St Barbe Museum hails Lymington Afloat Festival Weekend
MORE than 1,500 visitors explored everything from Second World War boats to modern electric yachts in a special celebration of Lymington’s river.
The Lymington Afloat Festival Weekend was a huge success for organiser St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery in hailing 1,000 years of maritime innovation.
Highlighting the river’s role in shaping the town’s social and commercial life over the centuries, festival-goers enjoyed trying out yachts, dinghies, power boats, rowing boats, kayaks and paddleboards for free.
Hundreds of festival-goers took the opportunity to explore everything from “remarkable” historic vessels from the Second World War, through to the latest Optima electric yacht.
Museum director Maria Ragan told the A&T: “The Lymington Afloat exhibition and Festival Weekend have been an outstanding success.
“We have been able to show Lymington at its very best. We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us. The whole town has been involved, showing what heritage, culture and business can do when we all work together.”
The Lymington Afloat exhibition will run at St Barbe until 11th January, celebrating the pioneering work of local marine designers and boatbuilders.
It offers insights into the environmental and social history of the Lymington River, from its earliest days to the challenges it faces today. Festival organisers also gave a “heartfelt thank you” to the supporters and volunteers who made the weekend event possible.
St Barbe Museum is an independent charity which relies on the backing of visitors, friends and the local community. Donations can be made via its website www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk
For more festival photos and to buy images, visit www.photos.iliffemedia.co.uk/p351582009
