Plymouth Seafood & Harbour Festival returns

Plymouth Seafood & Harbour Festival returns

The Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival returns on the 17th and 18th September. Here is a rundown of the festival’s events.

Plymouth Seafood & Harbour Festival returns

The Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival returns to Sutton Harbour and the Barbican on the 17th and 18th September. Free to attend, the festival is brought to you by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership (PWP) and supported by sponsors including Sutton Harbour Group and this year’s title sponsor Eco-Plug Ltd. This vibrant weekender celebrates Britain’s Ocean City’s fishing heritage while also showcasing sustainably caught fresh fish.

The event is always a hit that sees thousands of visitors heading to the Barbican and Sutton Harbour.

From seafood experts to free family fun there is sure to be something for everyone. We have put together a rundown of the festival’s events.

Cookery theatre

You may not know them by name or by face — but you’re likely to recognise their cooking. Talented local chefs will take to the stage over the course of the two days creating spectacular fish dishes. The theatre will be located at West Pier right by the Mayflower Steps with shows happening between 10am and 4pm. Bring something to take notes so you can hold on to those award-winning top tips.

You can even enjoy some refreshments at the festival’s official bar, Ventons Devon Cyder, alongside the theatre.

For an entire Cookery Theatre Programme of who is cooking and when click here.

Plymouth Seafood & Harbour Festival returns

The demo marquee

Plymouth Trawler Agents will be supplying the array of local fish species on display in the demo marquee. Found in the Education Zone in Quay Square, this is a chance to get up close and personal. Also, the experts will be on hand to answer any questions you may have on how best to prepare seafood dishes.

Has something caught your fancy? The fish auction will be taking place on Sunday at 4pm from the cookery theatre. This will be festivalgoers’ opportunity to get their hands on some of the fresh seafood on offer. All of the proceeds will go to the charity Fisherman’s Mission.

Plymouth Seafood & Harbour Festival returns

Trade stalls 

If the cookery theatre or the demo marquee whets your appetite, then you’re in luck. There will be over 30 traders at the Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival this year. With a variety of stalls spanning The Parade, Quay Square and West Pier, where will you head first? Selling street food and sweet treats to fresh fish and flapjacks, the festival is sure to satisfy any cravings.

However, there won’t just be food to find. You’ll also discover innovative, biodegradable fishing gear from Odyssey Innovation as well as clothing and accessories from lifestyle boutique TenTen. The title sponsor, Eco-Plug Ltd can also be found at The Parade at pitches nine and ten. They’ll be offering fun activities as well as free help and advice on being more cost-efficient with energy at home.

You’ll also be able to find several stands from local community groups and charities making a difference in and around Plymouth. Clean Our Patch CIC work with Plymouth Council to keep urban and rural areas tidy. The Ocean Conservation Trust are one of the core partners of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. They will be hosting a range of activities and demonstrations.

Plymouth Seafood & Harbour Festival returns

Artists and craftspeople 

Amongst the trade stalls, you will also be able to find artist Debby Mason who creates captivating sea-themed art. Certainly, the attention to detail in her hand-printed textiles would make a great gift or brighten up any home. Commemorate the exciting weekend you had at the Plymouth Seafood and Harbour festival and support a local artist.

You can also watch an insightful demonstration from David French, a fifth-generation traditional withy pot maker. He is one of only a small number of craftspeople left in the trade. The pots are biodegradable, and they’re made of sustainably sourced willow from Somerset. They have been used for fishing for hundreds of years to catch fresh crab and lobsters. Now you can watch one of the few remaining craftsmen in action.

Why not let your kids be the artist? A free shell painting activity will be available at the demo marquee to allow them to unleash their creativity. In addition, the Fisherman’s Mission will also have a stall where kids can take part in games and activities.

Additionally, for a full list of the free children’s activities happening, go here.

Plymouth Seafood & Harbour Festival returns

Access information and site map 

This event sees thousands of people attending Plymouth over the course of the two days. It’s an exciting, bustling event however some may prefer to visit during quieter periods. There is also a chill-out zone and information points dotted around to assist festivalgoers. For all access information, please click here for full details.

There is a site map available with cookery theatre timings and other information. These will be available at the festival, however, if you’d like to see one in advance, click here.

This exciting event is happening right on the doorstep of Sutton Harbour. It’s a great time to celebrate the Ocean City’s heritage and showcase its fishing industry.

Be sure to follow Sutton Harbour on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to keep up with exciting developments and news happening within the city.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn