The Brest Maritime Festival 2024, set for July 12-17, is expected to draw a thousand vessels of all sizes to the French port city.

This 'universal exhibition of the sea' returns after an eight-year hiatus, showcasing everything from Portuguese four-masted ships to Ethiopian fishing boats.

However, controversy has arisen with the last-minute cancellation of Russian-owned ships' participation.

Notably, the Shtandart, a replica of Tsar Peter the Great's frigate, was denied entry despite its captain's Ukrainian heritage and claims of promoting international friendship.

The festival, which previously attracted 700,000 visitors in 2016, aims to celebrate maritime diversity with various themed villages, concerts, and a grand parade to Douarnenez.