If there’s one thing we know how to do well in Teesside, it’s events and Hartlepool Tall Ships 2023 is no exception! This has been such a highly anticipated celebration in the local calendar and the date is drawing ever closer. It’s so exciting to see all of the updates and press surrounding the event, so I thought it was about time that I compiled everything into a handy blog post for you!
What is Hartlepool Tall Ships?
The Hartlepool Tall Ships is a four day celebration centred around a boat race. This year, the race starts in Den Helder, Netherlands, before moving to Hartlepool, then on to Arendal, Norway and finishing in Lerwick, Shetland Islands. But it’s not just boats… there’s going to be live music, food and drink, a light show and so much more.
This event is returning to the Tees Valley after hundreds of thousands of visitors from far and wide flocked to the borough when the boats last visited in 2010. It was actually the largest free event held in England that year! It’s so exciting to have an event on this scale in the region and it’s one for the whole family.
When is Hartlepool Tall Ships 2023?
Hartlepool Tall Ships will be held over four days, from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th July 2023.
How much does it cost to go to Hartlepool Tall Ships?
You won’t believe me when I tell you that this celebration is completely FREE to attend. You’ll be able to attend a world class event, see over 100 performances and get involved in a top cultural experience without spending a single penny.
Where is the event held?
The Tall Ships 2023 will be taking over the beautiful Hartlepool Marina and Victoria Harbour, so you can get up close to the water and the action. See the map below for an overview of the area.
How do I get to the event?
One way to get to the Tall Ships is by driving. You can book a parking space (this includes blue badge, motorbikes and coaches) with varying prices depending on your vehicle. This will be part of a park and walk scheme, with parking available at Grayfields, Coronation Drive, Oakesway Trading Estate, Hartlepool Rovers RFC, in West View Road, the Central Fields and Old Cemetery Road. The area around the town centre, the Headland and Marina will be restricted during the event.
There will also be a park and ride system available at Grayfields, Coronation Drive, Tata/Liberty Steel, in Brenda Road, and Queen’s Meadow on the A689. Please visit the Tall Ships website for more info on park and ride.
Is Hartlepool Tall Ships 2023 accessible?
The Community Led Inclusion Partnership (CLIP) is a group that formed in 2021 to represent people with disabilities and sensory loss in Hartlepool. They’ve been working with the event organisers to ensure that Tall Ships is as accessible as possible. This includes looking at transport to and from the event, blue badge parking, BSL interpretation, wheelchair accessibility and becoming more autism-friendly. I don’t have any info on what’s in place just yet, but I’ll update this post when I do!
What’s on at the Tall Ships?
If you’re looking for variety, you’ve come to the right place! Hartlepool Tall Ships 2023 has a programme chockful of performances and things to see and do with a little something for everyone.
The headline music acts include the North’s very own Maximo Park (did you know the lead singer was born in Billingham?) on Friday and arguably the biggest reggae group in the world, The Wailers, on Saturday. There will also be a range of the finest emerging and established local and regional bands, such as Dylan Cartlidge, The Young Un’s, She Drew The Gun, Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra and Hartlepool’s own Michael Gallagher and Mt. Misery.
There will also be an incredible mix of performances to watch or get involved with, such as a ceilidh organised by Hartlepool Folk Festival, the Tower of Light by Walk the Plank, Dandyism by Patrick Ziza Dance, and giant puppet storytelling from Whippet Up. When I say it’s a mixed bag, I mean it!
If you’d like to see a full list of all the acts and performances from across the weekend, check out the what’s on page.
This event is set to be hugely popular and is expected to see visitors from across the UK and even the world in attendance! If you’re a fan of all things maritime, arts, culture or supporting local, this event is right up your street. It sounds like it’s going to be a brilliant weekend, so make sure you get it in your calendars.
