With the reopening of the yard’s harbourside walkway and the launch of Underfall Market, this year has certainly been a busy one for the Yard. It has been wonderful to see visitors returning to the Yard in larger numbers, exploring the site and bringing its character back.

Underfall Yard has always had a strong sense of community and that has survived, even thrived, as the Recovery and Reinstatement Project continues. Here are a few inspiring examples of the support that has been given since the fire in May 2023:

Thekla

From one historic harbour site to another! The legendary floating music venue (originally a working container ship) made a hugely generous donation in the aftermath of the fire at Underfall Yard.

Bristol Beer Factory

On top of a generous donation to the Yard’s recovery, Underfall Yard Trust was the inaugural recipient of Bristol Beer Factory’s “Brewed to Give” campaign, where they donated stock and bar equipment to the Yard’s outdoor bar for events. This was a huge hit at busy summer events such as Bristol Sea Shanty Festival and Yard Fest. We are very thankful and proud to be involved in this exciting initiative, which supports a wide variety of organisations and charities in the Bristol area.

Free Severn Sound

A collective of Bristol-based musicians, many of Free Severn Sound’s members are based on boats in the Floating Harbour. To show their support for Underfall Yard, they held a raucous pirate-themed fundraiser at Zed Alley, with all ticket sales going to Underfall Yard Trust. It was fantastic fun and very exciting to see some fabulous new bands making their debut.

Residents of Greville Street

Just a few months after the fire, a group of Bedminster residents organised a street party fundraiser, with Underfall Yard Trust as one of their chosen charities. They set themselves an initial goal of £100, eventually raising a phenomenal £320.

Toad Army performing at Scallywag, a fundraiser for Underfall Yard in September 2024

What makes this even more remarkable, is that we did not approach these supporters to ask for their help. They approached us with their own ideas and offers of support, which truly demonstrates how much Underfall Yard means to the people of Bristol.

As well as representing the city’s industrial past, it is clear that the Yard continues to be part of Bristol’s present and future. Whether you have made a one-time donation, recommended our café or organised a fundraiser, thank you so much to everyone who has played a part in kickstarting the Yard’s recovery. We will continue to share stories of the amazing support we receive.

How to support Underfall Yard

Donate – Every donation, now matter how small, helps Underfall Yard Trust to preserve and manage this historic working boatyard. Visit our JustGiving page here…

Volunteer – Can you offer your time to support the Yard? Read more about our volunteering program here…

Pay us a Visit – Next time you visit the Floating Harbour, come down to the yard, buy a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere. The cafe is run by Underfall Yard Trust, with all proceeds supporting the charity’s work.

Talk to Us – Have you thought of another way to support the Yard? Get in touch and share it with us at recovery@underfallyard.co.uk

Read more about the recovery and Reinstatement Project here…