News stories and events happening at Bristol Harbour and the surrounding area
Capricorn Quay
Floating Ecosystems provide a green sanctuary in Bristol Harbour
New mooring at Capricorn Quay
New mooring have been installed at Capricorn Quay to allow even more boaters to visit and stay in Bristol Harbour.
The pontoons are being equipped with final facilities, including a floating cabin with a composting toilet.
Keep an eye on this page for updates on the opening date.
Birdman competition
The first ‘Birdman' competition to take place in Bristol was a success with thousands lining the harbourfront.
The spectacle on 15 June saw people in homemade contraptions try to 'fly' as far as possible from a raised platform into the water.
The event was great fun with some incredibly clever themed costumes and has raised more than £10,000 for the youth charity Grassroots Communities. Bristol Harbour Team also took part in the competition.
Unfortunately there was very little ‘flying' from the team but a lot of ‘falling' and of course plenty of laughter!
Reduced operation of Cumberland Basin lock gates
Bristol Harbour Authority will be reducing the number of times the gates at Cumberland Basin will open for the next four weeks (from June 26 2025) to undertake important repairs.
Anyone needing to take their boat out of Bristol Harbour via Cumberland Basin or planning to arrive should contact the Harbour Office on 0117 903 1484 to discuss the options and arrangements that are available for moving their boat.
More information on our notice to mariners page.
Tall ship, the Galeón Andalucía to arrive in Bristol Harbour in July
The ship is a full-scale replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon built in 2009 by the Nao Victoria Foundation. It was designed and developed by Ignacio Fernández Vial at the Punta Umbria shipyard in Huelva, Spain.
The Galeón Andalucía is a replica of the ship used by the Spanish during the 16th to 17th centuries, in the maritime expeditions of discovery and inter-oceanic trade between Spain, America and the Philippines of the so-called fleets of the Indies.
Visitors will be able to see the ship during the Bristol Harbour Festival, and even explore on board and meet the crew members.
Events
Harbour Festival, Friday 18 to Sunday 19 July 2025
The festival has events on the water and in the streets and squares around the harbour. Come and enjoy music, entertainment, food stalls and more.
Complete our audience survey to let us know about your time at the festival.
Underfall Market, Saturday 19 July 2025
Local arts, crafts and food traders and Victorian-era workshops. Check the website for more dates in 2025.
New Wave Gympanzees dragon boat race, Sunday 21 September, 10am to 4pm
The dragon boat race will take place on the south side of the harbour at Baltic Wharf, between the Cottage Inn and the Bristol Marina.
Bristol Canoe Club sprint regatta, Saturday 18 October 2025, 10am to 5pm
Information to follow
Clean up Bristol Harbour
Monthly litterpicks with Clean Up Bristol Harbour. Check the website for dates in 2025.
Open water early morning swimming sessions
Every Sunday morning, sauna sessions available too.