Marching, chanting, music and a blaze of colour - what to expect at the Tall Ships crew parade

And if you want a flavour of what it’s like, here’s a brief look at the spectacle from a Tall Ships Race gone by.

We can share both photographs and video with you – all shot by the crew of the Atyla, which is one of the ships coming to Sunderland.

It shows packed crowds, a blaze of colour and crews blaring out music, chants and their ship’s name.

Sunderland will get its own rendition of it all on Thursday, July 12, and it is always one of the big highlights.

Thursday is day two of the Wearside festival and is expected to be watched by hundreds of thousands of visitors to Sunderland.

Organisers are predicting an “international carnival atmosphere” on the streets of the city.

The races are expected to bring a £10million to £15million boost to Sunderland’s economy and a fleet of impressive vessels is expected to arrive into Port of Sunderland.

Anyone wanting more information about The Tall Ships Races 2018 should follow the latest news at www.tallshipssunderland.com, on Twitter @TallShipsSund or on Facebook at TallShipsRacesSunderland.

The Sunderland Echo would love to hear from people who will be playing a part in the races.

Whether you are a sail trainee who will be boarding for the adventure of a lifetime or a captain at the helm, get in touch. Perhaps you are a Wearside business or organisation which is getting right behind the spectacle.

Whatever your reason, get in touch and email [email protected]