Exeter Custom House is hosting a maritime-themed festival celebrating the city’s maritime history and Heritage Harbour status on Sunday 8 June at Exeter Quay.
Returning for a third year, the event will take place at across the quay, waterfront, canal basin and at Exeter Custom House and Transit Shed, Piazza Terracina and Exeter Phoenix.
There will be steam boats, classic cars, custom house exhibitions, a ride-on railway and a display by West Country Knotters.
Talks include Matt Newbury sharing his experiences of swimming in fresh and salt water in Devon and Red Coat Guide Jon Bell’s Tales of the Land and Songs of the Sea.
Exeter Custom House
The 100-year old sailing smack Britannia will be open for the day at the canal basin, with live music performed on board by Mariners Away, and Tamar barge Lynher 1986 will be open for visits at Kings Wharf.
Exeter Phoenix is screening Wind, Tide & Oar, a 16mm film shot over three years on a hand-wound camera in which director Huw Wahl captures the experience of engine-less sailing of rivers, coasts and open seas.
Heritage Harbours is a joint initiative between the Maritime Heritage Trust, National Historic Ships, Historic England and local groups across the country.
It helps safeguard and preserve historic buildings, quays and shipyards in coastal and inland sites.
Friends of Exeter Ship Canal was instrumental in gaining Heritage Harbour status for Exeter’s canal, basin and quay. It is one of only twelve such designations.
This year’s Heritage Harbour Festival takes place from 11am-4pm on Sunday 8 June 2025 at Exeter Quay.
All events are free to attend except the screening of Wind, Tide & Oar at Exeter Phoenix.
For more information visit the Exeter Custom House website.
