Music to your gills
The Florida underwater music festival makes another splash on 14 July at the Lower Key.
Whilst some music festivals and concerts (will we ever see Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan together again?!) are rained off in the UK, on the other side of the Atlantic too much water is no problem for Florida's annual underwater festival.
Over 500 divers and snorkelers will be going under at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to see the action and hear a music setlist that includes ocean related tunes including Octopus Garden and Yellow Submarine by the Beatles, Fins by Jimmy Buffett and the sounds of humpback whales. Wetsuited musicians will be armed with specially designed instruments such as the Trom-bonefish and Clambourine. And this year will also see participants take to the stage for a 'reefality show' that will feature Underwater Idol with judges Simon Coral and J Lo Tide… There really is no end to the puns that can be created with this festival!
Fishy instruments
Photo from Visit Florida
As well as being about larks under the sea, the festival aims to highlight the importance of preserving the reefs and minimising your impact to the environment… after all, you're in somebody's home!
Speaking to a local news channel, festival director, Bill Becker said: 'We have a lot of fun, we dress up in costumes, but theres a serious side. Coral reef conservation is the message."
Want in on the underwater action? Lower keys dive operators are taking people to the site - you just need to reserve a space on one of their boats. Unless of course you have your own boat! You can find more information on the Lower Keys including recommendations for places to stay and where to eat at the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce website. www.lowerkeyschamber.com
The fabulous Florida Keys