Published: Sunday, 16th April 2017

Festival goers set to descend on riverfront to wave off the fleet of 30 Tall Ships.

The event has been London's largest over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend and will today (16 April) culminate in the spectacular Parade of Sail. Visitors have enjoyed a fantastic weekend of entertainment as the event moves into its final hours.

Residents and visitors alike are set to line the riverfront to wave off the vessels as the whole fleet of 30 Tall Ships pass through the borough.

Parade of Sail

The Tall Ships will line up in Greenwich and will be waved off by Mayor of the Royal Borough Olu Babatola at 5pm. They will arrive in Woolwich at approximately 5.45pm where they will be waved off by the Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough Councillor Peter Brooks before they sail on towards Sines, Portugal.

Our Tall Ships Sail Trainees - local young people who will help crew the ships en route to Portugal over 15 nights - will be embarking on their trip of a lifetime during the Parade of Sail.

Spectators are advised to arrive early for the best views. In Greenwich, people are recommended to gather between Deptford Creek and Cutty Sark Gardens and in Woolwich people can line all along the riverfront.

'Urge visitors not to miss the spectacular Parade of Sail'

Leader of the Royal Borough Councillor Denise Hyland said: "Tall Ships Festival 2017 has been a tremendous success - and there's still time to join in the fun.

"I would urge residents and visitors not to miss the spectacular Parade of Sail this afternoon and I wish all the crews success in their onward journeys to Sines and beyond."

What's on

The Parker family from Greenwich were among the visitors to the Woolwich Arsenal festival village and said their two children enjoyed the sword fighting lessons.

Entertainment will continue at both festival sites until the Parade of Sail kicks off, so there is plenty to see and do over the afternoon.

Almost 11,000 visitors got on board a Tall Ship moored at Woolwich and Greenwich over the first three days of the festival alone. TS Royalist, our charity partners Sea Cadets' ship, were delighted to welcome 3,000 visitors on board during the same period.

Thousands of people watched the stunning farewell fireworks display at the Royal Arsenal riverside in Woolwich last night.