HARTLEPOOL has been selected to host the world-famous Tall Ships again in the summer of 2023.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors from far and wide flocked to the town when the vessels last visited in 2010.

Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We have a proud maritime heritage and to host the Tall Ships again will be a huge honour.

“Hartlepool Waterfront and its associated facilities are second to none and we proved during 2010 that we have the capability to host an event of this magnitude.

“We’re very grateful to the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority for allocating £2millon from their investment plan to support the cost of the event which we believe will benefit the wider region.

“We’re also looking forward to working in partnership with our friends at The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool, PD Ports and Hartlepool Marina Ltd.

“We have exciting plans to redevelop the Hartlepool Waterfront site – again with great financial support from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority – and I believe we are a fitting venue for the Tall Ships in 2023.”

Hartlepool’s Tall Ships bid document and a supporting video – produced by local company In Studio – can be viewed at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/tall-ships.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Bringing the Tall Ships back to Hartlepool will attract international attention to the whole of Teesside, Darlington and, obviously, Hartlepool, boosting the region’s economy in the long-term following the coronavirus pandemic, and showcasing all we have to offer.

“In 2010, Hartlepool hosted the Tall Ships with an enormous amount of success, with it becoming the largest free event held in England that year and I’m sure this one will be massively anticipated too.

“Hartlepool has an amazing maritime history and a fantastic marina, and I can think of nowhere better for this event to be held.”

A contract is currently being agreed with Sail Training International who organise the Tall Ships Races and further information will be announced in due course.

Gwyn Brown, Sail Training International Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Hartlepool as a Host Port for The Tall Ships Races 2023.

“As we return for the first time since 2010, we have no doubt that Hartlepool will extend a warm welcome to ships and trainees alike and showcase our values of international friendship and understanding and the development of young people.

“We look forward to 2023 with great excitement, and the return of the Tall Ships Races fleet to the North Sea.”

Roslyn Adamson, General Manager of the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool, added: “We can’t wait to see the Tall Ships return to Hartlepool in 2023 and look forward to playing our part in this very special event.

“We have exciting development plans in place and believe the 2023 event will provide the perfect opportunity for us to showcase these.”

Captain Paul Brooks, PD Ports Harbour Master, said: “We were delighted to offer our support to Hartlepool Borough Council in their bid to host The Tall Ships’ Race in 2023.

“We feel the event will provide a very valuable boost to the region and we look forward to being part of the partnership team delivering a successful event.”

Allan Henderson, Director of Hartlepool Marina Ltd, added: “The Tall Ships event in 2010 was a true spectacle and put the region well and truly on the map.

“The feedback from visitors to the Marina was hugely positive and created a sense of pride in the town and region wide.

“All too often we are asked when are they coming back and we look forward to being a proactive partner in the 2023 event.”