Published: Thursday, 30th March 2017

A huge influx of visitors are expected over the Easter weekend for the Regatta.

During the last Tall Ships event held in Royal Greenwich in 2014 over 1 million visitors came to the festival and it is hoped even more will travel to the Royal Borough for the four day event this year - the biggest in London this Easter weekend.

The event in 2014 was good news for the borough's local economy, bringing over £17 million in additional spending locally across the business spectrum.

As well as the spectacle of the Tall Ships moored at the two Festival Villages at Greenwich and Woolwich, there will also be a fantastic array of activities, performances and events for visitors to enjoy, spreading out into shops and cafes in high streets and town centres around the borough.

Entertainment includes live music from jazz to flamenco, face-painting, clowns and bouncy castles, art exhibitions, choirs and individual performers - and probably some 'pirates' thrown in for good measure!

Local discounts

You can apply for a Greenwich One Card. It combines a library card, leisure centre card and local discounts card in one and you don't have to be a resident of the borough to get one.

Follow Tall Ships on social media

Follow the Tall Ships event on twitter - @Royal_Greenwich, and use the hashtag #TallShips2017 or #RDV2017 or on Facebook.

Event sponsors and partners

The Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta is organised by Sail Training International and sponsors and partners for the event are:

  • London City Cruise Port
  • Visit Greenwich
  • Quebec Government House
  • Charlton Athletic Football Club
  • Double Tree by Hilton London Greenwich
  • Galliard Homes
  • Berkeley Group.

'Thank our local businesses and entrepreneurs'

Councillor Sizwe James, Cabinet Member for Transport, Economy and Smart Cities, said: "Tourism makes a substantial contribution to our local economy, helping sustain our businesses, create career and job opportunities for local people and drive revenue to our local entrepreneurs and the creative industry we have thriving here in the Royal Borough.

"I would like to thank our local businesses and entrepreneurs have so generously agreed to sponsor the 50 local young people who have been recruited to act as crew on a Tall Ship on the first leg of the Regatta, to Sines in Portugal.

"This is a wonderful life experience and I commend them wholeheartedly for their patronage and vision to inspire the next generation of our residents - our thanks go to Peabody, U+I, Port of London Authority, London City Cruise Port and the event's official Charity Partners, Seafarers UK. We are proud to be working with our official Charity Partners, Sea Cadets and Seafarers UK, to increase opportunities for young people.

"Our local businesses are readying themselves ensuring stock levels are high and decking out their places of business and are looking forward to the extra visitors that will come for the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta. If you're a local resident, do look out for shops offering discounts during the Festival and in particular, don't forget your One Card to snap up a bargain at participating businesses."