One week to go until the Gosport Marine Festival - book free activities now

Gosport Marine Festival © onEdition

With one week to go until the Gosport Marine Festival, there's still time to pre-book the free kayaking, sailing and stand-up paddle boarding sessions at this fun filled family day out.

Taking place on Saturday 4th September (10am-5pm), all the activities, entertainment and refreshments are based around the waterfront in Gosport at Millennium Timespace, Trinity Green, Cockle Pond and boatfolk's Haslar Marina.

Following a parade with Rose and Thistle Pipes and Drums in Timespace, the guest of honour at this year's festival, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, will officially open the festival at 10am with the Mayor of Gosport, Cllr Mark Hook. Everyone is welcome to attend.

All pre-bookable activities are free, and safety equipment is provided. On the day, participants are encouraged to wear clothing that they don't mind getting wet, and to bring a towel.

To pre-book the remaining slots for kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding, as well as trips on Sail Training Vessel, Spirit of Scott Bader, and performances by Circo Rum Ba Ba women's theatre troupe and its enormous inflatable Sperm Whale visit here.

With so many free activities available, both on and off the water, an electric programme of entertainment from local performers, including the Military Wives Choir, and tasty treats provided by onsite vendors, the Gosport Marine Festival is shaping up to be brilliant community event, even for those preferring to stay on dry land.

"There really is something for everyone at this year's festival," says Barry Easton-Corke, Gosport Marine Festival chairman. "We're thrilled with the level of interest so far, with some activities fully booked already, although there are still plenty of opportunities remaining to try something new and get out on the water. It's going to be a fantastic day, so get online and get booking now."

In addition, it will be possible to take a tour round a Border Force Coastal Patrol Vessel and explore a range of historic ships including Steam Pinnace, Medusa and WW2 High Speed Launch 102. These do not require pre-booking and will be available to all throughout the day.

For more information on the Gosport Marine Festival or to book online visit here.

Organised by Portsmouth Harbour Marine in partnership with Gosport Borough Council, the Gosport Marine Festival is supported by the Andrew Simpson Foundation, boatfolk, the owners of Haslar Marina, Hampshire County Council, Wates Residential, Gosport Hospital Radio, MAA, British Marine Trades Association, ASDA, Seldén Mast, Lee-on-the-Solent and Stokes Bay Sailing Clubs, Gosport Sea Cadets, Gosport Scouts, Master Mariners, Victoria Quay, Regional City Airports (Solent Airport), SubSea Craft, Trafalgar Properties and Premier Gosport Marina.