The nautical festival, Gloucester Tall Ships, taking place over Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee Weekend, June 3 to 5, has announced its line-up.

The free-to-attend event attracts hundreds of thousands of people to watch in 'oar' as the marvellous vessels make their voyage into the Gloucester Docks, seeing Tall Ships arriving from as far away as Poland and Sweden.

Anchored in the heart of the city at the Docks, Gloucester Tall Ships festival will feature five Tall Ships, La Maloiune, TS Grayhound, TS Anny of Charlestown, TS Irene and the TS Vilma. Attendees can expect sand sculptures, a vintage fun-fair, flyboarders daredevil stunts and local musicians bursting from every corner of Gloucester's historic docks.

For those who are keen to explore these titans of the sea, attendees have the option to purchase a £5 Boarding Pass, which grants access to climb aboard the ships, including adventuring below deck to see the crew's living quarters.

The June festival has also opened an Expression of Interest programme for those wanting to perform and get involved with this year's event. The stage is open to new performers from all corners of the city to showcase their talent. The jam-packed programme already features all kinds of performances, like Jack Sparrow and Mr Brown's Pirate themed puppet show, from all communities in Gloucester.

Organisers are calling out for foodies, makers and musicians alike to get involved in this year's festival to make this grand return a memorable event for Gloucester.

Councillor Andrew Lewis portfolio holder for cultural services said: "We can't wait to be back at the iconic Gloucester Quays amongst the crowds of families and friends who have long-awaited the return of the festival.

"We've got a fantastic line-up of Tall Ships coming from across the globe, including the TS Irene built in Brigwater 1907 and TS Anny of Charlestown built in Denmark 1930. It's an absolutely spectacular programme of free entertainment showcasing the best of Gloucester's maritime history."

The Tall Ships will arrive on a staggered schedule depending on tide times and weather conditions, so guests may catch a glimpse of some of them sailing into the Jubilee Weekend when promenading the Docks prior to the event, with the final Tall Ships arriving early in the morning on Friday, June 3.