Residents, visitors and food lovers are invited to save the date as Festival of the Sea returns to Grimsby on Saturday 20 June 2026 for a packed day of celebration on Alexandra Dock and in the town centre.
Now in its sixth year, this free, family-friendly festival celebrates the town’s proud maritime heritage and world-leading seafood industry, with a vibrant programme of entertainment, activities and food experiences. Only last year, the festival got “Highly Commended” as Festival of the Year at the Greater Lincolnshire Tourism Awards.
This year’s artistic programme will feature:
- A chance to meet the crew from RNLI Cleethorpes and learn about their lifesaving work
- The Big Fish Family Quiz Show! – fun, interactive entertainment for all ages
- Live Seafood Cooking Demonstrations with the UK Seafood School
- A Main Stage showcasing local musicians, plus a sea shanty singalong
- A curated food and drink offer celebrating the town’s connection to the sea
- Guided tours, street theatre and circus sensory workshops
The festival is proudly supported by North East Lincolnshire Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Cabinet member for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, said: “I am delighted that this Festival is back for another year and will once again provide a showcase for our area with a leading seafood sector and local creative talent. Looking at the programme, it will be packed with family entertainment and will be a great day for local families.”
The 2026 festival is being shaped with strong input from the community steering group and partners from across the seafood sector, marking an exciting step towards a more community-led future for the event.
Nigel Edwards of Seachill, a member of the festival steering group, said: “This year’s Festival of the Sea is a real testament to Grimsby’s heritage as a global seafood hub. We’re incredibly proud of the industry here and the people behind it, and we’re looking forward to businesses, residents and visitors joining us to help make 2026 the best festival yet.”
More programme announcements will be revealed in the coming months. Follow Festival of the Sea on social media @festivalofsea @swans_events
Applications are now open for traders, with organisers encouraging street food vendors to apply and showcase the very best produce – particularly seafood dishes that reflect Grimsby’s identity. Traders interested in being part of the event can find application details here: www.festivaloftheseagrimsby.co.uk.
Don’t forget, we’re backing the Town of Culture bid too – visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/GY28 for more information.
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