Ullapool’s Lugger Fest kicks off after attracting global visitors for festival
Ullapool’s brand-new festival for boat enthusiasts, Lugger Fest, has kicked off after attracting visitors from across the globe.
On Tuesday (May 7), an American billionaire’s superyacht was spotted sailing into Ullapool from Hamburg, ahead of the beginning of Lugger Fest. Owned by media baron Barry Diller and his fashion designer wife Diane von Furstenberg, the Eos yacht is thought to be the 5th largest privately owned sailing yacht in the world.
Read more about the billionaire’s yacht sailing into Ullapool here.
Taking place from May 10 to 12, Lugger Fest is set to be a celebration of traditional boats and their history, as well an opportunity for connections to be made between groups, alongside some light-hearted racing.
Some of the festival’s events include dockside demonstrations and activities, as well as a “Parade of Sail”.
Music, food and talks are also on offer at the three-day event taking place at Ullapool’s newly renovated Shore Street promenade and pontoon.
Read more about Ullapool’s £10m Shore Street redevelopment here.
Noel Hawkins, environmental consultant for the Ullapool Sea Savers shared his thoughts on the first day of the festival kicking off.
Noel said: “It's great to see the new development being utilised so positively. The festival is not only fun and informative, but also celebrates Ullapool’s rich heritage largely based on the sea. We're seeing a diverse mix of local boats and visitors in attendance, all enjoying Ullapool.
“The Ullapool Sea Savers are joining in with some festival events, and showing the importance of plankton for our marine environment. The kids will also hopefully get a chance to learn a bit, while enjoying the boats and music too.”
On the final day of the festival (Sunday May 12), Lugger Fest will collaborate with another new Ullapool festival, Ulluminate. Also taking place from May 10 to 11, Ulluminate Festival is a community interest company, and will featuring activities and events focussing on science, arts and culture.
Find out more about Ulluminate Festival and tickets here.
The joint event between the two festivals will be guided by local environmental campaign group, the Ullapool Sea Savers, who will lead a session on discovering more about the small but beautiful world of plankton in Loch Broom.
