Former Dun Laoghaire-Holyhead Ferry 'Duke of Lancaster' to Host First Festival in 30 Years

29th May 2021

Jehan Ashmore

A former Irish Sea ferry of the 1950's era, British Rail/Sealink's Duke of Lancaster which since 1979 has been dry-docked in north Wales, on the Dee Estuary near Mostyn, is for the first time in 30 years to host a festivel, with the 'Fun Ship; Street Food Festival (4-5 Sept). The 1,800 passenger 'steamer' Duke of Lancaster, AFLOAT adds, built in 1955 at Harland & Wolff, firstly served Belfast-Heysham, Rosslare-Fishguard and Dun Laoghaire-Holyhead until disposal in 1979 to its current location near the Welsh-English border. The 'Lancaster', also carried out cruises during the 1960's to Scotland and several near Continent countries and also Spain. In the 1970's conversion work led to car-carrying capability. Credit: Duke of Lancaster Appreication Society -facebook

Owners of a former Irish Sea (Dun Laoghaire-Holyhead) ferry, Duke of Lancaster, announce tickets will go on sale for the first festival to take place at the home of the dry-docked historic ship in more than 30 years.

The anticipated 'Fun Ship Street Food Festival', as NorthWalesLive reports, is set to go ahead on the Llanerch y Mor dock in Flintshire between September 4 and 5 this year.

Llanerch y Mor Dock Holdings Ltd have been working to transform the site on the Dee Estuary over recent months in a bid to draw back the thousands of tourists the Duke of Lancaster (video) once attracted.

Organiser, Antony Rowley has confirmed tickets will go on sale on July 1 via Eventbrite.

Tickets will cost £5 per person and a live ticket link will become available on the Duke of Lancaster Appreciation Society Facebook page nearer the time, Mr Rowley has said.

It has been confirmed the event will see entertainment from Covent Garden street performers as well as a live wrestling show by Rhyl’s Britannia Wrestling, funfair rides and a visit from RNLI lifeboat crew.

Further details of the event can be read here.

Published in Historic Boats

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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