The Forth Bridges Festival
The Forth Bridges Festival
Forth Rail Bridge from North Queensferry
Next month, the Forth Bridges Festival will celebrate the 50th birthday of the Forth Road Bridge over 9 days in the picturesque town of South Queensferry. There will be an enormous amount going on from the 4th to the 13th of September – here’s just a taste of what you can expect:
“Tales from Doon the Ferry” is a wonderfully titled history tour of the Royal Burgh of Queensferry and the Forth Road Bridge. It will also include a trip to the neighbouring Rail Bridge where you can learn some of its 124 year history. Alternatively, if you fancy a journey to the north side of the bridge, the Hidden Histories of North Queensferry tour will offer a wonderful expedition around the Chapel of St James, the Forth Bridge Memorial, and the former World War One air station.
If you’re more of an artist than a history-buff then the Art Trail Exhibition might be for you. This is a unique collection of Scotland’s brilliant professional and amateur art which promises an unrivalled display of paintings, sculpture and photography from across the country.
All of that art and history is sure to rouse your appetite, so why not venture into the town for the Craft and Food Market. With over 50 stalls, local chefs and food connoisseurs will offer cooking demonstrations and, of course, tasting sessions for some of Scotland’s finest food. What’s more, the crafts fair will give you the opportunity to witness and take part in local artistry from jewellery to woodwork.
If you’ve had enough of dry land then there will of course be a great selection of boat trips offering fantastic tours of the bridges and the Forth islands. The “Maid of the Forth” Boat Trip, for example, will encompass a tour of local landmarks, the island of Incholm, and includes wildlife-watching. You can also learn all about the new bridge which is currently under construction.
The highlight of the festival, however, has to be the Torchlight Procession and Party which will take place on the 13th of September. The bridge will be lit up with hundreds of touches streamed across the river for this special celebration. Afterwards, you can warm yourself up with the Bridge Party which will include a fireworks display, live music, ceilidh dancing, and the finest food and drink. What better way to spend an evening?
