Victoria’s scenic Inner Harbour will once again provide the backdrop for an event that will touch the hearts and minds of thousands this June 26-29, 2008. During four unforgettable days of revelry and celebration, the city will commemorate its maritime heritage with the historic visit of over two dozen tall ships from around the world.
This renowned international event means Victoria will have an unprecedented opportunity to experience history at first hand. Visitors will be able to walk the decks, touch the massive timbers, look up through the rigging at the sky, and turn back the clock to a time when the city’s future was being built by ships like these.
In addition, there will be a program of interactive educational activities, concerts, craft fairs and festive events that will celebrate Victoria’s history and BC’s 150th anniversary.
Enjoy sail pasts, epic gun battles and a variety of shipboard educational experiences, tours and related maritime adventures. Festivities also include: ship tours, concerts, theatrical productions, children’s exhibits such as the popular Pirates School, and maritime-themed events.
There are two ticket choices:
Site Access Passes allow the holder to enter the festival site with ticketing options that include ship boarding privileges and multi-day access.
Adventure Sails are offered in the afternoon and mock cannon battles each evening Friday through Sunday. All sails are 3 hours in duration and your ticket includes access to the site, but does not include ship touring privileges.
Live Music: The Festival Entertainment Stage will host live concerts beginning at 11am each day and will feature maritime and contemporary acts. The roster of entertainers is growing and we are finalizing the schedule.
Young People’s Programs: In the kids’ zone, special programming will take place until 6pm every day. The Maritime Museum of BC’s Pirate School, sponsored by Coast Capital Savings, will teach children aged 4-10 nautical tattoos, scrimshaw carving, pirate swordplay and the art of treasure map-making. There will be regular live pirate performances throughout each day, teaching kids all about the life of a pirate. The Thrifty Foods Tall Ships U, in conjunction with the Canadian Navy, will teach young people from 10 – 14 skills such as signaling, knot tying, and line tossing. Participants will receive a passport to complete along with a diploma and commemorative photograph.
Maritime Marketplace: Throughout the festival the Maritime Marketplace will run at the Ship Point site. Juried artisans will have their wares and crafts for sale. Dozens of vendors will have gifts, clothing, fine art, and music and be showcasing their traditional skills.
Maritime Mosaic: This new festival component is a multi-cultural showcase that is being organized by the Maritime Museum. It will feature more than 20 ethnic groups and celebrating the contributions they have made to the development of the province. Groups will host cultural exhibits, as well as interactive displays and performances on the festival site.