New boating and watersports festival set to make waves in Exeter

A brand-new boating and watersports festival is heading to Exeter in spring 2026, bringing boats, water-based adventures and family-friendly entertainment to the heart of the West Country.

BOATFESTS 2026 will debut across three UK locations – Exeter, Portsmouth and Cheshire – with the inaugural event, BOATFEST WEST, taking place at Exeter Racecourse on 11 and 12 April 2026. Organisers say the new festival is designed for everyday boaters and watersports enthusiasts who want a high-quality event closer to home, with affordable prices and free advance tickets.

Unlike larger national boat shows, BOATFESTS 2026 aims to take boating “much closer to the customer”, with venues chosen for their easy access by road and rail. Visitors who register in advance can attend for free, while tickets will cost £10 on the door.

Each of the three festivals will showcase a wide range of new and used boats, watersports equipment, chandlery, services, holidays and adventure experiences, alongside entertainment and attractions aimed at creating a relaxed and welcoming day out.

The Exeter event, BOATFEST WEST, will be held at Exeter Racecourse, a scenic venue overlooking the Devon countryside and located just off the A38 Devon Expressway, minutes from the city centre. Organisers say the location makes the festival easily accessible for visitors from across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Avon, Dorset and South Wales.

At BOATFEST WEST 2026, visitors will be able to explore trailer boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), accessories and a wide range of specialist gear for water-loving enthusiasts. Exhibitors from across the industry will be on hand to showcase the latest products and services and to offer advice and inspiration.

Exeter, one of England’s most historic and vibrant small cities, was chosen as the launch location for the new festival, with organisers keen to add a major new outdoor event to the city’s spring calendar.

BOATFESTS is being marketed to a UK-wide audience, with support from councils, venues, media and event partners. Exhibitors will also be able to invite potential customers directly, with unlimited guest invitations designed to help build strong attendance across all three festival weekends.

More information about BOATFEST WEST (Exeter) 2026, including free ticket registration, is available at https://boatfests.com/boat-fest-west.