Avast ye lubbers! Sea Ilfracombe returns this weekend

The popular Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival celebrating all things nautical and marine-themed returns this weekend to mark its 15th anniversary year.

On Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, the town’s harbour and seafront areas will be filled with free live music, activities, family entertainment and some of the best local food and drink on offer.

The community festival continues to grow year after year and following the huge success of past festivals, 2024 promises to be the biggest yet.

The main site at Ropery Road will feature two music stages, local food stalls, a beer tent, a tiki bar and a local craft market.

Above: There will be bags of live music from local bands at Sea Ilfracombe 2024. Credit: Tim Lamerton

Plus, Pip & Jims Community Hall on St James’ Place will host children’s entertainment with Captain Coconut, Mermaid Stories and crafting activities.

On the sands at the harbour there will be Punch & Judy shows, sand castle competitions and of course the irrepressible costumed Pirates De Marisco will be roaming around creating mischief and providing activities for all ages.

Above: Join Captain Coconut and Dave Hendy for Punch & Judy to keep the youngsters entertained. Credit: Tim Lamerton

Unfortunately the popular ‘Captain Jack Sparrow’ is unable to attend this year but he is sending his compatriots ‘the Commodore’ and ‘Elizabeth Swan’, plus keep an eye out for Captain Hook and Tinkerbell too!

Neil Ingram of the Sea Ilfracombe crew urged as many people as possible to visit Ilfracombe and enjoy one of the last big events of the summer season.

He added: “There are times during the year that you question the commitment to the amount of time and effort that is involved volunteering to working with such a small group of people to put on what this year has been the largest free community event in the Ilfracombe calendar.

“However when you get nearer to that time, yep it is busy, but as soon as the first live band kicks in you are already in the zone and hooked! (Pirate pun intended).

“Thanks to everyone who has helped us this year and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the festival.”

Above: Mermaids, pirates and more are expected at Sea Ilfracombe this weekend. Credit: Tim Lamerton

Keep up to date with what’s happening at Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival on the website at www.seailfracombe.co.uk or follow the Sea Ilfracombe Facebook page.