THIS year’s Comet Festival in Port Glasgow is to be extra special with the official unveiling of the replacement replica of the steamboat which inspired its name.
The most recent Comet replica in the town centre was built in the 1960s but was dismantled in 2023 after it was deemed beyond repair by experts commissioned by the council.
A new model of Henry Bell’s famous Port-built paddle steamer has been built by Sheffield-based specialist manufacturer, Aivaf Ltd, on behalf of Inverclyde Council, and will be installed at the site of the previous replica on Argyll Way in the coming weeks.
At this year’s Comet Festival, on Saturday 20 June, Provost Drew McKenzie will officially unveil the replica of the historic vessel before the festival starts in Coronation Park.
He said: “The Comet Festival has been on the go since the 1980s and is always a great day for Port Glasgow.
“It’s a day for the community to come together by taking part in the parade, local dance troupes performing on stage, browsing the community stalls or enjoying the range of fun activities across Coronation Park.
“The icing on the cake this year will be the replacement replica of the Comet being in place in the town. It’s an important symbol for Port Glasgow and inspired the name for the festival and I know everyone will be delighted to see it back in place.”
The festival will begin with a World Cup-themed parade leaving Shore Street at 11.30am followed by the unveiling ceremony at the Comet replica at Argyll Way. The parade will then continue through Port Glasgow town centre and finish outside the town’s library before the crowds head into Coronation Park.
Provost McKenzie will officially open the Comet Festival at approximately noon.
In Coronation Park, families can enjoy all the usual festival fun including a funfair, community stalls, a selection of food and drink and a stage with live bands and performances from local dance troupes.
Beacon Arts Centre will offer come-and-try circus skills while youngsters will take part in a football tournament at the park before the festival.
Nautical Youth Trust will also be running boat trips on the River Clyde.
The Comet Festival is on till 6pm and is free to attend.
