The Torch Relay – Portaferry Style!

What have Usain Bolt, The Queen and NI’s Deputy First Minister all got in common? They all had starring roles in this year’s Portaferry Floats!

For those unfamiliar with this annual extravaganza, I will use the explanation I gave to Harry – it’s a big dressing up competition for tractors.

This might sound frivolous but the prize of a po is highly coveted between the pubs and small businesses in the gorgeous town of Portaferry – home of the NI aquarium and adjacent to one of our favourite sea kayaking venues – the Strangford Narrows.

Portaferry is gridlocked on Floats night so a few years ago, we discovered the thing to do was get in early and park as close to the town as possible, pointing in the right direction for home (the Floats finish WAY past bedtime and small legs are unlikely to cope with a long walk back to the car). This of course, is a brilliant excuse for having tea in the Sailing club – yay! The next thing is to get a good spot.

Pre-Little Trekkers, we used to stand on the sea wall. Definitely the best view, but the 15ft or so (depending on the tide) drop into the sea has recently persuaded us that the kerb is better.

We’ve put the feelers out to find out the story behind this particular float – I can’t imagine anyone’s float budget stretched to deliberately putting a hole in a boat of this calibre!

I’ll let you know when I glean any info!