Ship pushes boat out for Bristol Harbour Festival

Musicians, Wallace and Gromit, exotic foods, plus a full-scale model of a supersonic car, take centre stage for ‘Overboard’ next to Brunel’s ss Great Britain on July 30 and 31.

‘Overboard’, on Brunel Square close to the Dockyard Café Bar, is the ss Great Britain Trust’s contribution to the 40th Bristol Harbour Festival.

The Bristol Harbour Festival, organised by Bristol City Council, is the city’s major cultural event and one of the UK’s best known free festivals. Brunel’s ss Great Britain is making its biggest ever splash at the festival with ‘Overboard’ – a music, foodie and entertainment extravaganza.

Guests include acclaimed musician Phil King and Jane Taylor, popular Aardman Animation duo Wallace and Gromit, the BLOODHOUND Supersonic Car project, headquartered next to Brunel’s ss Great Britain, plus Osgrow exotic foods.

Visitor Services Manager at Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Keith Stanton, said:  “We are delighted with the support and enthusiasm we have received from the festival’s organisers, plus ‘Fastest to Canada’ which have been key in creating a brilliant music line up, our harbourside neighbours BLOODHOUND Supersonic Car and Aardman Animation, and everyone taking part.

“The event will feature some of the brightest names in folk, jazz and world music. Stars Phil King and Jane Taylor, who between them have sold out Colston Hall and St George’s music venues in Bristol, are providing the headline acts. We are also looking forward to testing the exotic food on offer from Osgrow – from Ostrich steak to chocolate-covered insects.”

Keith added: “We expect to draw more people to the heart of Bristol Harbour, who will then have the opportunity to explore this part of the waterfront and to visit the multi award-winning Brunel’s ss Great Britain.”

Music within Brunel Square, next to Brunel’s ss Great Britain and the Dockyard Café Bar is free and will run between 11am and 5.30pm on July 30 and 31. Traditional music fans can enjoy the steam organ. And The Tavy Tars are playing on board the ss Great Britain, and in the Dry Dock under the ship’s stunning glass ‘sea’ on Saturday (July 30). Other attractions include stalls from the West Country International Guild of Knott Tyers, the Medway Queen, Avon Search & Rescue, Bristol Knowle Sea Cadets, and the Merchant Navy Association.

‘Overboard’ music line up for Bristol Harbour Festival (July 30 and 31): 

Saturday July 30
  • 12.00 – 12.15  THE PILL WHALERS
  • 12.20 – 12.55  NICKY JOHNS & THE BAD VEGETARIANS
  • 1.05 – 1.40      ISSY & DAVID EMENY WITH KATE RIAZ
  • 1.50 – 2.10      THE PILL WHALERS 
  • 2.20 – 2.55      THE BAKER BOYS
  • 3.05 – 3.50      FASTEST TO CANADA
  • 4.00 – 5.00      JANE TAYLOR
  • 5.10 – 6.10      PHIL KING
Sunday July 31
  • 12.30 – 12.45   THE PILL WHALERS
  • 12.55 – 1.35     JAMES FROUD
  • 1.45 – 2.25       DAVE OAKLEY
  • 2.35 – 2.55       PILL WHALERS
  • 3.05 – 3.45       THREE CANE WHALE
  • 3.55 – 4.35       ANT NOEL
  • 4.45 – 5.25       JAMES SLATER
  • 5.35 – 6.15       JIM TIGWELL

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