Scotland’s summer finally put a smile on the faces of outdoor event organisers including the team behind the successful Sea Fest in Abroath.
A fine weekend drew thousands of visitors to the harbour area, with no shortage of events and attractions for locals and tourists to enjoy.
With blue skies and another good crowd, the Sea Fest committee were delighted their hard work pulling together an event which has now been running for 16 years was rewarded.
Event director Eleanor Whitby, of Red Pepper Events, said Saturday in particular had been a hit, with an estimated 15,000 flocking to the marina and Beacon Green area.
Many Sea Fest favourites made their regular appearance but there were also new attractions, including Kimber’s Men from West Yorkshire, whose skilled singing performance captivated the crowds.
As well as taking to the Beacon Green stage, the men gave impromptu performances around the Sea Fest on both days, with songs including their own poignant tribute to the RNLI, Don’t Take the Heroes.
Written in the wake of the 1981 Penlee lifeboat disaster when eight volunteer lifeboatmen were among 16 people who perished in heavy Cornish seas after the coaster Union Star’s engines failed, the song and its sentiments made a strong impact on the Arbroath crowd.
Ms Whitby said: ”Kimber’s Men were a big hit and hopefully we will have them back at Sea Fest. All of the bands we had went down very well over the two days.”
Maritime and military history also featured strongly in displays and performances by groups including the Royal Observer Corps and Arbroath Time Themes, with the town’s own lifeboat staging a launch on both days.
Stallholders said they were delighted to finally see the sun put in an appearance to allow families the chance to enjoy a day out without having to keep umbrellas at the ready.
Angus depute provost and Sea Fest committee member Alex King said: ”I’m very pleased with the way the weather turned out and that helped make things very busy.”