Programme
• Live currach building demonstration (traditional Irish boatbuilding) by Donal McPolin on the green in port ellen during the week leading up to the Festival of the Sea. Spectators welcome!
Thursday 5th july:
• Secrets of the Deep Exhibition launch. 6.30pm, St Columba Hall.
• Evening talk by Irish Currach builder, author & artist Donal McPolin. 7.00pm, St Columba Hall. Entry £3.
Friday 6th july:
• Secrets of the Deep Exhibition 11-4pm, St Columba Hall. Lunches by St Johns in the small hall.
• Stramash Sailing Experience. Sessions at 9.30–12.30pm & 1.30-4.30pm. Places must be booked in advance. Adults £20, Children £15.
• Food Fair: Cookery demonstrations with local produce on the green from 12-4pm.
• Sandcastle Competition on Leodamus Bay 1-3pm.
• Crabbing competition at the pontoons 10-11am, 12-1pm, 2-4pm.
• Licensed Hospitality Tent.
• Talk by Justin Ruthven-Tyers, author of the inspirational book ‘Phoenix from the Ashes – The Boat that Rebuilt our Lives’. 4pm, St Columba Hall. Entry £3.
• ‘A Touch of Tartan Ball’ family ceilidh with local performers in the Ramsay Hall. Doors open at 8pm. Add a ‘touch’ of tartan to your outfit or come wearing the whole Shebang! Licensed Bar. Entry £8 for adults. Under 16s go free but must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.
Saturday 7th july:
• Secrets of the Deep Exhibition 11-4pm, St Columba Hall. Lunches by St Johns in the small hall.
• Stramash Sailing Experience. Sessions at 9-12pm & 1-4pm. Places must be booked in advance. Adults £20, Children £15.
• Hebridean Pursuits Coasteering. Sessions at 9-11am, 12-2pm & 3-5pm. Places preferably booked in advance but some may be available on the day. Enquire at the SID tent on the green. £10 per person per session.
• Alternate ‘Oa’lympics on Leodamus Bay. Beach games & Activities 9-12pm.
• Stalls & stands from local Businesses, Charities, organisations & Food providers. 11am-4pm. Pitches must be booked in advance by contacting Emma McGeachy on 01496 302387 (evenings) or emailing EMcgeachy@aol.com. £10 for charities & voluntary organisations and £20 for businesses.
• Justin Ruthven-Tyers will be giving people the opportunity to meet the star of his book and Friday afternoon talk. The ‘Caol Ila’ will be berthed at the pontoons & Justin will be taking regular tours. Find him in the Stalls & Stands area to enquire about a visit.
• Beach Volleyball on Leodamus beach 1-4pm.
• Crabbing competition at the pontoons 10-11am, 12-1pm, 2-4pm.
• Food Fair: Cookery Demonstrations with local produce on the green from 12-4pm.
• Kayaking Taster Sessions with Islay Canoe Club. 12-4pm, Leodamus bay.
• Lifeboat tent with an opportunity to meet crew members and learn more about the essential work of the organisation.
• Demonstrations from Islay Coastguard of the equipment and techniques used to save lives around Islay’s shores.
• Licensed Hospitality Tent.
• Performances from Ella Edgar’s Highland Dancers & Islay Pipe Band.
• RSPB Seabird Talk. 4pm, St Columba Hall. Entry £3
• Ealing Studios Classic “Whisky Galore!” Film Screening, whisky tasting and exhibit of original artefacts presented by S.S Politician Historian Keith Hewitt. St Columba Hall, 6.30pm. Entry £7.50
• ‘Salty Seadog Shindig!’: Licensed Evening dance with top class live entertainment from ‘The Democrats’. 9.30pm, Ramsay Hall. Pirate dress code optional. Admission £10, over 16’s only.
Sunday 8th July:
• Informal family service of the sea with multimedia in St Johns church. 11.30-12.30pm.
• Hebridean Pursuits Coasteering. Sessions at 9-11am & 12-2pm. Places preferably booked in advance but some may be available on the day. £10 per person per session.
• March of the Boats by road from leodamus bay to Northbay ready for the launch of the regatta at 1pm.
• 1st annual Festival of the Sea Rowing Competition begins 2pm Northbay.
• ‘Blues Water’ Live Blues Band in the White Hart Bar from 2.30pm.
• Tug O’ War on Northbay Beach at 3pm.
• Licensed Hospitality Tent, BBQ, strawberries & cream with Pimm’s at NorthBay from 1pm.
Some activities may be subject to slight changes.
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