Seafest set to sail into Royal William Yard this September

2nd September 2024

The celebration of Plymouth’s waterfront is back – bigger and better this year thanks to a new partnership between Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and Plymouth Waterfront Partnership – and the festival will return to Royal William Yard, with a packed programme planned. Seafest 2024 will take place across Plymouth’s waterfront over the weekend of 14th and 15th September.

With water on three sides and home to a vibrant coastal community, Royal William Yard is the perfect spot to play host to part of the seaside celebration. From a family zone and live entertainment to activities in and by the sea, there will be an array of free events to enjoy. With a free ‘Shark and Ride’ shuttle bus running, it will be even easier to get involved.

Discover what you can expect to see at the Royal William Yard for Seafest:

Family zone:

• On the Green, there will be an exciting assortment of free fun things to see, do and learn from 10am-3pm on Saturday and Sunday. There will be children’s crafts, garden games, circus skills and face painting – and entertainment from roaming performers
• Visit a variety of pop-up stands, with coastal charity South West Coast Path sharing information about its iconic national trail, alongside family-friendly food and drink stalls
• Try a trail! Take part in the Seafest Hide & Seek Trail, grab a map and explore Royal William Yard to track down a troupe of hidden sea creatures. It promises plenty of fun and a reward at the end! Or join the interactive Geo Trail – created with the University of Plymouth – and travel back in time by 380 million years to discover the coast’s ancient sea creatures. Both maps will be available from the children’s craft area
• Get active with High 5 – winner of the Best Children’s Activity Company Award – for open-air sports and skills, including soft archery, boulder climbing, and bushcraft.

Sights and sounds of the sea:

• Enjoy live music by the sea, with free open-air gigs by popular performers Andy Quick (10.30-11.30am), Thomas Ford (12-1.30pm), and Anything but Francis (1.30-2.30pm) on Saturday 14th. Get down to an all-day DJ set from Aldo Vanucci on Sunday 15th (10am-3pm)
• Kick back and listen to slam poetry by the sea at Firestone Arch. Taking place on Sunday 15th, the event will showcase local talent from 11am – 2pm*
• Capture the coast on a walk and art tour, delivered by local artist Jayne Ashenbury. Draw and explore your way around Royal William Yard, capturing it in pen and ink. Visit the website for booking details
• See the sights with the experts and join a South West Coast Path guided walk through Royal William Yard, up to Devil’s Point, around Millbay docks, onto the Hoe, ending at the Barbican – and catch a ferry to return to the Yard. It will take place on Sunday 15th from 10am-12.45pm. This is a free event, but you need to book a place*
• Book tickets to join the Old Time Sailors for a live music performance at Steel Brew on Sunday 15th from 3pm (tickets £20). An immersive experience, the motley crew of musicians will perform folk and shanty songs and invite the audience to sing and dance along.

On and from the water:

• Take to the sea and go stand-up paddleboarding. Run by South West SUP across the weekend, there will be something for all ages and abilities. Have a go at taster sessions, SUP Paddle Journey to Mount Edgcumbe or Drake’s Island, SUP Yoga, and a litter clear-up Pick and Paddle. To celebrate Seafest, all sessions will be discounted*
• Grab the freshest of seafood, resident independent seafood restaurant, The Hook & Line, will host a fish market and BBQ and a fish auction.

Travel made simple:

• Hop on the free ‘Shark and Ride’ shuttle bus, provided by Plymouth Citybus with support from Plymouth Waterfront Partnership. This will run across the weekend, running in a loop every 45 minutes. Stopping at all Seafest locations along the waterfront, the free bus will run from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday
• Set sail for less with Plymouth Boat Trips ferry and grab a limited number of half-price tickets specifically for the Barbican – RWY – Mount Edgcumbe service*. Normal prices apply to the new Saltash ferry service. Ferries will run regularly across the weekend, take a look at the timetables for details
• A short walk from Royal William Yard, Stonehouse Creek car park is now open to the public at weekends. The 294-space car park operates a pay and display facility on the weekends at a charge of £1 an hour with a maximum stay of five hours. 

Discover all of the plans for the Seafest celebration,

* A number of the events and activities will be fully or partly funded by Plymouth Sound National Marine Park as part of its involvement in Seafest to support additional activations and opportunities for people to engage with the water and marine activities around the waterfront. Plymouth Sound National Marine Park is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.