RETRO ON THE WATER
CLASSIC CARS MIGHT BE AMAZING,
BUT WHAT ABOUT CLASSIC BOATS?
A festival in Gloucester would not be complete without a load of amazing attractions in The Docks. Come and explore a host of amazing displays, stalls, boat trips, and much much more, all in the beautiful setting of our Victorian docks. What's even better about Retro on the Water is that it's on on BOTH Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August (from 10am).
WHAT'S ON
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Retro on the Water Treasure Trail
Collect your Trail Sheet from the Info Tent in the Docks. Find the clues as you adventure through the Docks. Once you've found them all, bring your completed Trail Sheet back for your chance to win a star prize.
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Crossings (Saturday Only)
Row one of several brightly coloured decorated boats and be taken on an immersive audio journey across the water. This is an interactive art installation from renowned artist Luke Jerram, made in collaboration with BBC Radio 4 producer Julian May. Find out more here.
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Kathleen & May Goes Retro (Saturday Only)
Climb aboard the last of the British-built 3-masted schooners, now 123 years old. Over the Retro weekend, discover the story of this fabulous boat, as it will be open for tours to see it's restoration work. Tours are free (donations welcome), just come along and a friendly volunteer will guide you around.
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Competitions (Saturday Only)
Get involved our Retro on the Water competitions. Prizes are available for:
Best Dressed Dog (Flower Power Theme) │ Best Dressed Boat │ Best Dressed Person or Group
GET OUT ON THE WATER
We have four amazing boat trips and experiences available:
Cotswold Canals: Adventure
An electric-powered adventure in the Docks and up the Sharpness Canal (fully accessible)
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Gloucester Boat Hire | Where: The Barge Arm
Hire a boat to drive yourself and explore the Docks. Boats are electric-powered.
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Queen Boadicea II (Saturday Only) | Where: National Waterways Museum
Climb aboard this Dunkirk 'little ship' with the Canal and River Trust
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1921 RMS Mauritania Captain's Launch (Sunday 11am-3pm) | Where: North Warehouse
A very special experience aboard the 102-year old Captain's Launch from the RMS Mauritania
DISPLAYS ON THE WATER
Feast your eyes on waterborne spectacles:
The Radio-Controlled Model Boat Fleet
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Paddleboard Safety Demonstrations from the RNLI
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Severn Sailing Pilot Cutters Race (Saturday 3pm)
See up to 20 self-built Bristol Channel Pilot Cutters race through the Main Basin
STALLS FROM WATERWAYS CHARITIES
Explore the amazing work of local organisations who keep our waterways alive, and shop for amazing things to take home too. We have stalls from:
Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust
Explore the latest on restorations in our region performed by the Trust.
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Cotswold Canals Trust
Check out their latest news.
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Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
See their latest info on how to be safe in the water and hear about the all the things the RNLI do.
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Gloucester & District Model Boat Club
Check out their display of model boats, and marvel at the intricacies of their construction.
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Canal and River Trust
See the latest from the guardians of the nation's waterways.
Why not also pop into the Waterways Museum while you're there.
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Local Artist David Finch
Join David as he live paints Retro on the Water, and peruse his Docks-themed paintings, cards and prints.
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Peruse this fun little flea market and find your next treasured trinket.
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Shari's Crafts
Lovely jewellery, beads and pretty things, that make perfect gifts.
OUR DOCKSIDE BUSINESSES
Some of our brilliant businesses in the Docks are doing something special for Retro:
Nielsen's Historic Boatyard
Have a go at rope splicing, and see specialist boat building skills on display with world-renowned shipwright Tommi Nielsen. Also, book a free guided tour of the historic dry dock.
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Come on in to this gaming nirvana and find kids activities, refreshments and maritime-themed games.
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The most delicious toasties in the West Country, now with a Retro theme!
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Ribchic Piranha
Sample the new restaurant that's opened in this fascinating 109-year old boat.
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Explore the amazing Gloucester Quays and find an array of great restaurants and shops.
FOOD AND DRINK
Delight in delicious offerings from:
Yeehaw! Fabioni's is serving up cowboy vibes and cool drinks in their cool horse box bar, Bonnie.
This amazing Gloucester-based pizzeria will be serving up hand-crafted sourdough pizza.
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A bit spicy, a lot tasty! Korean fried chicken at its finest.
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Fresh artisan hand-crafted chocolate brownies.
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Lioness Coffee Shop
Hot drinks made with finesse.