Seafest

Seafest at Royal William Yard - 14 & 15th September

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 14^th and 15^th 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.

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.

Children's craft zone - visit the Seafest craft zone to make some underwater animals and get creative
Face Painting - transform into a sea creature or a mystical mermaid
Seafest Hide and Seek - 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!
Circus Skills - Walk the plank, juggle like an octopus, and find your sea legs on the roller bowler
Activities - 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
Pop up fish market - Grab the freshest of seafood, resident independent seafood restaurant, The Hook & Line, will host a fish market and BBQ and a fish auction
Pop up stands - with coastal charity South West Coast Path sharing information about its iconic national trail, alongside family-friendly food and drink stalls
Geo Trails - Pick up a map from the children's craft zone and 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.

Live Music and Performances

Enjoy live music by the sea, with free open-air gigs by popular performers.

Saturday 14th September

10:30 - 11:30 Andy Quick
12:00 - 13:00 Thomas Ford
13:30 - 14:30 Anything but Francis

Sunday 15th September

10:00 - 15:00 Live DJ Performance

Slam Poetry

Kick back and listen to slam poetry by the sea at Firestone Arch. Taking place on Sunday 15^th, the event will showcase local talent from 11am – 2pm (This event is supported by Plymouth Sound National Marine Park).

Click here for more information.

Old Time Sailors at Steel Brew - Sunday 15th September from 3pm

An immersive experience, the motley crew of musicians will perform folk and shanty songs and invite the audience to sing and dance along. This event is organised by Steel Brew - SOLD OUT

Walks and Art Tours

Drawing and Exploring at Royal William Yard - Interactive Art Tour with Jayne Ashenbury

Draw and explore your way around Royal William Yard, capturing it in pen and ink. Join Jayne Ashenbury on this 1.5 hour walking art tour.
All materials are provided - tickets must be booked in advance
Tickets are discounted through the support of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park - £10 adults and £5 Children
Booking required please click on the links below to book your place

Saturday 14th September - 10:00 - 11:30

Sunday 15th September - 10:00 - 11:30

South West Coast Path Guided Walk - Sunday 15th September (10:00 - 12:30)

Join the South West Coast Path Team to take part in a 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 - This is a free event but booking is required. This event is now Sold Out but visit the South West Coast Path stand on the green to find out more about their walks and activities.

Devon Open Studios - at Ocean Studios

Visit Ocean Studios this weekend where a number of artists studios will be open as part of Devon Open Studios

Stand-up Paddleboarding Sessions

Take to the sea and have a go at stand-up paddleboarding taster sessions. 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 thanks to the support of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.

Seafest SUP Experience - (sessions each day at 11:00 - 12:30)

Try stand-up paddleboarding taster sessions, each day at 11am. This is the world’s fastest-growing water sport and you can find out why, by getting out on the water, learning essential skills and playing games! Even if you already paddle, this is a great way to practise your skills.

These discounted sessions can be booked for £5 per person or £10 for a family of four. Book here

SUP Journey - (sessions each day at 09:00 - 10:30)

Discover the gems of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park by paddleboard. Guided by experienced instructors, explore the stunning locations of Drake's Island and Mount Edgcumbe, discovering our untouched and beautiful coastline up close. These sessions are for adults only and aimed at those with some previous paddling experience.
These discounted sessions can be booked for £5 per adult. Book here

SUP Yoga (sessions each day at 13:00 - 14:30 & 15:00 - 16:30)

A fun way to be close to nature with the added benefits of a full-body workout, mindfulness and meeting people, SUP Yoga is a must-try activity. These sessions will have a family focus and offer the perfect blend of fun, challenge and chill.
These sessions can be booked for £5 per person or £10 for a family of four. Book here

Transport and Travel

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.

For full further details on how to get to Royal William Yard, click here.

Plymouth Sound National Marine Park is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund