Win tickets to see Red Arrows at boat festival

THE world famous Red Arrows will perform in the skies above Portsoy this weekend – and you could be there to watch them, courtesy of The Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival and the Banffshire Journal.

We have joined forces to offer two pairs of family passes for the Saturday and Sunday of the maritime festival.

Saturday will be the only Scottish public display performed by the team during their very busy diamond anniversary campaign. The nine-aircraft show will feature manoeuvres not seen for a generation.

The festival takes place around the town’s historic 17th century harbour on June 22-23.

Heritage vessels will drop anchor alongside a programme of live music and dance, Scottish food and drink and age-old crafts.

David Urquhart, chairman of the Glenglassaugh-sponsored festival, said: “It is a huge honour for Portsoy to be part of their diamond anniversary campaign. Securing the Red Arrows for 2024 is a huge achievement for the committee, who work tirelessly to bring together the festival each year and will bring a new dimension to our packed programme of maritime celebrations and entertainment.

“We aim to offer something for the whole family, from our fun-filled kids’ zone to delicious food and drink in the food fayre, fantastic live music from renowned artists, groups and bands and unique handmade items and gifts in our craft fayre.”

Around 30 traditional boats from across the UK will sail into Portsoy, including 17th century Fifie herring drifter Reaper, which will make the journey from the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, Fife. Also returning to the festival is White Wing, a 33ft Baldie and setting sail from Wick in Caithness will be 19th century Fifie and festival favourite, the Isabella Fortuna.

Red Arrows nSquadron Leader Jon Bond, added: “Many of our team members have spent significant parts of their RAF careers flying or being based in Scotland – it is wonderful to display here, and we are always humbled by the great response we receive to the performances.

Sponsorship has been secured from local businesses for the Red Arrows display, with Urquhart Joinery Services, Aspire Restaurant, Messrs J Smith Fish Merchants of Sandend, Highland Tweedery and Whisky Cask Pens pledging their support.

A new Coastal Crafts area has been added this year, showcasing a variety of local, artisan businesses including handmade jewellery, ceramics and bespoke wooden accessories and gifts.

Celtic rock band, Skipinnish will kick off the festival weekend on Friday night as headline act for the Big Gig on the Back Green. Tickets are on sale now from the festival website www.stbfportsoy.org for £38.

Thanks to festival sponsors Glenglassaugh, Puffin Wood Fuels, Hamlyn’s of Scotland Oatmeal, Portsoy Thrift Shop, Portsoy 75 Club, Urquhart Joinery Services, Ocean Winds, Moray West, Camwater Ltd and Gray Composting Services Ltd.

The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival was first held in 1993 to celebrate the tercentenary of Portsoy’s old harbour. The festival is set around Portsoy’s 17th Century harbour and is run by Portsoy Community Enterprise which also manages Portsoy Links Caravan Park, The Sail Loft Bunkhouse, The Salmon Bothy and The Boatshed.

To be in with a chance of winning one of two family tickets, simply answer the following question: How many aircraft are in the Red Arrows display?

Email your entry, along with your name, address and contact details to chris.saunderson@hnmedia.co.uk

The deadline for entries is Thursday, June 20 at 4pm. Winners will be contacted after that and the passes can be collected from the boat festival ticket office.

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