ONE of the UK’s most important heritage sailing ships will be heading up the Avon estuary to take pride of place at this weekend’s Bristol Harbour Festival. 

Stuart Grimwood, ship manager for Irene, said “We are pleased to be back in Bristol.

“Irene has a special relationship with the city which has played a significant role in her history.”

Irene was built in Bridgwater in 1907 and sailed thousands of journeys as a cargo vessel carrying tiles and bricks, coal and clay. 

Since 1965 she has been owned privately and has been professionally and lovingly restored to become a charter vessel offering traditional sailing voyages in the UK and beyond. 

During the weekend Irene will be moored alongside Bristol’s M shed. 
Her crew will welcome guests onboard for guided tours at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.