The Richmond Maritime Festival celebrates Steveston’s nautical heritage

The 21st Richmond Maritime Festival celebrates community

Discover Steveston’s nautical heritage with free family-friendly activities,
live music, art, and more

The City of Richmond, Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site Society, and Richmond Arts Coalition proudly present the 21st annual Richmond Maritime Festival from 11am–6pm on Aug. 24–25, 2024. The free, family-friendly event celebrates the history of Steveston with maritime-themed programming that spans live music, art installations, puppet shows, community exhibits, and more.

This year’s program animates the entirety of the 8-acre historic site, highlighting the multicultural and boatbuilding legacies that make up Britannia Shipyards. Interactive shows and performances will draw visitors into the region’s rich cultural tapestry, which once was home to
Chinese, European, Indigenous, and Japanese-Canadian fisheries workers.

Down on the docks, visitors will be able to take in the beauty of restored heritage boats. Among the stunning vessels will be the 102-year-old SS Master tugboat, the oldest working wooden-hulled steam-powered tug in the world, and other returning favourites like the MV Gikumi, which has seen 70 years of almost continuous service on the West Coast. New to the festival this year are: Aegan, Rejoice, Midnight Sun, Peterborough, Saffron, and Sandra Jean II.

Families will have plenty to look forward to, with artists leading hands-on activities fit for all ages. Ainsley and Liana Oh will teach kids how to crochet their own sea creatures, Aiko Matsushiba will teach origami crafts, and Tarcila de Figueiredo Neves will help families createn their own digital fish and release it into a specially made virtual seascape.

The community stages will see local groups perform throughout the weekend, including celebrated singer Norine Braun, roots musician Pat Chessell, banjo player Paul Silveria, and Yuki the Juggler. Festival-goers will be serenaded by other musical acts as they explore the site, such as the singing Cannery Mermaids and the beloved band The Seabillys.

More than 10 food trucks will help fuel the festivities, with delectable bites ranging from popcorn to lemonade, sausages to Japanese cuisine. Picnic tables are available for those who would like to pack a homemade spread.

This year’s signature artwork contest winner is Maya Callaghan, whose design was selected out of nearly 50 submissions from Metro Vancouver artists. Callaghan’s artwork was inspired by the magical aesthetic of the 2014 film Song Of The Sea, as well as video games such as Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. Her design captures the imagination of the viewer and embodies the festival’s joyful spirit. Based in Steveston, Callaghan has attended the Richmond Maritime Festival since she was a child. A 3D modeller and texture artist by trade, she enjoys learning new techniques and mediums, such as watercolour, ink, and textiles.

This year’s festival coincides with the FreshCo Richmond Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday Aug. 24, at Steveston’s Imperial Landing, so there will be even more for visitors to enjoy as they make their way across to the Richmond Maritime Festival.

For more details on getting to Britannia and this year’s program, visit richmondmaritimefestival.ca

About the Richmond Maritime Festival
The Richmond Maritime Festival is presented by the City of Richmond, Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site Society, and Richmond Arts Coalition, with funding support from the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage
grant program and the Province of British Columbia through the BC Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund. The festival brings to life the heritage of the region through maritime-themed activities, live music, artists, food trucks and a display of beautifully restored wooden boats and ships.

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Media release and image(s) (courtesy of Richmond Maritime Festival) provided by Ines Min PR