THE sun shone down as thousands of intrigued revellers basked in a gloriously successful Tall Ships Festival.
Grand vessels took pride of place in Gloucester's Docks, while hordes of people lapped up the atmosphere, perusing the dozens of stalls and attractions.
The brigantine Phoenix, screw schooner Amazon, and three-masted La Belle Angele took centre stage and were boarded by those eager to step foot on the impressive ships.
Meanwhile, street entertainers roamed the basin while people weaved their way in and out of the many food stands, bouncy castles, live music stages and other attractions.
Sue Hargreaves, from Ross-on-Wye, was at the event with her four year-old son Daniel. She said: "It was fantastic, there was so much there to see and do.
"The duck racing was the highlight for us though."
Marcus Green, from Stroud, was attending with his daughter Charlotte.
He said: "I have been before and this year was better than ever, I was really impressed.
"It was lovely to see so many people enjoying the Docks. It is fantastic for families, there is something for everyone to do."
As well as boarding the ships, people could also hire canoes and even Akwa Kats – a bicycle on buoyant barrels – run by Tony Bain.
He said: "What a marvellous event, it helps that the sun is shining too."
Gloucester Brewery organised a beer festival to coincide with the event, while SportBeat Festival organisers had a live music stage outside the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum to promote their July 5-7 bash in Longlevens.
Town crier Alan Myatt summed up the event. He said: "Everything is ship shape. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, everything is tickety boo."
