Topsham Heritage Year: June (part 2)

The 16th century: Defeat of the Armada

Topsham provided and equipped three ships The Rose, The Gift and The Bartholomew for the defence of Britain against the invading Spanish Armada. This festival of events will celebrate Topsham's historic association with the sea and will involve the various community groups with present maritime links, from the local salmon netsmen to the sailing club and the sea scouts, with Topsham Bowling Club providing a re-enactment of the famous bowls match.

Maritime Weekend

Date:Friday 2nd June - Sunday 4th June
Time: Late afternoon onwards
Venue: Topsham Quay, Exe estuary, and other locations
Cost: varies

Description: The 'Phoenix' Square Sail ship arrives late afternoon / early evening to moor on the quay. Twelve guests/crew from Topsham sail up with the phoenix from Charlestown Harbour, St Austell.

An evening concert on the phoenix with buffet reception and folk group 'Show of Hands' starting at approximately 8pm.

Armada Bowls and Hog Roast by Topsham Bowls Club and Topsham Pool

Date:3rd June
Time: All day from around 10am - 11pm
Venue: Topsham Quay, Exe Estuary
Cost: varies

Description:"Armada Day": River shows and fun on the quay-side

Tall Ship on Quay dressed as Spanish Galleon.

Local actors in full costume on quay creating the environment of a ship preparing to go to war, loading of stores, etc.

Marquee on the quay in case of bad weather.

Francis Drake / Queen Elizabeth scene approximately hourly.

Sea Cadets in uniform performing piping on the quay

Buffet reception on the phoenix between 12 noon and 2pm hosted by RNLI

On the water beside the quay at 5pm approx, there will be a water battle enactment with around 30 Mirror dinghys dressed as either Spanish or English warships. Lympstone and Starcross Mirror Fleets against Topsham Fleet. Flags, pennants etc. Water guns. Cannon on the quay.

In the early evening there will be a sail past of Topsham sailing club fleet dressed in flags and pennants.

From 7:30pm-10pm there will be a formal dinner on the phoenix and the band 'Spinach for Norman' will be performing on the Quay.

At around 10pm the day will come to and end with a firework display

The phoenix sails on the early morning tide (8:30am, Sunday 4th) with twelve guest / crew back to St Austell.

For further information on the Armada day, contact Paul Hodgson: 60 Fore Street, Topsham Exeter, EX3 0HL. Tel: 01392 877834