Thousands set to descend on town as Sea Fest gets under way

Festival: Boatbuilding demonstrations and food stalls among activities on offer.© STV

Arbroath's annual Sea Fest kicks off on Saturday, with this year's festival having a 1940s theme.

Alongside the usual stalls and activities, visitors will be treated to the sight of three historic fishing boats from the wartime era sailing into the town's harbour and music from a period swing band.

The festival will also feature demonstrations of boatbuilding and a re-enactment of a rescue by the Arbroath RNLI.

"Going to Sea Fest is the highlight of the boating year for us," said Peter Weightman of North East Maritime Trust, which will be sailing three of its historic fishing boats - Sovereign, Favourite and Rachel Douglas - from their present home in Newcastle to Arbroath.

"Each of these vessels has been extensively restored to how they looked sixty years ago, when nearly all our harbours, including Arbroath, had a fleet of these seine netters."

Alistair Martin, Arbroath Sea Fest committee member said this year's festival was set to be one of the busiest yet.

He said: "We're delighted by the number of bookings we've had from stallholders this year.

"The wide variety and high number of stalls at Sea Fest are among the many reasons thousands of local people and visitors flock to Arbroath Sea Fest every August, which can only be good news for our town."

Alistair stressed that family fun is always an important element of Sea Fest. "This year is no exception," continued Alistair. "Children attending Arbroath's weekend of seaside celebrations can enjoy lots of treats, including story-telling sessions and free face painting."

Gates open at 10am on Saturday, August 4 and 11am on Sunday, August 5, with the admission charge of £3. Children under the age of five are admitted for free.

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