Cumbrian Port Celebrates 150 Years

In August 2009, the Port of Silloth will be celebrating its 150th birthday.
The first dock, known as the "Marshall Dock", was officially opened on 3rd August 1859. The opening of the dock was also effectively the birth of Silloth as a town. To celebrate this momentous occasion on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August, the port will be open to the public from 10am to 5pm.
On view within the inner New Dock, will be a number of interesting vessels, including "Jacinta", a heritage deep-sea trawler and veteran of the Icelandic Cod Wars, the "Brocklebank", a heritage tug from the port of Liverpool, the fishery protection vessel "Solway Protector" and tugs from the ports of Workington and Barrow, a NW Area Police Launch and a specially adapted sailing yacht for the disabled. It is hoped that we shall also have with us, a Border Agencies (ex HM Customs) patrol launch, an RNLI offshore lifeboat which the public may board to view and a vessel from Robin Rigg wind-farm, but the attendance of these vessels will be subject to last-minute operational requirements. Also on display and manoeuvring in the New Dock will be a number of craft from the Carlisle Model Boat Club. When the dock gates are opened at high water, (around 2pm), there will be a parade of local lifeboats and rescue boats and exciting schooner battles with pirates and buccaneers. Also a variety of stalls, and Fletcher's children's funfair add to the festivities,

Other events that weekend will include, a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter to carry out a display including a winching drill with lifeboats in the outer Marshall Dock, whilst on Sunday we are hoping to attract an RAF Sea King helicopter to do a similar display. On both days there will be a flyby by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster Bomber/Spitfire/Hurricane). The timing of these airborne events is still to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, the World famous Blowjangles Saxophone Band will be entertaining the crowds on Silloth Green on Saturday and will be joined by direct from TV's 'Britain's Got Talent' the Manchester based belly dance troupe sensation Urban Gypsies who will be performing in The Albion Inn, Eden Street, Silloth on Saturday evening at 8.00 pm.

Also an exhibition, to be held at the Solway Coast Discovery Centre / Tourist Information Centre in Silloth, which will run for two weeks from 3rd to 16th August. The exhibition will consist of archive photographs and information of the port history, historic charts, drawings, maps, as well as additional related contributions from port customers, local environmental organisations, Silloth Lifeboat Station, members of the public and Cumbria Records Office.

For further information visit www.sillothonsolway.com
PLUS...The 2nd Silloth-on-Solway Art Festival, Silloth Green, Cumbria, 15th to 16th of August 2009

Press Info/Photos/Etc
Sean McGhee/Reel Press
01946 812496/sean.mcg1@btinternet.com

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