Gosport Marine Festival takes place on Saturday 17th May 2025. It’s a fun day for all thathas been running for over 10 years and celebrates marine activities, heritage and culture in Gosport. Here are our top reasons to visit:

1. Have-a-go Activities in Walpole Park

On Walpole Park’s boating lakes from 10am until 4pm there are walk-up, have-a-go activities for all ages, including paddleboarding, kayaking, dinghy sailing, axe-throwing, archery and a climbing tower. All safety equipment is provided along with expert tuition. Just bring yourself and maybe a towel! (Consent from an adult is required for under 18s).

2. Go aboard visiting vessels and out on trips into the Harbour

Tour the pontoons of Haslar Marina to step aboard visiting vessels including: HMS Medusa, Prolific (Ocean Youth Trust South), Steam Pinnacle, Boleh Project, Queen Galadriel (Cirdan Sailing Trust), Gentoo Sailing Team. 

Plus – see the only wooden J Class Yacht still afloat the Shamrock V, built in Gosport at Camper and Nicholson in 1930! This is a once in a lifetime chance to see this amazing boat that is a key part of the heritage of Gosport. Unlike the other boats, you won’t be allowed onboard this one… SORRY!

Operating Trips out on the water with be: Wheelchair Accessible Wetwheels Solent, Andrew Simpson Foundation with their Hawk sailboats, Spirit of Scott Bader (Disabled Sailors Association) and the historic landing craft Foxtrot 8 over from Boathouse 4.

3. Model Boats and a pyrotechnic display!

The Portsmouth Model Boat Display Team will be putting on their show including pyrotechnic explosions scheduled for 1pm and 4pm (subject to conditions on the day), which always draw a crowd. Plus the model sailboats of the Gosport Model Yacht & Boat Club will be out for you to see and perhaps even have a try!

4. Gosport’s Own Shanty Festival Across 4 locations

‘Tales from the Sea’ is the launch of Gosport’s very own Shanty Festival spread over 4 locations all within walking distance. With 15 shanty groups and meaning over 100 individual performers filling 5 performance location with foot-stomping, wave-riding sea shanties all day long! Check them out from 11am at: Falkland Gardens next to the Gosport Ferry, The Creek at Haslar Marina, Walpole Park next to the Cockle Pond, aboard the Lightship at Haslar Marina and on the main stage on Gosport Waterfront at Millenium Timespace. 

5. Food, Drink and Live Music until 9pm

There will be market stalls and exhibitors around Trinity Green all day. But once the activities wind down after 4pm: local bands including Flo Hind and the Bay House School Function Band will keep the atmosphere going at Millennium Timespace on Gosport Waterfront from 5pm until 9pm. The amazing Twisted Fiddle will close out the festival from 8pm.

The festival is provided to the public free of charge thanks to the hard work of local organisations and supported by Gosport Borough Council.

No need to book, just turn up!

Photo credit: Andy Newbold