With regret the organising committee of Maritime Woodbridge has had to decide to postpone this September’s event, due to over-running of the Whisstocks redevelopment.
The new Whisstocks Centre, with its public open space by the riverside and its Longshed is integral to the event – which had originally been conceived as a celebration of its opening.
The committee offers its apologies to all who had been working towards this year’s event, originally planned for 9-10 September, and to all who have been looking forward to enjoying it.
We are now hoping to reschedule Maritime Woodbridge for next spring, and are currently evaluating suitable dates. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.
Maritime Woodbridge is back! Normally held every other year, it had to make way last year for the redevelopment of the Whisstock’s Boatyard site on the town’s Ferry Quay, close to its famous Tide Mill alongside the pretty River Deben.
Now the new Whisstocks Riverside Centre is ready for use and on September 9/10 the new Longshed and the Riverside Square will once again become the heart of this weekend, which is part of National Heritage Open Days.
Traditional boats will line the quay, including smacks, bawleys, beach boats and the Thames Barge Melissa.
The half mile of riverfront from the Tide Mill to the Tea Hut will come alive with music, exhibitions, demonstrations, food stalls and activities.
A Saxon re-enactment camp will set up near the Model Boat Pond, providing battles, archery and a taste of life in the 7th century.
The Tide Mill has a new exhibition, ‘The Moon Over the Water’, and on Sunday the mill wheel will be turning.
Local boating clubs will be opening their doors, and their bars. The Tea Hut is providing a bouncy castle and at the other end of this linear festival the Sea Scouts will be dispensing tea and cakes. And you’ll be able to get afloat, with river trips, or for the young at heart, try the coracle pond.
With music from the Rabble Chorus, Martlesham Brass, Aartwork and shanty singers, plus a programme of local heritage talks there will be plenty to entertain.
Run by volunteers, supported by local businesses on a modest budget, it’s a free festival that’s become a tradition in itself, now in its eighth edition and attracting over 10,000 visitors.
Website: www.maritimewoodbridge.org
For more details please contact Peter Willis 01394 387907 or 07979 721901
Peterwillis1144@gmail.com