Authentic jib sail banners have shown up on Thames Street light posts, welcoming visitors to the town while paying homage to Bristol’s sailing history.

Bristol Sails, an off-shoot of Explore Bristol, has hung the banners over the last week or so to help beautify the Thames Street business , promote Bristol shops and restaurants, and “welcome tourists by land and by sea.”

“This endeavor pays homage to Bristol's rich sailing, marine trades and fishing heritage,” Bristol Sails co-captain Susan Maloney said in a press release. “They will visually complement our new waterfront Maritime Center. They will add to the summer waterfront festivities, including the British Motorcar Festival, the 4th of July Concerts, Bristol Oyster Festival and the Blessing of the Fleet.”

Local business were hired to create and hang the sail banners.  Thurston Quantum Sails made the banners using sail fabric and stitched them like an actual sail. Ned Miller Metals hand forged the brackets to fly the sails, and Dawn Oliveira Textiles helped with the screening and printing process. Department of Public Works employees hung the brackets and banners.