Latest news with #CaptainJack
Press and Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Let loose with little ones at the Tall Ships Races
There's no doubt the Tall Ship Races will be a spectacle when it takes place in Aberdeen from Saturday July 19 to Tuesday July 22 2025, and it will provide days out to remember for all ages. Some Press and Journal online content is funded by outside parties. The revenue from this helps to sustain our independent news gathering. You will always know if you are reading paid-for material as it will be clearly labelled as 'Partnership' on the site and on social media channels. This can take two different forms. This means the content has been paid for and produced by the named advertiser. This means the content has been paid for and approved by the named advertiser but written and edited by our own commercial content team. However, for little ones, it offers a unique chance to create truly magical memories and ignite their imaginations with all the fun, colour and excitement the event brings to Aberdeen. From spotting Captain Jack the pirate, exploring mythical monsters of the deep and stepping on board the tall ships to the best picnic spots to rest and refuel, here's how to make the most of the Tall Ships Races with kids. The Tall Ships certainly look like they are straight out of a swashbuckling fairytale, and many certainly have interesting tales to tell – and a good story always captures a child's attention! For example, the stunning Wylde Swan is the largest two-mast topsail schooner in the world, while the Sorlandet is the oldest full-rigged ship in operation in the world and first crossed the Atlantic in 1933! The tall ship Belem is over 120 years old and began life as a cargo ship transporting sugar from the West Indies as well as cocoa and coffee from Brazil and French Guiana to Nantes in France. It's also been a private yacht for the 2nd Duke of Westminster and even sailed the seven seas under ownership of beer baron Sir Arthur Ernest Guinness. You wouldn't know to see it now, but the Thalassa actually sank in 1885 and has been totally rebuilt and refitted by owners Arnold Hilkema and Jacob Dan. Many of the Tall Ships docked at Port of Aberdeen's North Harbour will open their decks to the public during the event, offering a unique chance to explore these magnificent sailing vessels up close. In their 'day jobs', many of the Tall Ships are training hubs for young people – who knows, perhaps your little one might discover a passion for sailing the high seas! Across all four days the streets of Aberdeen feature a vibrant schedule of daytime entertainment including performances by local artists, ship bands, traditional sea shanty groups, street theatre and more. Keep an eye out and spot the Captain Jack lookalike, giant seagulls, and enjoy street theatre performances that will vary across the days. These include Ocho the Octopus, Long Time No Sea, The Mermaid, and Ooorargh Pirates. And don't miss out on your chance to get a picture with the Tall Ships mascot, Dorry the Dolphin, who'll be out and about during the four-day festival. A highlight of the Tall Ships Races, the Crew Parade will bring colour and joy to the streets of Aberdeen. Taking place on Sunday July 20 at 4pm, the Tall Ships crews are known to really embrace this event, dressing up and performing during the parade, making it a truly memorable event. Starting on Union Terrace and finishing at Quayside, the parade route follows School Hill, Broad Street, Castle Street, Marischal Street and Regent Quay before finishing at Peterson Seabase ahead of the Prizegiving Ceremony. Definitely a spectacular you won't want to miss, the Red Arrows will take to the skies above Aberdeen for a thrilling 22-minute show taking place on Monday July 21 at 5:30pm. The Beach Esplanade will be the perfect viewpoint. No matter your age, one of the key moments to witness at the Tall Ship Races 2025 is the Parade of Sail. Taking place from 10am on Tuesday July 22, it's a remarkable sight, you'll see all the incredible ships parade together along the Beach Esplanade towards the start of the race. Two large vessels brandishing water cannons will mark the starting line approximately 4km out at sea. The Discovery Zone is a STEM zone featuring organisations running family friendly come and try activities, alongside pop-up performances and a colouring wall. Packed-full of things to see and do, highlights include getting hands on with seashore life with the Macduff Marine Aquarium's Mobile Touchpools and taking on a boat building challenge with Aberdeen Science Centre. There are also LEGO workshops and virtual reality experiences with Skills Development Scotland. Once the Discovery Zone has been explored, a visit to the fabulous funfair on King Street in the city centre will win bonus points with kids of all ages during the Tall Ships Races. The funfair is being run by Codona's Amusement Park, the renowned funfair adjacent to Aberdeen's beachfront that has been a mainstay of family fun in the city since 1970. Another must visit destination with the kids is the Family Zone at Blaikie's Quay. With a focus on fun for all ages, it features a giant sandpit, Ferris wheel and children's entertainment. Have a monster loving tot? Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact or Fiction? at Aberdeen Art Gallery uncovers myths, legends and strange creatures, and delves into what really lurks beneath the waves. Take a deep breath and plunge down into the dark murky depths to explore the unexplained. Examine eerie deep-sea specimens, come face to face with the skull of a killer whale, marvel at the double-tusked skull of a narwhal and the tooth of an extinct megalodon. Find out how stories of strange appearances and unexplained sightings continue to capture imaginations, fuelled by conspiracy theories, science fiction books, comics and movies like Creature from the Black Lagoon and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. As part of the exhibition, which is currently running through until October this year, related events are also taking place at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Aberdeen Treasure Hub. Download the full programme of events here. Aberdeen Art Gallery and Maritime Museum will open until 8pm during the Tall Ships Races. When hunger strikes, you'll be spoilt for choice with a line-up of more than 50 food trucks to choose from – covering every taste imaginable from Mexican burritos to Chinese noodles, Korean street food or freshly baked Italian pizzas. There will be fish and chips, burgers and fries, salt 'n' chilli chicken and vegan and veggie options. Among the operators catering at the event will be well known local names such as Calum's Kitchen, Quismat Street Food, Little Molly's Cheesecake, Drumsleed and Watermelon Catering. Even the most intrepid little marine explorers might need a little downtime, and a family picnic makes the perfect excuse to take a little time out from the fun and excitement before heading back to action. Aberdeen Beach and Queens Links are a short walk away from Port of Aberdeen and offer golden sands, grassy areas, and a vibrant esplanade with cafes and ice cream stalls. A little further out, Greyhope Bay is another great picnic spot being a scenic headland offering panoramic views of the harbour, and as a bonus it's ideal for dolphin spotting too. Finally, what summer day out with the kids is complete without ice cream? Renowned ice cream parlour Mackie's 19.2 in Marischal Square Courtyard will be selling limited edition ice cream flavours specially created for the event. And with indoor seating available, all ages can relax and enjoy an ice cream treat no matter the weather!
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Memorial Day weekend 2025 means cool Delaware festivals, concerts & fun
Memorial Day is fun almost here, and the fashion police are already salty – because they'll have to wait months before they can ticket Delawareans for rocking white after Labor Day. As a heads up, make sure your pedicure game is strong this summer, since questionable toes in flip-flops or open-toe shoes? That could land you an indecent exposure charge. Subscribe to DO Delaware As you rummage through your closet for the perfect Memorial Day outfit, here are some can't-miss entertainment events in the First State where you show off your style over the holiday weekend. The 10th anniversary of the Poseidon Festival is a four-day affair with pirates, mermaids, live music, a costume contest and more fun. Highlights include a performance from the Caiso Steeldrum Band (May 23), sword demonstrations from Captain Jack (May 24 and 25), costume parade and contest where you can dressed as a pirate, mermaid or your favorite maritime creature (May 24), a summer luau show (May 24), United States Navy Band concert (May 25) and Memorial Day service (May 26). The Poseidon Festival is held in downtown Bethany Beach (near Bethany Bandstand) from May 23 to 26. Visit or call (302) 539-8011. The New Constitution Yards Beer Garden is set to bring back live music over the holiday weekend starting May 23 with a concert featuring the Side Hustle. The other concerts include Bad Hombres (May 24) and Nicholas Ray (May 26). All three shows will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. With a new Wilmington location in a larger vacant lot at 308 Justison St., the upgraded Constitution Yards now has a beer garden that's grown 20% to 25%, and about 35% of the lot will be a field for wiffleball, kickball and more, according to an April report from News Journal reporter Ryan Cormier. Memorial Day weekend concerts will be held at Constitution Yards Beer Garden (308 Justison St., Wilmington) from 7 to 10 p.m. May 23, 24 and 26. Visit or call (302) 407-5192. It's an understatement to say that Delaware likes The Amish Outlaws. The band's fans adore these Amish rebels, especially when they play Paradise Grill. For newcomers, the Outlaws are a cover band that wears Amish outfits. Some of the members grew up Amish before deciding to leave their community to join the secular world and play instruments. From rap to rock, these men cover it all. Paradise Grill (27344 Bay Road, Millsboro) at 8 p.m. May 23. Visit or call (302) 945-4500. The National Taiwan University of Sport Dance Company will deliver a performance that shows off a new, professional dance production that merges Chinese and Western dance, music and theatrical artistry. 