Musical Tailwind for The Tall Ships Races: Scarlet Pleasure, Carpark North, and Queen Machine Ready for Esbjerg
These three prominent acts headline an amazing musical program for The Tall Ships Races 2025 in Esbjerg, closing each evening with festive flair—and it’s all free.
When the final sailing ships arrive in Esbjerg on Wednesday, August 6, it marks the beginning of four days packed with world-class maritime experiences, musical highlights, and festive fun for the whole family. As the finishing port for The Tall Ships Races 2025, Esbjerg will host one of Europe's largest free maritime celebrations.
During the daytime, visitors can board the impressive sailing ships docking at both Trafikhavnen and Dokhavnen. These areas are typically closed to the public, but during The Tall Ships Races, everyone is invited to get close to the vessels.
“The ships are the heart of The Tall Ships Races. They unite us and create a unique atmosphere at the harbor. But we've also arranged a musical program that will make the harbor come alive, with big-name acts on the main stage and plenty of local talent performing on smaller stages,” says Event Manager Kirsten Bisgaard Kirchner.
Big Names on Stage
When darkness falls, Esbjerg Havn transforms into a giant maritime party at Trafikhavnskaj. The main stage—the VIKING Stage—features a musical lineup with some of Denmark’s biggest and most popular artists.
On Wednesday, acts including Midt Om Natten, News, Poul Krebs, and Scarlet Pleasure will perform. Thursday continues with Wafande, Fräulein, Michael Learns to Rock, Hjalmer, and Carpark North, while Friday’s program peaks with Luftens Helte, Keinstein, Nicklas Sahl, August Høyen, and Queen Machine—one of Denmark’s most celebrated Queen tribute bands.
When Queen Machine closes the concert program Friday night, the sky above Esbjerg Havn will light up with spectacular fireworks, marking the climax of four days of Tall Ships Races.
Parade and Awards in Grand Style
On Thursday, August 7, the city's streets will come alive in the afternoon with the traditional Crew Parade, featuring around 1,100 crew members marching through Esbjerg. Dressed in colorful uniforms and creative costumes, this festive parade culminates at Torvet. Here, the most spirited crew is celebrated, and the overall race winners are announced.
As the finishing port for The Tall Ships Races 2025, Esbjerg is where the results of the final leg are revealed and the fastest ships in various classes are honored. Additionally, a variety of other awards are given for special achievements and team efforts among the ships and their young trainees.
Facts about The Tall Ships Races in Esbjerg 2025:
- Esbjerg hosts for the sixth time. First was in 1993, most recently in 2022.
- The city is designated an anchor port by Sail Training International, a special status awarded to key cities.
- 44 ships participate, including 14 large Class A vessels.
- Ships come from 17 nations.
- Main sponsor is local company VIKING Life-Saving Equipment.
- Dokhavnen and Trafikhavnen temporarily open to the public.
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