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Photos credit of Mick Howes.
Plan a visit to the coast this summer as the Lowestoft Maritime Festival returns on Saturday 29 August 2026, from 10am to 4pm on South Pier.
Organised by Jet Adventures, with support from Lowestoft Town Council, East Suffolk One Radio, East Point Pavilion and the Barge Number 9 Project, this much-loved event brings together visitors and residents for a lively celebration of Lowestoft’s maritime heritage.
Set against the backdrop of the working waterfront, the festival offers a brilliant day out with a strong community feel and plenty to see and do.
What to expect
From the moment you arrive, the South Pier quay comes alive with activity. Visitors can expect:
- Historic vessels and maritime displays along the waterfront
- Opportunities to step aboard traditional boats
- Family-friendly activities and entertainment
- A vibrant atmosphere celebrating Lowestoft’s fishing and seafaring past
Event organiser John Kitching of Jet Adventures said: “This festival is our way of bringing the community together for a brilliant day out, while ensuring the Lydia Eva, Mincarlo, Excelsior, and the RNLI crew can continue their vital work for generations to come.”
Don’t miss Mincarlo
A highlight of the festival, and a standout attraction in Lowestoft year-round, is Mincarlo, the last surviving sidewinder fishing trawler built in the town.
Moored on Heritage Quay, South Pier, Mincarlo offers a unique, hands-on glimpse into the town’s fishing industry and the lives of those who worked at sea.
Visit throughout the season
- Until 23 May: Mon–Thu & Sat, 10am–2pm
- From 23 May to end of October: Daily, 10am–4pm
See her come to life
- Main engine running:
1st & 3rd Wednesdays each month, 11am–12pm (subject to conditions)
With knowledgeable volunteers on board, you can explore the vessel, hear real stories from Lowestoft’s fishing past, and experience how life on board would have felt.
- Free entry (donations welcome)
- Authentic interiors and working spaces
- A rare vessel built and powered in Lowestoft
Supporting local maritime heritage
As well as offering a great day out, the festival plays an important role in supporting local maritime causes. Proceeds will be shared equally between:
- Lydia Eva
- Mincarlo
- RNLI Lowestoft Fundraising Team
- Excelsior
Cllr Nasima Begum, Mayor of Lowestoft, said: “Lowestoft’s maritime history is rich and part of the town’s identity, so it’s wonderful to see this event celebrating our heritage.”
Plan your visit
The Maritime Festival is a perfect reason to explore Lowestoft. Pair your visit with a walk along the beach, time on the promenade, or a stop at one of the town’s cafes and attractions.
Saturday 29 August 2026 | 10am–4pm | South Pier, Lowestoft
👉 Support the festival:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/lowestoft-maritime-festival
Come for the festival, and discover even more of Lowestoft’s unique maritime story.
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Be part of the team helping deliver one of Lowestoft’s most exciting and talked-about events. First Light Festival transforms Lowestoft’s seafront into a vibrant celebration of arts, culture and community. With over 200 free events across the weekend, it shines a spotlight on both nationally recognised acts and the incredible creativity found right here in our town. Behind every great festival is a dedicated team - and volunteers are at the heart of it.
In 2025, volunteers contributed an impressive 450+ hours over just two days, playing a vital role in creating the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that makes First Light so special. With even bigger plans for 2026, now is the perfect time to get involved.
Why volunteer?
- Be part of a major event in Lowestoft
- Meet new people and build experience
- Gain confidence and new skills
- Enjoy the festival from a behind-the-scenes perspective
What you’ll need
- A positive, friendly attitude
- Availability on 20 and/or 21 June 2026
- Reliability and willingness to get involved
- Comfort working outdoors and with the public
Roles available
There are a range of opportunities to suit different interests, including:
- Event Stewards - supporting performances and helping everything run smoothly
- Festival Ambassadors - welcoming visitors and sharing information
- Environment Wardens - helping keep the site clean and sustainable
- Campsite Stewards - supporting visitors staying on site
- Artist Parking Stewards - assisting performers on arrival
A flexible and supportive experience
No two days at a festival are the same - and that’s part of the fun. You may find yourself helping in ways you didn’t expect, but every role contributes to the bigger picture.
First Light Festival welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and is committed to being as inclusive as possible. If you have specific access requirements, the team will work with you to find a suitable role wherever possible.
Ready to get involved?
Volunteering at First Light Festival is more than just giving your time - it’s about being part of something that celebrates everything great about Lowestoft.
If you have any questions, you can contact the team at:
Or for more information visit: https://firstlightlowestoft.com/volunteer/
Lowestoft’s FREE summer multi-arts festival is returning to South Beach – and we need your help! We’re looking for brilliant volunteers to join the First Light team and help us deliver this truly unique event.
