Saturday 16th May – 10am–9pm – Walpole Park and Gosport Marina
Gosport is preparing for one of its biggest community events of the year as the Gosport Marine Festival returns on Saturday 16 May, bringing a full programme of free activities to Walpole Park and Gosport Marina from 10am to 9pm. The annual festival celebrates the town’s maritime heritage and coastal culture, giving thousands of residents and visitors the chance to get out on the water, try new sports, explore community stalls and enjoy live music. Fully inclusive and family friendly, the event aims to open up the waterfront to people of all ages and abilities, securing its place as a standout date in the local calendar.
This year’s festival features an expanded “have‑a‑go” zone with up to 3,000 free activity slots across the waterfront. Visitors can kayak along the marina, try paddleboarding with instructors, sail with local clubs, climb the festival’s towering wall or have a go at archery. All sessions are run by experienced teams, and many activities are wheelchair accessible, reinforcing the event’s commitment to accessibility.
Walpole Park will once again become a lively festival village, with community stalls, local makers and traders, heritage displays, food and drink, and plenty of family‑friendly entertainment. The area offers space to browse, meet local groups and enjoy the atmosphere throughout the day.
Music plays a major role in the celebrations, with sea shanties and maritime songs filling the festival thanks to the Shanty Festival. Live performances continue into the evening, running until 9pm, giving visitors the chance to settle in by the water with food, blankets and friends.
The event is organised by Portsmouth Harbour Marine CIC, which has spent more than a decade championing Gosport’s coastal culture and helping thousands of people access the water. This year, the organisation is joined by STS Defence, sponsor of the 2026 festival. Their support helps ensure the event remains free, accessible and rooted in the community. Gosport Borough Council also awarded Portsmouth Harbour Marine £6,500 towards event running costs and a further £3,500 to support the shanty music element delivered by Montserrat Events, funded through the Council’s Community Grants Programme under its Events Fund.
Free activities include:
- Kayaking along the marina
- Paddleboard with friendly instructors
- Sailing with local clubs
- Climbing the towering wall
- Archery “have a go”
All activities are run by experienced teams, and many are wheelchair accessible.
Key details:
Saturday 16 May
10am–9pm
Walpole Park and Gosport Marina
Full details and activity info: gosportmarinefestival.uk
