Gloucester Tall Ships 2024: Nathan Evans to headline

The headliner has been announced for a popular dockside festival.

Nathan Evans, known for his viral sea shanty hit "The Wellerman", will close Gloucester Tall Ships Festival.

Old Time Sailors, Thrill Collins and Brassienda are also joining the line-up, to bring three "joyful" days of vast ships and "a constant tapestry of amazing music", according to organisers.

The festival takes place at Gloucester Docks between 25 and 27 May.

Mr Evans said: "There is nothing I love more than playing for a live crowd and to get the chance to perform my songs against the backdrop of Gloucester Docks is going to be a moment to remember.

"With this being a Bank Holiday, I'm sure that everybody is going to be in the mood to have a good time!"

Every two years, the festival celebrates the city's rich nautical history, which dates back to 1827.

In previous years, tens of thousands of people have watched live music, sail cargo showcases and visited a vintage fairground.

Organisers say the festival embraces the tall ships which once dominated the Docks as well as the city's diverse cultures and connections.

Creative director Robin Kemp said the team's ambition is to "make the festival for everyone"

"We know that the huge audience of people love to come down view the ships and really get into that shanty folk feel," he said.

"We're absolutely keeping that at the heart of the festival but also we want to bring in a different flavour as well.

"We want to make this as joyful as possible and give everyone the chance to get involved in what we hope will be an absolutely banging three days."

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