It’s an Underfall Yard Christmas, and we warmly invite you to a day of festive celebrations this December
On Saturday 5th December, Underfall Yard transforms into a winter wonderland in our Christmas edition of Slipway Sessions. From 12pm, visit our Visitor Centre and outdoor terrace for free as we host a range of activities and entertainment. Leading all the way up to the main event: a front-row seat to the start of the Illuminated Boat Parade.
See the harbour equipped with Christmas lights during the Illuminated Boat Parade!
Organised by the Cabot Cruising Club, the Illuminated Boat Parade was an overwhelming success with its debut last year, and hundreds of you visited the Yard to see all the vessels covered in fairy lights and Christmas costumes. This year, the parade is going even bigger. From private boat owners to famous harbour businesses, and even some of the businesses of the Yard, secure your spot at the Yard to watch the start of the parade at 6pm. We will have urns of hot festive drinks available to purchase from both our inside and outside bar, so you can keep warm as you witness the harbour in a new light.
It’s an all-star musical lineup on the Underfall Yard stage!
Along with the boat parade, we have invited a few of our favourite performers from the past 12 months back to our stage for a great display of local talent from across the city. We have collated such a fantastic range of musicians thanks to the success of Slipway Sessions and our festivals this year, and we’re beyond excited to invite them all back to bring a bit of festive cheer. Expect to sing along to a carol or two.
See The Matthew up close on our patent slipway
One of Bristol’s most famous vessels, deep in historical value, The Matthew is a replica of the ship John Cabot sailed to Newfoundland in 1947. She will be up on our slipway for her annual repairs during the boat parade, and it is your chance to see the fantastic model up close and out of the water. You will even have the chance to talk to some Matthew volunteers to learn more.
Prizes to be won in our charity tombola
The Underfall Yard Trust is a registered charity that acts as custodians for the Victorian-era site, maintaining the listed buildings on site and supporting the traditional boatbuilders and maritime businesses that occupy them. We have a range of fantastic prizes donated to us from friends and businesses of the Yard to go into our tombola, with every paid entry being a donation to the Underfall Yard Trust.
Last year’s parade (courtesy of Trevor George)