Maritime Festival lights up the waterfront

The Maritime Festival took over much of the waterfront with a range of stalls, activities and entertainment on offer across Saturday and Sunday.

Historical re-enactors were on hand to show visitors what life was like over 200 years ago, demonstrating everything from rope making to basket weaving. Rob Butler from Historical Promotions said t was good for visitors to see what life was like in the town in the past.

The market zone saw businesses bring things right up to date with a range of local products and crafts. The Old Customs house came under attack from a huge psychedelic octopus while visitors further down the festival came face to face with a giant shark outside of DanceEast.

They weren’t the only characters at the event as Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean films stumbled his way up and down the event, greeting fans and posing for pictures.

Mike Hamilton-Macy from Mike the Hat at the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

For youngsters there were lots of ways to get involved with craft making workshops being held throughout the weekend.

Dance East were also on hand hosting their own stage giving performances but also offering activities for visitors to join in with including discos and Tots’ Dance Parties.

No Maritime Festival would be complete without a range of ships cruising around the waterfront and indeed a number of vessels of all shapes and sizes took part.

From RNLI lifeboats to sailing barges visitors were able to get up close to key parts of Ipswich’s sailing heritage as well as its present.

Steve Sutherland, left, as warrant officer carpenter Louis Oades, keeps Steve Whittingham, as third lieutenant James Mould of the HMS Temeraire under control at the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

For the first time the event also stretched onto the island site at St Peter’s Dock which was home to the Maritime Pirate and Sailor Beer Festival re-introduced to the festival. Live music was on offer across the weekend with performances from the likes of Rats, Fisclaw, The Holloways and Bessie Turner also taking part on the island.

For many the highlight of the event was on Saturday when not one but two rounds of spectacular fireworks were let off at the waterfront.

With one session in the afternoon and another in the evening, visitors of all ages were able chance to enjoy the impressive sights and sounds.

Old grenades at the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Greg Daley of the Deeds of Arms military group at the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Captain Jack Sparrow (Matt Harris), with the Commodore (Adam Wright) and Elizabeth Swan (Kayleigh Burnard) at the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Captain Jack Sparrow (Matt Harris), with the Commodore (Adam Wright) and Elizabeth Swan (Kayleigh Burnard) at the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Russ Scott, a naval officer and navigator, at the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Liz Scott sorting out the ship's provisions, with Russ Scott, a naval officer and navigator, at the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Rachel Frost of the Crafty Beggars, weaving hats and baskets from rushes at the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Paul Baker, left, and Brian Perkins of Diabolus In Musica at the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Colourful bunting and flags fly on the boats for the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Colourful bunting and flags fly on the boats for the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Colourful bunting and flags fly on the boats for the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Louise Sutherland is shocked by a shark appearing at the Ipswich Maritime Festival at the Waterfront. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)