Spectacular flotilla to launch festival

Start date: 22nd August 2009 until 29th August 2009

A dazzling flotilla of vessels of all shapes and sizes will take to the River Tees this summer to launch the North East's first ever river festival, it was announced today (24 March 2009).
Stockton Borough Council revealed plans for the spectacular flotilla as it announced details of Take to the Tees, a brand new event celebrating the river, its facilities, wildlife and history.

Made up of everything from rowing and dragon boats to jet skis, water skis, pleasure cruisers and steam boats, up to 150 vessels and swimmers are expected to take part in the colourful water procession to demonstrate all that the river has to offer.
The fleet will make its way from Victoria Bridge in Stockton to the Tees Barrage where the vessels will be used to provide demonstrations and free taster sessions for visitors throughout the week-long event.
The event will take place from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28 and has been organised by the council and its partners to highlight the world-class white water course facilities based at the Tees Barrage and promote the wide range of other river-based activities available.
Councillor Ken Lupton, leader, Stockton Borough Council said: "There's never been anything like it before on the Tees, or indeed anywhere else in the region, and it will showcase the world-class river-based facilities we have.  If anyone has ever imagined themselves taking part in watersports or any other pastime around the river, Take to the Tees is your golden opportunity to give it a go."
Alan Slater, river manager, British Waterways said: "We have world class facilities here at the Tees and our first river festival is a fantastic opportunity to showcase them. Families will be able to have an entertaining day out and see some spectacular activity on the river as well as being able to give it a go themselves, so we know everyone will have a great time."  
Les Southerton, project director, Stockton Middlesbrough Initiative said: "Take to the Tees promises to be an exhilarating event that we hope will become a landmark annual diary date for the Tees Valley.  The fact that the Tees Barrage whitewater course has been chosen as a potential camp at which athletes can train in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics, is testament to the standard of our facilities and we aim to do all we can to promote these to residents and the rest of the world."
Centred on the barrage and surrounding Stockton riverside, Take to the Tees will include an open air show featuring a series of demonstrations on and off the water and trial sessions by the area's many river-based sports clubs. Visitors can try their hand at everything from canoeing, kayaking and rowing to bell-boating and sailing without paying a penny - sessions can be booked at the information centre at the open air show.
A programme of land-based events will also run across the seven days to highlight the countless ways residents and visitors can enjoy the fascinating riverbanks, including heritage trails, wildlife and bridge walks, cycling routes and educational pursuits.
The flotilla will be launched from the Infinity Bridge at 10.30am and will make its way past a commentary point and is due to arrive at the Tees Barrage at 11.30am. The flotilla can be viewed all along the south side of the river from the bridge to the barrage.
For more information on Take to the Tees visit http://www.rivertees.org.uk/ 

http://www.stockton.gov.uk/

                                        




                                                                    

Other Events from Stockton-on-Tees

• A Railway-ania, Vintage Toys, Die-cast and Model Fair
• Stockton on Tees Chic Vintique Fair
• Book Postcard and Ephemera Fair
• Stockton on Tees Chic Vintique Fair
• Stockton on Tees Chic Vintique Fair

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