Last updated at 20:12, Thursday, 21 June 2012

Maryport's annual trawler race has long been one of the most colourful sights along the west coast.

SOLWAY SPECTACLE: Last year’s trawler race under way off Maryport

And it has provided the inspiration for a new Maryport Harbour Festival, which takes place this weekend.

Tomorrow’s trawler race remains at the heart of the new event.

The new festival, which aims to make the most of the town's harbour and strong maritime tradition, will include a 1pm start for the much-anticipated trawler race.

Boats decked out in flags and crews in costumes will head off on a course off Maryport, remaining in view to the public at all times from the harbourside, piers and the promenade.

This year's race promises to be one of the biggest yet, with local fishermen joined by crews from the Isle of Man, Whitehaven and Kippford, across the Solway Firth.

There will also be two fisheries boats present and the Coastguard.

Maryport Inshore Rescue will be ensuring that everyone is safe as well as giving their own demonstrations.

Other water-based thrills will include a yacht race organised by Maryport Yachting Club, due to start at about noon tomorrow.

The festival has been organised by the Solway Trust, a not-for-profit organisation which is promising a weekend of family entertainment tomorrow and Sunday.

The festival gets under way tomorrow at 10am with a car boot sale and a fishermen's and boat jumble sale.

There will also be a continental market, organic food stall, and jewellery stall.

On the harbourside there will be Splash Aqua Zorbing, which involves walking on water inside a giant bubble, a rodeo bull and quad bikes.

Sunday's events will feature an inter-forces tug of war at 2pm.

There will be a steam exhibition, local charity stalls, food stalls, children’s fair and bouncy castles.

A children’s marquee, which is free to enter, will offer art workshops, storytelling, face-painting and exhibitions from the Maryport Model Club.

Children will also have chance to touch the sea creatures in the Maryport Aquarium’s touch pool.

Another large marquee will allow festival-goers to enjoy live music from local bands, including Collision, Decadian, AWOL, Mingos Locker, Broken English Sarah and the Stormchasers, Secure Unit, Black Wolf Run, Double D, and Plastic Paddy

A selection of Cumbrian real ales will be available in the marquee.

Another feature will be a display of paintings by Barry Baker, who specialises in portraits of musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Amy Winehouse.

l Tickets for the main marquee are £5 per day, available from The Lifeboat Inn and The Maritime Museum, Maryport.

The tickets are only for the main marquee. Entry to the festival itself is free.

First published at 19:20, Thursday, 21 June 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk