This year, St Ives Harbour will come alive with Boats in the Bay – a vibrant celebration of the town’s rich maritime heritage, fishing traditions and enduring connection to the sea.
For generations, the waters of St Ives Bay have shaped the town’s character, livelihood and community spirit. From the early pilchard fisheries to the inshore boats that still land their catch today, fishing remains at the heart of St Ives. Boats in the Bay is an opportunity to honour that living heritage – not as something of the past, but as a story that continues every day on our harbour.
We are delighted to be working alongside the Jumbo Association, whose dedication to preserving and sailing traditional Cornish luggers helps keep historic maritime skills alive. Their beautiful vessels are a powerful reminder of the craftsmanship, resilience and seamanship that have long defined Cornwall’s coastal communities.
The event will bring together working fishing boats, heritage vessels and the wider community for a day of colour, atmosphere and celebration on and around the harbour. It’s a chance to see St Ives from a different perspective – to pause and appreciate the boats, the stories and the people who make this place so special.
Whether you’re a lifelong local, a returning visitor or discovering St Ives for the first time, Boats in the Bay is the perfect excuse to spend the day by the water. Wander the harbour, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the town’s independent shops and galleries, and sample some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere.
Better still, why not make a weekend of it? With stunning beaches, coastal walks and a packed calendar of cultural experiences, St Ives offers far more than a day trip. Boats in the Bay provides the ideal moment to slow down, explore and reconnect with the sea.
Join us as we celebrate our fishing heritage, honour our maritime traditions and look ahead to the future of our harbour – all set against the unforgettable backdrop of St Ives Bay.
