The International Festival of the Sea's entertainment programme runs throughout the day from 10am to 10pm with dramatic military displays, music to suit all tastes and street acts to engage and amuse - everyone is sure to be entertained.

The vessels and attractions of the Festival will be there each day only the performers vary day to day.

Stages

There will be four main stages with a wide variety of music to suit all tastes, including a lively mix of music from countries and cultures all over the world. There will be reggae, salsa, bluegrass, European gypsy music and Celtic tunes alongside soul, jazz and big band sounds. Our 'shanty' stage will feature a truly international programme of 'songs of the sea' and traditional music, sang out towards the visiting tall ships moored along the quayside.

What is a shanty?

Shanties are rhythmic songs sang by the crews of sailing ships when working on board. As well as the working songs there were songs describing the hard life at sea, the emotion of being away from the shore and loved ones, and songs about the ship and it''s officers.

Display Arenas

The two display arenas at the International Festival of the Sea will provide an exciting mix of internationally renowned military bands from home and overseas, including the Band of HM Royal Marines and the Russian Navy Band. There will also be marching bands, pipe bands and gymnastic displays by youth organisations as well as demonstrations and displays by various military units, including the world famous Royal Navy Field Gun Run.

Street Entertainment

Nautical but nice: sea-themed street performers, such as sword-swallowing, swashbuckling pirates, mermaids, drunken sailors and mythical sea creatures will amuse and entertain visitors of all ages. There will also be a variety of street musicians including steel bands, samba bands and carnival bands - and you may even come across a man playing a tune on a toilet! For the children there will also be face painting, balloon modellers and traditional Punch and Judy shows.

Walk the Plank: Noah's Ark

Walk the Plank bring Britain's only touring theatre ship to the Festival, with a twist on the world's most famous nautical tale, Noah's Ark. Wonderful puppetry, music and a dynamic storytelling style combine to create a captivating family show, to delight audiences aged 7-170! Tickets to the show are free and can be collected from the ship and the information point on Victoria Road. Show times are 3pm and 7pm and the show duration is two hours.

The full programme of music and entertainment will be published in the souvenir programme which will be available to purchase during the Festival - but keep visiting the website for more entertainment news and updates.