Dorset Seafood Festival, 4-5 July 2026

 Starts in two days and free to attend:

­ Two days to go. See you on the waterfront.   Dear Seafood Festival Friends,   The Dorset Seafood Festival is nearly here, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome you back to Weymouth waterfront. This year is a special one. After years away, the festival returns to where it all began, free to attend and better than ever. Over 70 stallholders, live chef demos, two days of music, the finest fresh seafood and some very good drinks. Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July. We cannot wait to see you there.   GETTING HERE ­ South Western Railway ­ South Western Railway runs regular services into Weymouth from across the South West. Leave the car at home and arrive stress-free. ­ See ­ Park and Ride ­ Driving? Use the park and ride. It keeps traffic moving and means you can enjoy the weekend without worrying about parking. ­ You ­ On foot ­ Already in Weymouth? Lucky you! The festival is right on the waterfront, so just follow the crowds and the smell of fresh seafood. Cheers! ­ There ­ ON THE DAY ­ It's looking like a beautiful weekend. We'd recommend bringing sunscreen and keeping water handy throughout the day, especially if you're planning to make a full day of it. With temperatures expected to reach 24 to 25 degrees, it's worth leaving your dog at home during the hottest part of the day. If you do want to bring them along, Saturday runs until 7pm, so a later visit when it's cooler is much kinder on four-legged friends. ­ The Fishermen's Mission SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE ­ The Fishermen's Mission is the official charity of the Dorset Seafood Festival, and over the years the festival has raised over £100,000 for the organisation. This weekend, every penny raised goes directly to supporting active and retired fishermen and their families. There are plenty of ways to get involved. Visit the Fishermen's Mission stand, bid on something at Duncan Lucas' daily fish auction, or keep an eye out for Albert, their much-loved mascot, who'll be roaming the festival all weekend collecting donations. It all adds up. ­ The Fish Mish FUN FOR LITTLE FISH Weymouth has been a seaside family favourite for generations, and the festival is no different. There's plenty to keep younger visitors busy alongside all the food, music and harbour atmosphere. Diamond Faces (Face Painting) (Stand 1) Dorset's number one face painting artists, with residencies at many of the region's top family attractions and holiday parks. Whether you fancy a lobster, a crab or something altogether more creative, the Diamond Faces team are on hand throughout the weekend to add a splash of colour. Friends At Broadmayne School (FABS) (Stand 76) FABS brings a hands on, ocean themed kids craft stall to the festival - paint scallop shells, make fish ornaments and more. Activities are available to purchase, with all proceeds supporting Broadmayne First School. Come and get creative with us! Crabbing on the Harbour Crabbing is one of the great British seaside traditions, and Weymouth Harbour is a brilliant spot for it. It's not part of the official festival programme, but if you're making a day of it, grab a line and give it a go. Look out for the crabbing recycling bins along the harbour, which are there to remind everyone of the Crabbing Code: Use a bait bag, not a hook Maximum 3 crabs per bucket, and return any crabs that are fighting Replace the sea water every 10 minutes and keep your bucket in the shade Return crabs to the sea gently Take all kit and litter with you when you're done, or use the recycling bins The festival runs across five named zones: Shoreline along the esplanade, The Deck around the Pavilion, The Galley for the chef demonstrations, The Landing for Coastal Vibes harbour cruises, and Harbour Quarter stretching toward town. All connected, all on the waterfront. With thanks to Dorset Council, Hall & Woodhouse, Louis Pommery England, Weird Fish, South Western Rail, Coastal Vibes, Rockfish, Precision Engineering CNC, Dorset Food & Drink. Dorset Seafood Festival 4th and 5th July 2026 Weymouth Harbour and Esplanade Free to attend Dorset Seafood Festivals LTD