Seafest returns this weekend with University of Plymouth as Headline Sponsor
- News
Seafest, Britain’s Ocean City’s hugely popular annual celebration of marine and maritime life, returns this Saturday (12th) and Sunday (13th September) with a brand-new headline sponsor: the University of Plymouth.
A partnership event led by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, and Plymouth City Council, Seafest spans the city’s waterfront – from Sutton Harbour and the Barbican to Tinside Lido, Royal William Yard, Mount Batten, and Mount Edgcumbe. The weekend promises a packed schedule of entertainment, food, drink, and family activities connecting the city to the sea.
Sarah Gibson, Plymouth Waterfront Manager and CEO of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership:
“Seafest is one of our city’s flagship events and one of my personal favourites, attracting thousands of people into and across the waterfront in a vibrant celebration of what makes Plymouth Britain’s Ocean City!
“Marine education, marine innovation, marine life, marine science, marine sports and bringing our deep-felt connection to the ocean to the fore, the event is a reflection of the interconnectivity of planet, people and place. Based in one of Europe’s most attractive places, we’re delighted to be working with our partners at the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and with the support of the University of Plymouth and Plymouth City Council. Come along and enjoy!”
The University of Plymouth’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Davies:
“The ocean is at the heart of so much of who we are and what we do.
“Our home city’s deep connection to the sea is a big draw for our students, and our marine and maritime research leads the world, so it feels only right to be supporting this brilliant celebration.
“I’m looking forward to diving in and seeing what the weekend has to offer.”
Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change:
“I am delighted to see Seafest return for another year, showcasing the very best of Plymouth’s waterfront. From fantastic food and drink to live entertainment, ocean-based activities and celebrations of our rich maritime heritage, the event offers something for everyone. Seafest also helps connect people to the bigger story of life in and around Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, inspiring, greater appreciation of our unique marine environment. My thanks go to the University of Plymouth, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and National Lottery players for helping make this wonderful event possible.”
Stuart McLeod, Director England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund:
“Thanks to Lottery players, we are delighted to support Plymouth Sound National Marine Park’s contribution to Seafest, bringing together heritage, culture and community to celebrate Plymouth’s rich coastal history and vibrant waterfront. Events like this help people connect with the stories, traditions and landscapes that make this place so special, while inspiring new generations to shape and share its future.”
The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Horizons project has been made possible thanks to money raised by National Lottery players with £11.6million of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Highlights across the weekend so far include:
- Royal William Yard: Heritage discovery, hands-on crafts, circus skills and pottery pop-ups on The Green. Water activities include the Big Rock Pool Challenge, South West Coast Path walks, and SUP with South West SUP.
- The Art Explora Mobile Museum with the touring exhibition, Shaped by the Sea, will be at Royal William Yard, plus the Westcountry Rivers Trust’s ‘slow the flow’ inflatable obstacle course for children, a fun way to find out what’s going on beneath the surface of our rivers.
- Sparks at Seafest – visit Mills Bakery (Units 1 & 2) and find out more about the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Blue Sparks Projects. Blue Sparks is a new community grants programme, created to support local projects that help more people connect with, enjoy and look after Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.
For the full line up of activities and events at Royal William Yard please visit royalwilliamyard.com/seafest
- Mount Batten: Discounted taster sessions in Kayaking, Bellboating, and Stand Up Paddleboarding at the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre (advance booking required via https://mount-batten-centre.com/seafest-psnmp-2026-booking-page/).
- Mount Edgcumbe: Free maritime history walking tours exploring connections to Captain Cook and Charles Darwin, alongside free guided tours of Mount Edgcumbe House on Sunday 13th (booking required via https://www.tickettailor.com/events/nationalmarinepark/2371234).
- Celebrate Seafest and a record-breaking year for Tinside Lido with a full day of family-friendly entertainment beside the pool from 12pm – 6pm on Saturday 12th – including chilled out tunes, the opportunity to meet a mermaid and magical bubbles displays. Entertainment will be staggered throughout the day, so every two-hour swimming session will include a chance to enjoy the activities. Swimming is bookable through standard public-swimming sessions, with a choice of an all-day pass or a two-hour session. https://plymouthcouncil.gladstonego.cloud/book
- Barbican and Sutton Harbour: Families can join the Seafest Sea Monster Trail (trail sheets available at the Tourist Information Centre or Fishermen’s Mission stand). On The Parade, browse stalls featuring local products and crafts.
- Quay Square: get hands-on with engaging displays and activities and find out how to get involved with the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, or find out more about local wildlife, marine industries, and the importance of protecting our oceans.
- Discover what makes Plymouth’s tides move through a playful mix of art, animation and science – as part of Tide Together, the public engagement programme accompanying artist David Cotterrell’s Intertidal commission for Sea for Yourself, a multi-year cultural programme led by Plymouth Culture in partnership with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, artist and facilitator Sophie Mellor will be inviting families to make their own Moon Zoetropes. Meet Sophie and the team on the Barbican (Saturday) and Royal William Yard (Sunday)
The popular Cookery Theatre returns, organised by the Plymouth Fishing and Seafood Association with support from PL1 Events. Top local chefs will demonstrate mouthwatering recipes on stage. At 4pm each day, Ben Squire will lead the live Fish Auction, with all proceeds benefiting the Fishermen’s Mission charity.
Once again, this year there are a range of sustainable travel options across the Seafest weekend. Plymouth Boat Trips and Mount Batten Ferry are kindly offering discounted tickets for the weekend and there is free bus travel with Plymouth CityBus – hop on the 25 or 34 service to take you around the waterfront and Royal William Yard.
Seafest is made possible by the businesses of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership BID, headline sponsor the University of Plymouth, and supporters including Plymouth Boat Trips, PL1 Events, Plymouth Fishing and Seafood Association, Sutton Harbour, Seafish Plymouth, Fishermen’s Mission, Debby Mason Printmaker, and Roger Young.
For more information and the full event schedule including sustainable travel options please visit: visitplymouth.co.uk/seafest-plymouth