The working heritage of the River Deben will be celebrated at a two-day maritime festival in Woodbridge next month

The working heritage of the River Deben will be celebrated in Woodbridge, Suffolk next month when the town hosts a new two-day maritime festival.

Maritime Woodbridge takes place on 9 and 10 September, with Arthur Ransome’s boats Nancy Blackett, Peter Duck and Ragged Robin making guest appearances. To find out more about the famous boats, visit Woodbridge Cruising Club for a lecture by Professor Ted Evans, or see boatbuilding in action at the three traditional boatyards, Robertsons, Eversons and Frank Knights.

There will be a rally of Hillyard boats, an art exhibition, model boat demonstrations, sea shanties and knot-tying. And if you fancy stretching your legs, pick up a copy of the River Walk and find out more about the town’s history.

Photo by Michael Rines: Faversham smack Pembeth used to carry oysters from Whitstable to the London fish market.