Feast of fun at Hartlepool marina

Paddle boarding underway at the Hartlepool Marina event.

People are invited to watch a host of displays and races and try activities such as rafting, paddleboarding and kayaking in the Jackson’s Dock for Marina Fest on Saturday.

And there will be boat trips, live entertainment, refreshments and activities going on on the shore.

Flyboarder Sonnie Bean in action at Hartlepool Marina.

Marina Fest is being hosted jointly by Hartlepool Marina, Jackson’s Wharf pub and Trigma multi sports providers.

Matt Turnbull of Trigma, which runs and promotes multi-sports in Hartlepool, said: “The primary focus of the event is to bring awareness to our thriving marina and the range of opportunities to get involved both in, on and around the water.

“We have tried to find something for all the family throughout the day and have taken advantage of the amazing hospitality of Jackson’s Wharf who are supporting the event.

“There will be live acoustic music played on the quayside throughout the afternoon with a range of complimentary stands and stalls from fitness, health, watersports, charity and crafts.”

Matt Turnbull and Gary Wilson of Trigma multi-sports events.

The water activities run from 9am to 4pm and include an aquathlon race for beginners, marshalled public swim and numerous taster activities including fly boarding where a jetpack propels the person out of the water and high into the air.

Hartlepool RNLI lifeboat will also give a display on the water in the afternoon plus the marine conservation charity ORCA will give a presentation about whales and dolphins which are increasingly being spotted off the Hartlepool coast.

Adam Henderson, a director of Hartlepool Marina, added: “Our ethos at the marina is engagement for all. We held a similar event last year which was a big success so due to it’s popularity we were very keen to do a second one.”

People can sign up for the taster sessions and get information at Jackson’s Wharf while spectators can watch from anywhere around the dock.

Most activities are free but there is a small charge for the taster sessions.

Jacksons Wharf will hosting more live music into the night from 8pm.

For more details call Hartlepool Marina on (01429) 865744 or email [email protected]