charity partner applications for 2026 will be opening soon!
If you would like to be notified when applications please complete the Expression of Interest Form here: https://form.jotform.com/251775434792366
Bristol Harbour Festival is seeking an official charity partner for our 2026 event, offering a unique opportunity for a charitable organisation to gain significant exposure and community engagement. As the festival attracts over 250,000 visitors annually, the selected charity will benefit from heightened visibility, potential fundraising through on-site activities, and the chance to align with one of the UK's largest free cultural events.
In previous years, partnerships have included:
- A press release announcing the partnership
- Social media posts
- Multiple onsite activations driving donations with activities/info
- Additional donation points across the festival site
- Demonstrations such as a water safety demo within the On The Water Arena
- Live performances such as Sea Shanty choirs, provided by the charity
- Talk opportunities on the Expression Stage
However, we are open to any ideas you may have to engage with festival-goers!
All-Aboard watersports were our charity partner for 2025, bringing the power of the water to everyone in our community
All-Aboard Watersports is a Bristol-based charity delivering water-based therapy in the city’s Harbour. Since 1974, they have been making sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding accessible to all – particularly people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, those experiencing social isolation, or facing financial barriers. Their aim is for at least 50% of participants to come from these groups.
Based on Cumberland Road, All-Aboard offers fully accessible facilities and adaptive equipment, enabling wheelchair users and people with limited mobility to get out on the water in kayaks, paddleboards and powerboats.
Across the 2025 festival weekend, All-Aboard were based in Millennium Square, where audiences could learn more about their life-changing work. They ran a fundraising raffle with prizes including a handcrafted boat. They also delivered Have-a-Go sessions at Baltic Wharf, offering the public the chance to get out on the water using their full range of boats and accessible craft.
On Sunday, they delivered an On The Water showcase featuring eight of their accessible crafts, including adaptable kayaks and wheelchair-accessible powerboats.
Their work is made possible through donations, grants and sponsorship. To find out how to support inclusive watersports in Bristol, visit allaboardwatersports.co.uk/help-us/donating.