'Amazing Taiwan' brings expressive storytelling to life through a series of attractive vignettes. This 82-minute production is presented by the Chinese American Community Center in Hockessin. The Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 7 p.m. May 23. Tickets are $47. Visit or call (302) 652-5577. Longwood Gardens to plant a kiss on you: Summer 2025 has lush lineup Aubrey Plaza has new movies: Two films have MCU giants & more Fearless swashbucklers will sail to Bowers Beach for a peaceful adventure at the annual Buccaneer Bash. This free two-day festival is known to take seafarers back to the 18th century to experience pirate life through demonstrations, music, petting zoo, food, craft and modern vendors, and activities in downtown Bowers Beach. Buccaneer Bash is held in downtown Bowers Beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 24 and 25. Free event. Visit Bowers Beach Buccaneer Bash on Facebook or call (302) 222-6341. Long before social media took over, it was common to see spectacles. They were called the "circus" and often featured acrobatics, quirky animal acts and performances by clowns. This tradition lives on as the Zerbini Family Circus hauls their big tent to Smyrna for four performances across three days. Smyrna Municipal Park (502 N. Main St. Smyrna) at 4 and 6 p.m. May 24; 3 p.m. May 25; and 1 p.m. May 26. Tickets start at $7. Visit One of the strangest band names on the planet belongs to the popular Delaware party rockers: Love Seed Mama Jump. The band is royalty in their hometown of Dewey Beach, and they're set for a kingly performance in their neck of the woods on a Jam Session evening that includes The Gab Cinque Band, Triple Rail Turn, It's All Good and DJ Knappy. Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) at 5 p.m. May 24. For more info, visit or call (302) 227-7272. Have you seen a live cannon fired? Even if you have, you're probably overdue. Hagley Museum is known for hosting cannon demonstrations, which is something the average person doesn't witness every day. These firings run through December. Hagley was recognized for the second straight year as one of the 10 Best Open-Air Museums in the country. Hagley was nominated by an expert panel and voted by USA TODAY readers. Hagley Museum (200 Hagley Creek Road, Greenville) at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. May 24 to 26. Admission is $10-$20. Free for members, and ages 5 and younger. Visit or call (302) 658-2400. Life's a beach and this Billy Joel Tribute is looking to make a splash when they perform in Rehoboth. We May Be Right recreates the music of the Piano Man, which amounts to a deep bag of timeless hits. Beach fun: Don't miss these events at Delaware beaches in summer 2025 Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (1 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach) at 8 p.m. May 24. Free show. Visit or call (302) 644-2288. Delaware party band Mikes Hines & The Look bring super-sized energy to the stage. The Delaware Rock & Roll Society inductees offer a colorful mix of R&B, hip-hop, pop, old-school funk, Motown and disco to the stage. Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (1 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach) at 8 p.m. May 25. Free show. Visit or call (302) 644-2288. The Tall Ship of Delaware wants to take you on a sweet ride for one hour and 30 minutes across the Christina River on May 24 (9:30 to 11:30 a.m.) and May 25 (1 to 3 p.m.), followed by a free deck tour on May 26 (noon to 5 p.m.). As a heads up, guests interested in either sailing trip must arrive 30 minutes before the ship departs for a check-in, which is already built into the above sail times. Kalmar Nyckel Foundation (1124 E. Seventh St., Wilmington) from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 24; 1 to 3 p.m. May 25; and noon to 5 p.m. May 26. Tickets for sails on May 24 and 25 are $25-$45 each. The deck tour on May 26 is free. To register and for more info, visit or call (302) 429-7447. If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@ Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Memorial Day weekend 2025 brings Delaware concerts, festivals & fun
