Arbroath’s 20th anniversary Sea Fest has been declared a success by organisers, despite indications crowd numbers fell well short of last year’s record attendance.
Final figures are still to be determined due to the introduction of numbered wristbands to more accurately count the crowds, but the organising committee is hopeful the tally will be around 20,000.
In August 2015 an estimated 30,000 people poured into the two-day event around the town harbour but Sea Fest officials said they were “delighted” by the high numbers of the past weekend.
A Sea Fest committee spokesperson said: “The reintroduction of the fisher wedding was undoubtedly one of the highlights of Arbroath Sea Fest 2016. A large audience gathered to watch Thomson Leng Musical Society’s excellent recreation of the Fisher Wedding, which was an important part of early Arbroath Sea Fests.”
A cookery demonstration by top chef and proud Red Lichtie Jamie Scott was another highlight and the committee said the packed programme also included opportunities to listen to local bands, find out more about local charities, organisations and businesses and watch or participate in a variety of activities.
The Sea Fest committee explained that, as well as raising the profile of Arbroath and providing an excellent method of promotion for businesses and organisations across Angus, Sea Fest also boosts the local economy, with spin-offs for pubs, restaurants, hotels, taxis and shops in the Arbroath area.
The spokesperson added: “However, as the costs involved in putting on a large scale community event such as Arbroath Sea Fest are considerable, the support of local people, charities, organisations and businesses is vital – and very much appreciated.
“As a result, local organisations which assist in the running of Sea Fest, such as Arbroath Rugby Club, Arbroath Sea Cadets and Arbroath Air Cadets always receive a donation from Sea Fest as a way of saying ‘thank you’.
“As always, Arbroath RNLI lifeboat crew and Ladies Guild were an integral part of Arbroath Sea Fest 2016, with the sight of the lifeboat racing down the slipway into the sea proving irresistible to Sea Fest’s many visitors.
“In addition, the RNLI crew sold hot dogs and cold drinks, while Arbroath RNLI Ladies Guild did a roaring trade in cream teas, all helping to boost the fundraising coffers for this vitally important charity.
“The RNLI isn’t the only charity to benefit from Arbroath Sea Fest. Over the last twenty years, Arbroath Sea Fest has been a huge asset to local and national charities and is estimated to have generated well over £100,000 of charity fundraising.”
“With Sea Fest 2016 over, the Sea Fest committee is, once again, on the lookout for new members and new ideas to ensure the annual festival remains one of the top events in the east of Scotland.
“Arbroath Sea Fest committee has an open door policy and is always happy to welcome visitors or new members, with the next meeting taking place on September 6 at Mackay’s boatyard office, Arbroath harbour.”
