Festival celebrates Grimsby's seafaring heritage

Shirley Henry
BBC News
North East Lincolnshire Council Young children play near a large inflatable bluey green octopus, with a blue tent in the background at last year's festival.North East Lincolnshire Council
Music, art, food and entertainment will all be on offer in Grimsby

An arts festival celebrating Grimsby's seafaring heritage and future relationship with the sea is due to be held.

The fifth annual Festival of the Sea will focus on accessibility and sustainability and will include sensory workshops, guided walks and performances.

North East Lincolnshire Council said the festival was "a perfect way to show how our past and great heritage can be brought into the modern day".

The free family event will be held at Alexandra Dock, from 11:00 to 17:00 BST on 21 June.

North East Lincolnshire Council A band, which includes three guitarists and a drummer, perform on a stage as people, with their backs turned to the camera, watch the concert.North East Lincolnshire Council
The free one-day event includes performances from local artists

Activities include "Save the Sea" with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, marine-themed crafts and a competition to win cuddly sea creatures.

A guided walk will take participants through Grimsby's deep-rooted connection to the sea and waterfront, past and present.

There will be an opportunity to get hands-on with seafood-themed crafts while learning about different types of seafood and their nutritional benefits.

The festival's education programme will explore topics such as the history and future of healthy eating.

There will also be music from local artists.

Councillor Hayden Dawkins said: "I am absolutely delighted that this festival will once again provide a showcase not only for our area, but also for our local creative talent."

Festival of the Sea was Highly Commended at the 2024/25 Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland Tourism Excellence Awards.

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