The tall ships are returning to Gloucester docks this year in the much loved Gloucester Tall Ships and Adventure Festival, coinciding with the start of half term for the county, from Saturday May 25 to Monday May 27. Always a popular event, the sight of the towering masts is so exciting to see, adding a touch of history and romance to the already fascinating docks. Ad – paid promotion.

Along with the chance to head onboard and explore some of the majestic tall ships in attendance, like the Grayhound, TS Royalist, La Malouine, Vilma and the Matthew, there will also be some amazing living history re-enactments and some incredible pirate shows to keep the everyone entertained. With Captain Jack Sparrow leading a battle there will be sword fighting, canon fire and ship-hopping galore. And if that is isn’t enough, for the thrill lovers among you, there will be Superhero-style gravity jet suit displays and some of the World’s top pro-wakeboarders showing off their skills and tricks in an attempt to impress the judges and come first in the competition. You can also have a go on the 1,000ft zip line across the docks, all new for this year.

Off the water, there is even more to get involved in, with circus skills workshops from Engage Circus, and shows by Simple Cypher, a duo who combine hip hop and circus, 2 Faced Dance company who are presenting their new dance production Power and a chance to see the Roundhouse Street Circus Collective in action, there won’t be a moment to hear those immortal half term words ‘I’m bored!’

If you need even more to keep the whole family entertained, there will also be a mobile surfing simulator, giant battle ships and a BMX display, with the additional bonus of a chance to try out climbing and caving. Not to mention shopping, stalls, food and drink. So if you are looking for a family friendly day out over the bank holiday, I think you will have more then enough to do here!

Over the three days, there will be live music as part of the Gloucester Sea Shanty Festival and the Royal Marine Band Service will be performing on Bank Holiday Monday. Tickets are just £10 for adults with accompanying children under 12 free with every ticket purchased. An excellent value half term day out and one the children will surely remember for a long time to come. Tickets for the zip wire are £39.95 (plus booking fee) and include an access all areas pass for the
festival which is valid across all three days. Terms and conditions apply. They try to make the tall ships as accessible as possible for people with all disabilities. Each wristband allows for a Carer to go free. Wrist bands can be collected early from the Gloucester Tourist Information Centre to make it as easy as possible for everyone to attend.