As part of the Festival of Suffolk and The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the Festival of the Sea this June will celebrate the rich coastline and maritime links of Suffolk and Essex.

Located at the border of these two fine English counties, the Landguard Peninsula at Felixstowe sits alongside the Harwich Haven, the finest natural estuary in the East of England, where the rivers Orwell and Stour meet the sea. 

A thriving area of commercial ports and pleasure sailing, the Peninsula will play host to a series of exciting events and activities as part of the Festival of the Sea on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June. 

Landguard Fort at heart of Jubilee celebrations (Picture credit: Felixstowe Nub News)

Ahoy me Hearties! Landguard Fort and Felixstowe Museum will be taken over by a swash-buckling weekend of pirate fun, including re-enactments, musket firing and a quiz trail.

The Fort is also hosting a new Art Installation - 'Journey with a Container' from visual artist Yva Jung and commissioned by Pier Projects. Exploring the hidden lives of seafarers, it will be open from Saturday 18 June to Friday 2 September.

On Saturday 18 June (from 1400), the Haven will come alive with a grand Parade of Boats, including vessels from the Royal Navy, Trinity House, Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) and the RNLI. Flying colourful flags and bunting, the parade will criss-cross the waters.

The View Point at Landguard will be a key location to watch the parade and to meet the Felixstowe Coast Patrol with their boat and relevant displays.

The Landguard Peninsula is expected to be very busy this weekend, so it is advisable to leave your car at home and travel by public transport. The FirstGroup 77 bus links Landguard with the Felixstowe Railway Station, the main seafront and the large car park at Martello Park North. Alternatively, park at the Manor Terrace car park and enjoy a short 20-minute walk through the Landguard Nature Reserve.

Paul Grant, Landguard Project Officer said, "Come and enjoy a fantastic weekend at Landguard celebrating the sea and coast. Watch out for our dastardly pirates and enjoy a spectacular Parade of Boats… there is something for everyone to enjoy".

Further information at www.discoverlandguard.org.uk

Festival of Suffolk