A feast of family entertainment is unveiled as the countdown to Poole Maritime Festival begins

With less than 100 days to go before Poole Maritime Festival, an exciting feast of family entertainment has been unveiled as part of the week long festivities.

Focusing around the prestigious European Maritime Day, one of the largest maritime events in Europe which will be held at the Lighthouse in Poole on 18th and 19th May 2017, the family entertainment embraces all things maritime.

Kick starting the family entertainment is Telescope, a theatre dining extravaganza organised by Idea Cabinet and based at The Kitchen in Poole Park. From Wednesday 17th to Sunday 21st May you can enjoy a three-course meal indoors or an al fresco hamper before watching a truly galactic experience that explores the maritime history of Poole through the eyes of interplanetary visitors. With professional actors and musicians these evening and matinée performances are not to be missed.

On Thursday 18th and Saturday 20th May, Valise Noire Storytelling Theatre will present 'CARGO', a dynamic new outdoor performance bringing Poole’s maritime heritage of the Quay to life. Watch as the ‘Queen Galadriel’ ship sails into port and a crew disembark to celebrate millennia of goods passing through the Quay. This dynamic interactive performance procession unfolds mysteries of cargo travelling the seas. Stories from above and below the flowing waters reveal wisdom and heritage of maritime life. Watch the free performances as the precious cargo is transported along Poole Quay to Scaplen’s Court. If you would like to get involved in the performance see www.valisenoire.com.

A Taste of the South is a brand new FREE food, drink and local produce festival coming to Poole Park. Held from Friday 19th through to Sunday 21st May, the event organised by ROUTEpr will feature artisan food, drink and produce stalls, special offers and cookery demonstrations from south coast culinary experts, producers and chefs. There will be something for everyone to enjoy this summer at A Taste of the South with maritime themed children’s activities too. It is set to be a true celebration of the south.

Also over three days from Friday 19th through to Sunday 21st May, the third free Poole Harbour Boat Show organised by Poole Harbour Commissioners, in association with Sunseeker, will be bigger and better than ever with a full weekend of entertainment. The stage will showcase musical talent from across the region and there will be a variety of on-the-water displays, tall ships and, for the first time, a spectacular Naval Village. Visitors will also be able to check out the latest sailing yachts and motorboats of all sizes, RIBs, chandlery products, clothing and water-sports accessories.

Seven Seas Festival 2017, organised by Immense Events, is a FREE family festival of world food, music and culture. Seven unique areas take you on a journey through the seven seas, to experience food, music and culture from around the world. With Poole Harbour BIG Wheel, seven stages, seven bars, live bands, world street food, VIP area, craft beer and cider, funfair, free kids workshops, ice skating rink and quirky craft stalls, there’s something for everyone. Based at Harbourside Park the Seven Seas Festival also runs from Friday 19th through to Sunday 21st May.

Cllr Mohan Iyengar, Cabinet Member for Poole Maritime Festival, Borough of Poole, said: “The family festival rounds off our week of business networking and conferencing in Poole, with a huge number of residents and visitors involved. The interest we’ve seen from event organisers for the family festival has been terrific and we now have a line-up which will really be worth going to.” Full details of the events can be viewed at http://poolemaritimefestival.uk/.

European Maritime Day was established in 2008 and is of huge importance to the maritime and marine community. It is hosted by a different country each year and previous host cities have included Brussels, Rome, Gothenburg, Athens and Bemen. Borough of Poole is proud to have been awarded this prestigious event in 2017.

Issued By: Adene West-Webbe, Communications Officer Tel: 01202 633060 Email: a.west-webbe@poole.gov.uk Follow us on Twitter: @BoroughofPoole Like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/YourBoroughofPoole