Gosport Marine Festival takes place on Saturday 17th May 2025. It’s a fun day for all that has been running for over 10 years and celebrates marine activities, heritage and culture in Gosport.

On Walpole Park’s boating lakes from 10am until 4pm there are walk-up, have-a-go activities for all ages, including paddleboarding, kayaking and dinghy sailing. The Portsmouth Model Boat Display Team will be putting on their show including pyrotechnic explosions, which always draw a crowd.

Over by the Harbour and in Haslar Marina there are more marine activities, boat trips, stalls and live music including the launch of Gosport’s very own Shanty Festival spread over 4 locations. Local bands including Flo Hind and the Bay House School Function Band will play out the festival at Millennium Timespace on Gosport Waterfront from 5pm until 9pm.

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!

Meet local organisations and inspiring people

The festival is an ideal opportunity to meet local organisations that provide inspiring opportunities to learn skills and qualifications. Including: The Andrew Simpson Foundation, GoSport Activity Centre, Gosport Sea Cadets, Gosport Scouts, QinetiQ, Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service, The Nautical Training Corps and many more!

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 woodent J Class Yacht still afloat the Shamrock V, built in Gosport in 1930.

Operating Trips with be: Wetwheels Solent, Andrew Simpson Foundation with their Hawk sailboats, Spirit of Scott Bader (Disabled Sailors Association) and Foxtrot 8 landing craft over from Boathouse 4 courtesy of Portsmouth Historic Quarter.

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers needed! The Gosport Marine Festival relies on support from many local businesses, watersports clubs and volunteers to make it happen. We need your help! 

We are still looking for volunteers to man our registration stalls on the 17th May, to ensure participants are registered, know about all the activities on offer and get information about the event. 

Registration will be from 1000 to 1545. Join a fun team and do your part in ensuring a great day for everyone! If you’re interested in volunteering please contact us or complete this signup form https://forms.office.com/e/dv53AH2YQY

Photo by Brandon McDonald on Unsplash