Saturday, August 28
All Aboard, a theatrical, musical, arty kind of festival on and around our stretch of the Itchen, is set to return on August 28 – subject to weather and any restrictions at the time.
Article continues after this message...
Audience at Priory Road jetty. Photo: Louise Owen
It will be the festival’s third year, and takes place during high tide from 2pm until 6.30pm.
It combines ‘happenings’ both on the water, if you’re lucky enough to have access to suitable floating transportation, and, for those restricted to shores, on riverbanks, pontoons, paths and public spaces around and about the area.
Last year it was one of the few events locally taking place, and saw many spectators making their way from act to act by canoe, kayak, rowing, sailing or motor boats - many members of the local St Denys Boat Club which presents the festival along with locals.
There were apparently eight stages (generally on pontoons or riverside gardens), 40 bands, performances, and an art exhibition in the boat club itself.
Families pull up to listen to storyteller Michael O'Leary on the river last year
As we said in our write-up of last year’s event, the festival’s strengths are both that it encourages people to get out onto the water, if they can can, and what they may chance upon if they do – a storytelling boat, a rowing mermaid, and even a polar bear in a kayak with an environmental message were a few of the highlights.
Who knows what this year?
Certainly art: another exhibition takes place at the Boat Club, and there's an open call for works. It will run from August 28–September 12 (public access weekends only). The entry deadline is July 31 – more details here.
For more general festival details, and some great pictures of past All Aboards, see the website. This year's Facebook event page is here.
Previously
Sunshine for river festival brings out boaters and landlubbers alike