Tall Ships drop-in event planned for one-year countdown

A DROP-in event will be held later this month for anyone interested in getting involved when the Tall Ships Races stops off in Shetland next year.

The event will be held at the museum auditorium in Lerwick between 1pm and 8pm on 26 July – exactly one year before the ships arrive.

Anyone interested in becoming a Tall Ships volunteer or sailing aboard one of the vessels as a trainee will be able to find out more information.

The team will also be on hand to welcome any businesses or organisations keen to discover more about sponsorship opportunities.

Project manager Emma Miller said: “We have already had good conversations with many potential sponsors, including the consortium of salmon businesses announced last week.

“There are still lots of opportunities to support the event and various sponsorship packages are available. With 12 months to go this is a perfect opportunity for Shetland businesses to discover more about the benefits.”

Organisers also want to hear from anyone who remembers previous occasions Lerwick hosted the Tall Ships Races.

People can attend the launch event to reminisce about the good times and dig out any old photos or film of previous races.

Miller said: “Many islanders have fantastic memories of previous events, and we’d love to hear from as many of them as possible.

“We’d like to see people’s photos or video footage from 1999 or 2011 or hear their stories of what those occasions meant to them. That feels particularly important as 2022 is Scotland’s Year of Stories.”

Photos and videos can also be shared to the team’s social media channels or emailed to info@tallshipslerwick.com

Next year’s visit is being core funded by Shetland Islands Council and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s events directorate.

Shetland Islands Council chief executive Maggie Sandison said: “It’s so good to see the building of enthusiasm and anticipation for what’s set to be a tremendous visit from the Tall Ships.

“Both the previous events brought great enjoyment to the community, as well as visiting crews, and there’s an exciting opportunity now for individuals – and businesses – to sign up and get involved in what is set to be a fantastic event.”

Dozens of vessels from around the world will descend upon Shetland between 26 and 29 July next year, with plenty of entertainment on offer in Lerwick during these four days.

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