Bristol’s Harbour festival is back for 2023 and it's now just over a month away. With the event set to take place between July 14 and July 16, organisers have put a call out for families, schools and even businesses to take part in one of the most iconic moments of the annual event - the cardboard boat race.
Launches will take place throughout the festival weekend and will set off from the pontoon area near Prince Street Bridge and organisers are kicking the run up to the race off by offering cardboard boat making workshops. The workshops are aimed at schools and business but families can also join in at a public workshop if they pay for tickets.
Organisers shared that last year’s festival saw ‘over 100 cardboard boats boats take to the water, built by 700 school children in Bristol’ and the first boat then went over the line, claiming the £100 prize, was built by children at Ashton Gate Primary school. All of this was part of the ‘My Future My Choice’ scheme.
Read More: Bristol Harbour Festival 2023 announces return this summer including changes to layout and new zones
After the success the scheme saw last year, students from primary schools across the city will again take part in building a cardboard Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter, this time in groups of four.
Talking about the importance behind the race, Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Paul Goggin, said: “The cardboard boat races are a pivotal element of the city’s iconic Harbour Festival. Encompassing school, business and public outreach and involvement, the races engage the entire community of Bristol.”
“They are also an absolute must-see spectacle and it’s an honour to be launching them at this year’s Festival in celebration of Bristol’s strong maritime history. We’re all looking forward to seeing the creations this year’s cohort will mastermind - and of course how they will fare on the water!”
Bristol Harbour Festival will take place between Friday 14th July and Sunday 16th July.
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