Is it a floating Christmas tree? Father Christmas swimming in the water? Or has the Bristol Light Festival come a little earlier than expected? No, obviously, none of those. It’s an Illuminated Boat Parade. A glowing procession of vessels sets sail this weekend (Saturday, December 13) to light up the Harbourside.
Cabot Cruising Club’s festive boat parade will pass through the western end of the Floating Harbour—and include a range of powered vessels leading the way, followed by a glowing flotilla of manual crafts. You’re invited to Underfall Yard to watch it take off with a seasonal Baileys Hot Chocolate or a luxury gingerbread hot chocolate.
When does the Illuminated Boat Parade set off?
The boat parade starts at Cumberland Basin at 6pm, with powered vessels leading the way, followed by the more silent, glowing manual crafts setting off from Underfall Yard at 6.15pm. Underfall Cafe will be open from 5:30pm to 6:30pm for all boat enthusiasts and is the perfect spot to watch the excitement build before launch.
Whether it’s a 40-foot cruiser or a solo canoe, everyone with a boat is welcome to get involved (you can learn more about that by heading here). The route will take the Illuminated Boat Parade from Cumberland Basin through Prince Street Bridge, before arriving in Bathurst Basin.
The huge gathering of water-faring vessels will create one final dazzling display of light on the water, before mooring up for the evening. There’ll then be mince pies and mulled wine aplenty at the nearby John Sebastian Light Ship (just off of Commercial Road and Lower Guinea Street).
What is the timeline?
- 17:30: The historic Prince Street Bridge will swing open.
- 18:00: The powered vessels begin the parade from Cumberland Basin.
- 18:15: The manual craft will launch from Underfall Yard, joining the rear of the procession.
- 18:20 – 18:45: The full parade will pass through Prince Street Bridge (the best viewing opportunities are on the bridge, at Narrow Quay and at Pero’s Bridge).
- 19:00: The vessels arrive in Bathurst Basin.