SPONSORS and entertainers are being sought for a maritime festival which comes sailing into Fleetwood in June.

Tagged Fish and Ships, the two-day event will certainly make a splash in the port with countless activities from regattas and sailpasts to street entertainment and workshops.

Local artists will demonstrate various maritime crafts, celebrity chef Bill Scott will be cooking with fish, while the public will be able to step aboard some historic vessels such as Fleetwood's own trawler, The Jacinta.

The whole of Fleetwood will become involved in the festival, the first of its kind in the port - even the annual landladies' race will feature nautical fancy dress - while businesses will be hoping to land a prize for the best shop window display.

Fleetwood Museum has a full programme of its own with some new exhibits, including fishing vessels Harriet and Judy being brought out of storage.

Other events include a nautical goods fair, demonstrations of maritime computer software, story telling, street entertainment and career advice from the Royal Navy. However, more activities are being arranged daily

Any organisations or individuals wanting to get involved with the festival on June 12 and 13 can contact Bob Gardner on (01253) 873476 during the day or on (01253) 773950 out of hours.

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