Big Give’s Christmas Challenge. Double the donation, double the difference!
The Underfall Yard Trust are honoured to be a part of Big Give’s Christmas Challenge this year. From the 2nd – 9th December, every donation made through our Big Give page is matched by our champion funder Reed Foundation, and our pledgees Seetru and Wring Group LTD.
If you donate £1, The Underfall Yard Trust receives £2
Your support during the Christmas Challenge means we are closer to reaching our goal to bring back the buildings and facilities lost in the devastating fire back in 2023. Our Recovery and Reinstatement Project has reached its final phase of rebuilding our flagship workshop – The Big Shed – alongside its three adjoining structures.
Once rebuilt, The Big Shed and adjoining structures will highlight the legacy of the Yard with a like-for-like finished look, including our signature ‘Underfall Yard’ lettering for all of the harbour to see. We will also be instituting updated interior work so the unique nineteenth-century site is suitable for twenty-first-century uses.
Keep the craft of boatbuilding alive this Christmas
We are one of the last remaining Victorian-era dock maintenance sites that is still in working order, supporting the day-to-day operations of the famous Floating Harbour as well as hosting various maritime and boatbuilding businesses.
All donations will go towards inviting boatbuilders back to the Yard to continue their work, as well as facilitating educational programmes to help keep the endangered craft of boatbuilding alive in the UK.
Donate to our Christmas Challenge: Visit the Big Give page
Underfall Yard transforms into a festive wonderland this December for the Underfall Christmas Fair
Join Underfall Yard for a festive weekend on the 6th and 7th December for free as the historic boatyard transforms into the perfect place for seasonal cheer with an amazing harbourside view!
The famous Bristol ship ‘The Matthew’ joins the boatyard, giving visitors the chance to get a closer look at the replica of John Cabot’s ship. Take advantage of the rare opportunity to see it out of the water!
Enjoy great entertainment through music and poetry performances throughout the weekend from groups such as Feast of Fools, Bristol Folk Choir and the IsamBards. We are happy to announce that we also have an open mic offering, for which we still have space available for you to sign up!
You can savour the great melodies alongside some festive hot drinks and snacks courtesy of Underfall Cafe.
Guests can even embrace their own creativity at the ‘create your own trinket’ station, making a unique item to either decorate the Underfall Yard Christmas tree or take home as a personal keepsake. The retail area has been updated with fan-favourite stock and Christmas-themed designs from local artists, the perfect time to get some Christmas shopping done!
Free entry for everyone, all while fundraising for Underfall Yard’s Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign, where every donation is doubled.
Things to do at the Christmas Fair!
Saturday Activities
10am-3pm: Create your own Christmas trinket
10am – 4pm: The Matthew’s Christmas Tombola
11am & 12pm: Pump run demonstration
Saturday Performances:
The IsamBards (Poetry): 11:30am & 1:10pm
Feast of Fools (Singing): 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30pm
Sunday Activities
10am-3pm: Create your own Christmas trinket
10am – 1pm: The Matthew’s Christmas Tombola
11am & 12pm: Pump run demonstration
Sunday Performances
Bristol Folk Singers (Singing): 12pm-12:30pm
Open Mic: 1:30pm-4pm
Sign up for a slot today! https://calendly.com/market-underfallyard/open-mic
Witness the harbour light up with the Illuminated Boat Parade!
On the 13th December, and organised by our good friends Cabot Cruising Club, spectators can take a look at the shimmering procession of vessels passing through the western end of the Floating Harbour. The boat parade will include a range of powered vessels leading the way, followed by a glowing flotilla of manual crafts. A perfect way to celebrate the festive season on the harbour!
See the fantastic launch at Underfall Yard
The boat parade starts at Cumberland Basin at 6pm, with powered vessels leading the charge. By 6:15, the silent glowing manual crafts will launch from Underfall Yard.
To mark the start of this amazing event, Underfall Cafe will be open from 5:30pm – 6:30pm for visitors and boat enthusiasts to see the one-of-a-kind display as soon as it starts.
Keep warm with hot drinks courtesy of Underfall Cafe
Arriving early means you will be first in line to grab a seasonal Baileys Hot Chocolate or a luxury gingerbread hot chocolate to warm your hands in the evening. We are the perfect vantage point to watch the excitement build as the fleet prepares to launch.