtyard which makes this a great pit stop for you and your little ones.

TIP: Pocket money goes a long way at the Albert Dock resident sweet shops! Between the Costa (Anchor Court Yard) and The Tate, there’s lollipops, slushies and jelly beans aplenty!

The Sky’s the Limit

Yakovlevs Air Display

Take a break from all things aquatic and cast your eyes skyward as Yakovlevs Air team wows the crowds with spectacular low flying aerobatics and formation displays. There are two performances per day that are sure to have visitors gasping at their gravity defying skills!

Tip: Get yourself a good vantage point around the outer Albert Dock to watch the display in all its glory.

We hope you enjoy the International River Mersey Festival 2016! For further information about timings and activities head to www.cultureliverpool.co.uk and download your own event programme.

By Kate James