BLYTH TALL SHIPS: Film gives a bird's eye view of historic Tall Ship out at sea

Northumberland County Council approached TV director Stuart Ramsay and editor Nick Thorp, who both worked on the ITV series Tales from Northumberland with Robson Green, to ask them to create a short film to promote the Tall Ships Regatta, reflecting Northumberland’s history, landscape and seafaring heritage.

The two-minute film features some of the scenes filmed for that series, including spectacular drone footage of the Tall Ship Haabet which is being renovated by the Blyth Tall Ship project.

The footage was shot by Paddy Davies, of Northumberland aerial photographers Horizon AP, using drone cameras flying above the Haabet as it sailed from Blyth into the North Sea.

Stuart said: “Northumberland has an incredibly rich maritime heritage and a cast of heroic historical characters including Grace Darling, Lord Collingwood and Captain William Smith.

“Being on board the Haabet to film for the series was an incredible experience and it will be fantastic when all of the Tall Ships sail into Blyth for the Regatta in August.

“Filming onboard the Haabet was very exciting and challenging at times and our drone operators flew the drone from a support boat which was tricky, but the shots they got are tremendously exciting and conjure romantic images of adventure and exploration.”

Northumberland County Council, in partnership with the Port of Blyth and Sail Training International, is hosting the prestigious Regatta, which will be one of the largest events ever held in the county and the only Regatta in the UK this year.

Fergusons of Blyth is the principal sponsor.

Coun Val Tyler, the county council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “The Tales from Northumberland series have been fantastic for the whole of the county raising our profile to a national audience and boosting tourism.

“This is a magnificent trailer for the Tall Ships Regatta and Northumberland and I think residents and visitors will be excited by it.”

The promo also features footage from Sail Training International.

Martin Lawlor, chief executive, Port of Blyth, said: “This is an exciting and epic film created by the team behind the popular Robson Green Tales from Northumberland TV series.

“A brand new Northumberland adventure is ready to start in August and we are delighted that it is happening here at Blyth.”

The Haabet has been renamed Williams II by the Blyth Tall Ship project in honour of Blyth’s Captain Smith who is credited with discovering the Antarctic Landmass in 1819.

His original ship, the William, was built in the town and the project plans to recreate Smith’s voyage of discovery.

The Williams II will be on display at the Tall Ships Regatta.

Up to 30 Tall Ships are expected to gather at Blyth for the Regatta which take place over the August bank holiday weekend, Friday, August 26, to Monday, August 29, and also features five zones of free family entertainment.