What’s on, where and when at this weekends Tall Ships Regatta

With so much to see and do on the waterfront this bank holiday weekend, we’ve got your Tall Ships Guide, sorted.

This late May Bank Holiday weekend will see Liverpool host the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta, the 5th time we’ve welcomed a jaw-dropping Tall Ships fleet on the Mersey and alongside the waterfront spectacle, there’s a three day ‘Changing Tides’ programme of arts and entertainment, with something for all the family.

Watch below for all of the highlights so far on our waterfront.

Representing the three race ports of the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta, Liverpool, Dublin and Bordeaux, 3 areas of the city, Mann Island, Albert Dock and Pier Head will come alive with free events such as thrilling street theatre, live music and hands-on family fun. With a promising weather forecast and so much to see and do, we’ve got all the info you need to plan an unforgettable weekend on the waterfront.

Here’s what’s on at the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta across the bank holiday weekend…..

Pier Head

Our Pier Head will come alive with a French inspired programme of free music and entertainment from 5pm – 8pm on Friday, 2pm – 10pm on Saturday and Sunday and 12pm – 5pm on Monday. Click the links for more info.

House of Suarez, The Sun, The Moon & The Stars

Contemporary dance meets classical ballet in this visually stunning, evening performance. More here 

The Cunard Stage

The first of two stages at Pier Head, the Cunard Stage brings swing, motown, dance and more to the festivities. Full line up here. 

L’Hotel By Circo Rum Ba Ba

French finesse meets magical mime, eccentric characters and glittering cabaret in this brilliant street performance. More info here.

Two Cats & a Canary

Don’t miss the giant gilded birdcage filled with a feast of visual and musical treats at Pier Head and enjoy some birdy chaos this May Bank Holiday. Details here

Bandstand Stage

Bandstand Stage is jam packed with the sounds of Liverpool right across the weekend, look out for Eleanor Nelly, Kazimier Barge Music and more. Full line up here.

Run Away with the Circus

You’re sure to be entertained with circus acts such as jugglers, stilt walkers, unicyclists and even a CYR wheel, as seen in Cirque Du Soliel, making their way around Princes Parade this weekend. More info here. 

The Dick Danger Show

We can’t wait to see the Dick Danger Show at Pier Head. A comic show involving a oral B toothbrush, dad dancing in tight trousers and Dick’s signature trick, diving from a very high pole into a bucket of (mineral) water. Show times here. 

La Vie En R.O.S.E, by Kazimier

Dropping anchor at the Pier Head, the Kazimier crew will be all hands on deck, mixing up the musical and marine in their unique style, giving a glimpse into life on board. Find out more here. 

Albert Dock

Albert Dock plays host to a Dublin-inspired Celtic programme of music, art and song, with something to see from early light until after dark.

The Ship Stage

Based on tall ship, La Malouine, The Ship Stage features a jam-packed line up of musical talent from either side of the Irish Sea. Full line up and times here. 

The Rising Sun

Continuing the theme of the Sun, the Moon and the Stars, don’t miss the Rising Sun, a large scale light and sound installation that comes to life as the real sun sets. Timings here. 

Kit & Caboodle

Head to Mermaid Courtyard and check out miniature puppet shows inside a big, rolling mule puppet! Kit & Caboodle brings tales of travel to Albert Dock in a truly unique way. Times and info here.

Nobby Boats Ahoy!

You can watch the Nobby Boats racing on the River Mersey on Saturday and then climb on board yourself over the weekend to explore these little stalwarts of the sea. More info here. 

Message in a Bottle, Lulu Quinn

Another art installation that’s best viewed after dark, is Message in a Bottle by Lulu Quinn. Illuminating Salthouse Dock, this 26ft plastic bottle has conservation at its core. Find out more here. 

The Ships Cat & Super Rat

Take a wander around Albert Dock and see if you can spot marine moggy, Ms Chibly and the elusive Super Rat, created by artist, Faith Bebbington. More info on family craft sessions based on the artwork here. 

Celtic Animation Film Festival & Irish Dancing

For an authentic Irish culture fix you can’t miss the Celtic Animation Film Festival and Irish Dancing at the Martin Luther King Jnr Building from Saturday. Check out the full line up here. 

The Ghost Ship

Stick around after dark this bank holiday weekend and witness something truly magical. The Ghost Ship appears only at night, in the middle of Albert Dock and is sure to shiver your timbers! More info here.

Parade of Song

The Parade of Song is a mass participation event that will see local musicians and performers coming together across the waterfront site to wave and sing a farewell and good luck to the Tall Ships Regatta Parade of Sail. You can join in, find out more here.  

