Seafest set to make a splash in Plymouth this September

Plymouth is gearing up for the return of Seafest, the city’s popular waterfront celebration of all things marine, maritime, and sustainable. Taking place on Saturday, 13th and Sunday, 14th September, the festival promises a weekend packed with ocean-themed activities, live entertainment, and community connection, all set against the stunning backdrop of Plymouth’s historic waterfront.

Organised by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, and Plymouth City Council, Seafest brings together the city’s proud maritime heritage, love of local food, and deep-rooted bond with the sea. It is part of a wider effort to showcase Plymouth’s identity as Britain’s Ocean City.

This year’s programme includes swimming, scuba, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing tasters, as well as educational events that delve into Plymouth’s nautical history and promote marine conservation. The festival is part of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Horizons Project, which has received £11.6 million in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A major highlight making its return is the live cookery demo stage, featuring local chefs and business owners preparing recipes with fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. It's part of the city’s ‘Keep Plymouth Fishing’ campaign, which supports local fishers and promotes sustainable catch.

“Seafest is one of PWP’s annual flagship events and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and Plymouth City Council again this year,” said Kim Downer, Interim CEO of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership.
“Events like this really show off our waterfront and the wide range of businesses we have here in the BID. Seafest is fun and inspiring, with something for everyone to ‘sea’, do and get involved in.”

Elaine Hayes, CEO of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, added:
“Seafest is a great opportunity to connect people with the incredible natural and cultural heritage of Plymouth Sound. It brings our National Marine Park to life by offering new experiences, inspiring stewardship of our marine environment and celebrating the deep-rooted relationship between our city and the sea.”

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Events, said:
“Plymouth is incredibly proud of its connection with the sea. It’s so exciting to see this event grow and expand right across the waterfront with family-fun and delicious food for all to enjoy.”

What to expect at Seafest 2025

A wide variety of family-friendly events and entertainment is planned across key waterfront sites, including:

• Anchor Site activities: Free and low-cost activities at Mount Batten, Tinside Lido, and Mount Edgcumbe - including 90p swim sessions to celebrate Tinside’s 90th anniversary, open house tours, and self-guided treks up Mount Batten Tower.

• Outdoor cinema: The Tinside Motion Picture Show brings seaside favourites like Finding Nemo and The Salt Path to life with screenings from Friday through Sunday.

• J/24 World Championship: The international sailing race wraps up Sunday, 14th September, with dramatic scenes on the Sound and spectator sailing trips aboard the Johanna Lucretia courtesy of The Island Trust.

• The Whale by Circo Rum Ba Ba: An immersive marine storytelling experience inside a giant inflatable sperm whale, located at Royal William Yard.

• Royal William Yard 200 Exhibition: Running from 13th–28th September, this display includes never-before-seen artefacts, images and stories curated from local contributions.

• Seafood demos: The Plymouth Fishing and Seafood Association will present seafood cookery sessions in the Barbican, championing the local fishing industry.

To ensure accessibility and environmental sustainability, free and subsidised public transport will be available across the weekend, supported by Plymouth Boat Trips, Mount Batten Ferry, and Plymouth CityBus’s ‘Shark and Ride’ scheme.

With music, street theatre, face painting, arts and crafts, guided tours and food traders spread from Sutton Harbour to Royal William Yard, Seafest 2025 promises to be a vibrant celebration of Plymouth’s deep connection to the sea - and a must-visit weekend for residents and visitors alike.

For the full schedule and latest updates, visit https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/seafest