Main Menu

Blyth, UK


Blyth is friendly and extraordinarily welcoming town in northern England, with a thriving port and an excellent reputation for supporting renewable energy.

It was eager to host the international fleet for the very first time, as the starting port of the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016.

As a traditional shipbuilding town, Blyth prospered over the centuries because of its busy port. It became a major player in coal shipping during the 14th century, and it expanded to become Europe’s largest coal-exporting centre in the early 1960s.

More recently, Blyth has successfully established itself as a modern, diverse port that handles everything from wind turbines to forestry products. It’s proud to house a resident fishing fleet and it provides a home for the Royal Northumberland Yacht Club.

Blyth is strongly committed to the environment and renewable energy. With an ultra-low carbon footprint, the town hosts the Blyth Renewables Festival and works closely with environmental bodies to ensure that best practice is maintained.

During the event, Blyth was buzzing with activity. The crowds enjoyed the Grand Finale every night, visited the bandstand and chill-out zones, and sang along with live music and buskers on every corner. The Parade of Sail was pretty special – a flotilla of pleasure craft also took part.

“We are delighted that the Regatta is coming to Blyth and look forward to welcoming the ships and their crews. Visitors will also get a great view of the ships in the main public quay areas and I am sure the event will prove hugely popular. As a Trust Port we are pleased to have played our part in securing the event for the benefit of our stakeholders and the region as a whole.”
Martin Lawlor, Chief Executive, Port of Blyth

In May 2017, The Journal Culture Awards took place in Hexham Abbey, Northumberland, UK. The awards celebrate creativity across the North East of the UK, and this year there were more than 1,400 nominations in 14 categories.

We’re pleased to announce that the North Sea Tall Ships Regata 2016 Blyth picked up two prizes. The event won the award for Best Event Northumberland and Best Overall Event (Northumbrian Water). Congratulations to the team from Blyth!

Check out the event gallery here.