Mann Island

A real hub of family friendly activity, Mann Island, it’s basin, plateau and beach huts will host all manner of activities, performances and music that will keep the kids, and big kids entertained, across the weekend.

The Whale by Circo Rum Ba Ba

Have a whale of a time at Mann Island this weekend as a life-size sperm whale has beached itself and it’s full of story time surprises. Find out more here. 

To Me, To You, By Wired Aerial Theatre

Don’t miss the Wired Aerial Theatre performance ‘To Me, To You’  showcasing a mesmeric rotating set encased in roses. Prepare to be dazzled with dynamic aerial bungee choreography. More info here. 

Changing Sails, Julia Snowdin

You can create your own nautical themed origami at Mann Island and check out artist Julia Snowdin’s Changing Sails installation which continues the sun, the moon and the stars theme. Details here. 

Face Painting with Fabarooney

You can’t have a huge waterfront celebration without some maritime themed face painting for the kids! Head to the Mann Island Beach Huts for your pirate or mermaid make over. Prices and times info here. 

Clayotic Workshops

Whether you choose to make a sea monster or mermaid, Clayotic workshops encourage your little ones to let their imaginations run wild. More info here. 

Moon Man

Are you ready to meet George Orange? A contemporary clown and performer from across the pond, George’s slack rope performance will leave you spell bound. Will he walk across the moon this weekend? Find out more here.

Harbouring Notions

A Mann Island beach hut is hiding a tiny world, a magical room of curiosity awaits as Harbouring Notions brings miniature, mechanical theatre to life. Press a button and peer in. Find out more here. 

City Centre

There’s fun to be had right across the city centre this bank holiday weekend with street performers, music and more to enjoy while you’re out and about shopping.

Museum of the Moon, Liverpool Cathedral

Explore the mysteries of the moon in this stunning installation suspended and lit from within, in the Well of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Find out more here. 

ICD Lifeboat, Church Street

The ICD Life Boat invites you to take the weight off, recline and listen to tales of the sea. The structure is a 6 metre long timber keel and forms the skeleton of a small boat. Where will it take you? More info here. 

Circus Street Entertainment

To mark the arrival of the Tall Ships, the city will be awash with a circus troupe of acrobats, jugglers, stilt walkers and uni cyclists, all flying around town bearing news from afar! Send us your circus selfies @TheGuideLpool 

Wirral

Photo Credit: PlaceNorthWest.co.uk

There’s plenty of maritime fun to be had on Wirral during the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta 2018 including family workshops, street performance and a very special lightshow. Activities run from 11am daily.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea, New Brighton

While the Tall Ships are berthed in port in Liverpool, you’ll find lots of family-friendly workshops and watery-themed performers in New Brighton, including giant sea creatures and even some surprising ships funnels! Times and info here. 

Message in a Bottle, Marine Lake

Not to be outdone by Salthouse Dock in Liverpool, Marine Lake, New Brighton, will take receipt of its very own Message in a Bottle on Saturday evening from 6:30pm. We can’t wait to see it light up! More info here. 

Animated Square, Birkenhead Town Hall

Birkenhead Town Hall is the canvas for a thrilling 3D projection by award-winning Illuminos on Sunday night from 6pm. The building will burst with light and sound against the dark night sky, with a dazzling display inspired by Birkenhead’s people, places and history. Find out more here. 

Parade of Sail

You couldn’t ask for a better view of the Mersey on Monday morning as the incredible sight of the 17 strong fleet of Tall Ships set off on the Parade of Sail, to their next destination. Grab your spot on the waterfront and get ready for some spectacular pictures! Activity is expected on the river from 11am. More info here. 

Where to get the best views and how to stay safe

Our Jay met with Superintendent, Mark Wiggins as Merseyside Police issues safety advice ahead of the busiest weekend of the year so far.

If you’re heading to Crosby beach for the best view of the Tall Ships Regatta leaving the region on Monday 28th May 2018, Sefton Council requests that the public stays within 50 metres from the promenade and watches for any tidal movement. Visitors to the coast are recommended not to go past Crosby Coastguard Station in a northerly direction. Car parks will be open, and no doubt busy as The Waterloo Festival and Burbo Bank pop up village takes place on Sunday and Monday.

Anyone planning to travel to this area is asked to walk, cycle or use public transport as revised train and bus timetables will be in operation on the Bank Holiday. Visit www.merseyrail.org or www.merseytravel.gov.uk to plan your journey.

To find out more ahead of the festival weekend, go to www.tallshipsliverpool.co.uk and follow @CultureLpool on Twitter with hashtags #TallShips and #Liverpool2018 to keep up to date.

What’s your ‘must-see’ attraction at the Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta this weekend? Drop us a line on Twitter, Facebook or tag us on Instagram and we’ll share the best on our socials.