A parade, warships at the quay and a sea of family attractions. Gdynia gears up for Shipbuilder's Day

A tradition that caught on

For years, Shipbuilder's Day lived mainly in people's memories. Last year it returned to Gdynia and in a new form, merged with the celebrations of Poland's Navy Day. The idea proved a direct hit: over six thousand people came down to the waterfront. That is why the organisers are not easing off. This year's edition is being staged jointly by PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, the Polish Navy and more than 20 maritime-sector companies and institutions, and it promises to be bigger and louder still.

Behind the celebration lies a simple idea the organisers repeat like a refrain: behind every sailor stands a shipbuilder. It is in Gdynia that the frigates Wicher, Burza and Huragan and the rescue ship Ratownik are being built today. Before any of them puts to sea, someone first has to build it. Shipbuilder's Day is about exactly those people and about how modern, dynamic and important to Poland's security the entire maritime industry really is.

10:30 - the city sets off

It all begins with the parade. At 10:30, a joint march of shipbuilders, sailors and workers from across the maritime industry will set off from ul. Armii Krajowej 46. The column will move through Gdynia's main streets, along 3 Maja, 10 Lutego, Skwer Kościuszki and al. Jana Pawła II and then down the road leading to Nabrzeże Młodych Żeglarzy (Young Sailors' Quay), all the way to the Navy Sailing Training Centre by Marina Gdynia.

It is a moment worth leaving the house early for: a crowd of maritime people marching through the heart of the city is not an everyday sight. A symbolic and spectacular opening to the whole day.

The town where everything happens

Once the parade reaches its destination, the heart of the event opens up. From 11:00 to 16:00, the grounds of the Navy Sailing Training Centre (al. Jana Pawła II 13, by Marina Gdynia) will host the Shipbuilding and Navy Town, packed with displays from maritime-sector companies, stands run by the Navy and other branches of the armed forces, and attractions designed with families in mind.

What to look forward to:

• Polish Navy warships moored at the quay – with the chance to step on board and see them from the inside
• Equipment displays and stands from shipyards and event partners
• A children's zone – bouncy castles, games and entertainment
• A stage with artistic shows and live music
• An Arka Gdynia sports zone – football, basketball and rugby
• Military pea soup and a barbecue – because sea air sharpens the appetite
• Souvenir giveaways for young and old alike

Step aboard a warship? Yes, really

The ships are usually the biggest draw. The Polish Navy vessels moored at the quay will be open to visitors a rare chance to see up close a world that normally stays out of reach. Alongside them, shipyards and maritime companies will set up stands with equipment displays, while the youngest visitors get their own zone of bouncy castles and entertainment. In short, there is something here for everyone.

Under the patronage of the region's leaders

The event is held under the honorary patronage of the Pomeranian Voivode, the Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship and the Mayor of Gdynia. More than 20 maritime-sector companies and institutions are involved in organising it – a joint effort by the whole community rather than a single player. And it is precisely that sense of community that best captures the spirit of the day.

Come and see for yourself

Shipbuilder's Day and Navy Day is a celebration of the people who build Poland's ships and sail them out to sea – and of their families. The organisers invite maritime workers and sailors together with their loved ones, as well as all residents of Gdynia and the Tricity. No tickets, no barriers. See you on Sunday, 28 June, in Gdynia.

Full programme and details: click here.