Community / Organisers prepare to welcome thousands to Lerwick for Tall Ships
Cruise ships will also be in town during the Tall Ships – including three on the Thursday
THOUSANDS of people are expected to line the streets as Lerwick plays host to the long-awaited 2023 Tall Ships Races for four days from Wednesday (26 July).
Over 1,300 crew members will be welcomed for the crew parade and opening ceremony followed by several days of festivities including extensive programmes of musical and family entertainment, sports, tours and activities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
The four-day event runs until Saturday 29 July when spectators will again gather for the impressive sight of the Parade of Sail between noon and 3pm as the spectacular 37-strong fleet prepares to leave Lerwick to race to Arendal in Norway.
With the town set to be busy, organiser Shetland Tall Ships Ltd is encouraging the community to come together and enjoy the festivities responsibly.
In addition to locals and visitors enjoying the event, three cruise ships are also expected in Lerwick on the Thursday – bringing many more folk into an already busy town.
There are the 229m Viking Venus and Viking Mars, and the 89m Corinthian.
On the Wednesday of the Tall Ships the 204m AIDAaura will call into Lerwick.
The Friday will see the arrival of the 237m Spirit of Discovery, while the 294m Coral Princess will spend the morning and afternoon in Lerwick on the Saturday.
Project manager Emma Miller said: “After many months of preparation we cannot wait to welcome the ships and their crews with a trademark show of Shetland hospitality.
“From headline concerts with the likes of Peat & Diesel and Tide Lines to an array of family entertainments, crafts and local produce, there should truly be something for all to enjoy.
“We hope everyone has a wonderful time renewing old friendships, making new ones and creating happy memories that can be treasured for many years to come.”
Road closures will be in place to ensure the safety of the event and its participants.
The Esplanade area will be closed to traffic from 7.30am on Wednesday until 10am on Sunday 30 July, with a four and a half-hour window each morning for delivery vehicles to access event sites and local businesses.
There will be further restrictions for the crew parade on Wednesday afternoon and the parade of sail on Saturday, and full details are available on the Tall Ships Lerwick website.
Provisions have been made for disabled parking in the town centre under Fort Charlotte and at Church Road, as well as the overspill car park at the Co-op supermarket next to Holmsgarth.
A free park and ride service will operate to and from event sites at Holmsgarth and Victoria Pier from remote car parking locations at Sound Primary School, the Anderson High School and along South Lochside.
Meanwhile ticket holders for the three paid entry Holmsgarth concerts – Tide Lines (Thursday), Peat & Diesel (Friday) and Queen II (Saturday) – are reminded that they must exchange their physical ticket for a wristband to ensure they gain access to the arena.
Wristbands can be collected at Mareel on Friday between 12pm-2pm and 4pm-6pm, or any time between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Thereafter they will be available from the event information point at Victoria Pier from 11am on Wednesday.
Official programmes are also now available in a variety of local shops, while merchandise including a range of t-shirts, hoodies and baseball caps are available from Cee & Jays and Intersport.
Blyde Welcome is also selling bags of a Tall Ships special blend of coffee beans.
Regular event updates will be posted on the Tall Ships Lerwick website over the next 10 days.
Shetland News will be providing daily coverage from the event.
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