Seafest, a celebration of Plymouth’s waterfront, is back – bigger and better this year.

The festival is taking place 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.

There will be plenty of seafood on offer. Picture: Kamila Bielawska
There will be plenty of seafood on offer. Picture: Kamila Bielawska (Kamila Bielawska)

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. 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.

Take to the sea and go stand-up paddleboarding. Picture: South West SUP
Take to the sea and go stand-up paddleboarding. Picture: South West SUP (South West SUP)

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.

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.

Entertainment will also be provided by roaming street performers. Picture: Valla Creative
Entertainment will also be provided by roaming street performers. Picture: Valla Creative (Valla Creative)

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.

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

See the full schedule and find booking links at www.royalwilliamyard.com/seafest and discover all of the plans for the Seafest celebrations at www.visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/major-events/seafest-plymouth