The Seafarers’ Festival is an action packed family day of colour and movement with a focus on the water, music, activities, competitions, maritime information, a craft market and a selection of fine food stalls.
This year the Festival will highlight the swashbuckling career of Errol Flynn in a jam packed day on Sunday 27 October at the Bellerive Boardwalk and Kangaroo Bay.
Expatriate Errol Flynn is much loved by Tasmanians for his work on the silver screen but he is not often recognised for his achievements as a seafarer. In his youth Errol was an avid sea goer with his father Theodore and in his early adult life he sailed to New Guinea aboard his beautiful yacht Sirocco.
Supporting the glittering Hollywood theme, MC Ryk Goddard will bring all the elements of stage and water activities together with the panache of a Hollywood movie star. Big Monkey will present extracts from their performance of Robin Hood, there will be roving crusty pirates, the University of Tasmania Fencing Society, and a host of other great things to see and do.
“The Seafarers’ Festival showcases the jewels of Tasmanian ‘nauticulture’ on the beautiful Bellerive Boardwalk. It also provides a free, fun-filled festival option for families over this long weekend,” said Festival Convenor, Alderman Heather Chong.
A new water-sideshow-alley will feature the popular ‘dunk the pirate’, ‘Fling a Fish’ and for the first time you can walk on water inside a fabulous water ball. If being on the water is more your thing there will be two sailing of the Lady Nelson or have a go at rowing in the Admiral or a dragon boat, or use your feet in a Huon Paddleboat.
With over 40 stalls around the site you’ll find maritime and historic information intermingles with fine food stalls, a Moo Brew bar and a great stage program of music, dance and theatre. The Bellerive Yacht Club will hold a Bosuns Locker Sale and the promenade will be buzzing with a range of fine arts and craft stalls.
This year the popular Betta Milk Raft Challenge will be judged by special guests Frank and Nikki of the Betta Milk Protection Squad.
Dress up for the Eastlands Costume Competition and be in the running to win gift vouchers for best overall, best pirate, best mermaid and best parent and child combo. There’s the popular Treasure Hunt or use your smart phone and try the Yard Arm Challenge.
• What: The Seafarers’ Festival
• Where: Bellerive Boardwalk
• When: Sunday October 27, 10:30am-4pm
• Cost: Free
Dane Hunnerup
