Gloucester Tall Ships, the bi-annual festival that celebrates the city’s global connections and vibrant maritime heritage has announced its biggest music line-up ever, which is set to electrify Gloucester Docks for three days over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, from Saturday 25th – Monday 27th May.
Prepare for three days of non-stop music and revelry to kick start the summer with an unforgettable celebration. Boasting a diverse range of artists and genres, with far more than just traditional sea shanties on offer, Gloucester is preparing to host the ultimate maritime shindig.
Get ready to Rock the Dock on Saturday 25th May, as things kick off with a bang. Dance to the infectious rhythms of club classics as seven-piece brass band powerhouse Brassienda headline the Main Stage, with support from The Incredible 11, who will offer a mesmerising fusion of 80s, 90s and 00s UK & US Hip Hop and RnB covers. Local party favourites The Roving Crows will also keep the energy high across the first day of the festival.
Sunday 26th May is the chance to bring the whole family together for a day of fun and music! Glastonbury and Bestival favourites The Old Time Sailors will take Tall Ships audiences back to the 19th Century, as the twenty-piece band headline the Main Stage with their foot-stomping sea shanty tunes. The Cherry Bomb will infuse the Docks with live Irish party anthems and Mad Apple Circus will deliver a horn-fuelled cacophony of ska, hip-hop and Latin grooves. Step Hop House will open the stage with a captivating blend of feel-good hip-hop, folk and Bollywood beats.
Don’t miss the grand finale on Monday 27th May! Straight from Brittany, Nordet will kick off the day with a collection of captivating French shanties, followed by the rollicking sounds of The Gin Bowlers who will get the party started with a set brimming full of rowdy and exciting swing classics. Local favourites Thrill Collins will then take to the stage to treat the Monday crowds to their much-loved skiffle-pop melodies, before the festival culminates with a mega secret headliner, who is soon to be announced!
The Main Stage will be hosted by DJ Dan Cooper throughout the festival, who will keep the party alive and ensure non-stop music and party vibes.
In addition to the fantastic music on offer at the Main Stage, a selection of established and up-and-coming artists will showcase their talents on The Crane Stage, which will nestle in the shadows of the iconic Tall Ships. The line-up will also feature some of Gloucester’s brightest new stars, in collaboration with Gloucestershire-based charity The Music Works.
Robin Kemp, Creative Director of Gloucester Tall Ships Festival, expressed his excitement about this year’s line-up, stating, “We are so excited to finally announce the incredible music on offer at this years’ festival, which is an element that we have really focused on. From internationally renowned acts who have played on some of the world’s biggest stages to much-loved local talent, each performance on our Main Stage comes with high energy and is guaranteed to stir your soul and get your feet moving!
We’re creating the ultimate party atmosphere. So, whether you’re a music enthusiast or just looking for a good time with friends and family, Gloucester Tall Ships has something for everyone in 2024.”
With its biggest music line up ever, the festival, which has been curated by a new creative team from Gloucester City Council and Gloucester BID, is set to celebrate the global connectivity of the city through captivating sights, sounds, and smells from across the globe.
Among the confirmed Tall Ships are Phoenix, which recently featured in Ridley Scott’s blockbuster Napoleon, along with Irene, which has featured in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Alice Through The Looking Glass.
Additional immersive performances and a programme of family-friendly activities are still to be announced.
Ticket prices for Gloucester Tall Ships Festival range from £8 – £19 and can be purchased from the Tall Ships website now. Tickets for children aged five and under are FREE.
Image shows – The Old Time Sailors
