Ahoy! The 21st annual Richmond Maritime Festival presented by the City of Richmond, Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site Society, and Richmond Arts Coalition come ashore, August 24th to 25th.
With entertaining activities for all-ages, the free, family-friendly event celebrates the history of Steveston with maritime-themed programming that spans live music, art installations, puppet shows, community exhibits, and more.
The 2024 Festival’s program covers the whole 8-acre historic site, highlighting the rich multicultural and boatbuilding legacies that make up Britannia Shipyards. Interactive shows and performances will draw visitors to experience the diverse cultural tapestry of the region once was home to Chinese, European, Indigenous, and Japanese-Canadian fisheries workers.
On the riverside docks, visitors will be able to explore the history and beauty of restored heritage boats, including the 102-year-old SS Master tugboat, the oldest working wooden-hulled steam-powered tug in the world, and other returning favourites like the MV Gikumi, which has seen 70 years of almost continuous service on the West Coast. New boats to the festival this year are: Aegan, Rejoice, Midnight Sun, Peterborough, Saffron, and Sandra Jean II.
Families will find artists leading hands-on activities fit for all ages. Ainsley and Liana Oh will teach kids how to crochet their own sea creatures, Aiko Matsushiba will teach origami crafts, and Tarcila de Figueiredo Neves will help families create their own digital fish and release it into a specially made virtual seascape. This year’s signature artwork contest winner is Maya Callaghan, whose design was selected out of nearly 50 submissions from Metro Vancouver artists. Based in Steveston, Callaghan has attended the Richmond Maritime Festival since she was a child
Music echoes throughout the weekend on the community stages with local groups, including celebrated singer Norine Braun, roots musician Pat Chessell, banjo player Paul Silveria, and Yuki the Juggler. As well, visitors will be greeted by musical acts such as the singing Cannery Mermaids and the beloved band The Seabillys as they wander through the sites.
Feeling peckish, food trucks will help whet the appetite, with delectable bites ranging from popcorn to lemonade, sausages to Japanese cuisine or bring your own spread to enjoy on the picnic tables.
Adding to your Stevenston experience, this year’s Richmond Maritime Festival coincides with the FreshCo Richmond Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday Aug. 24, at Steveston’s Imperial Landing.
For more details on getting to Britannia Shipyards and the Richmond Maritime Festival’s program, visit richmondmaritimefestival.ca