Bridlington Sailing Coble Festival 2026 celebrates fishing heritage
The Bridlington Sailing Coble Festival 2026, organised by the Bridlington Sailing Coble Preservation Society (BSCPS), returns to celebrate the region’s rich fishing heritage. First staged in 2016, this popular free event continues to attract visitors eager to experience traditional coble boats and coastal culture.
Historic coble boats on display
The festival opens at 10am each day, with traditional cobles moored along Harbour Road near the Harbour Heritage Museum. These historic fishing vessels will then head out into Bridlington Bay for scheduled sailing sessions.
Once the backbone of the inshore fishing industry, cobles were a familiar sight along the coastline from the Humber to the Tweed. Today, Bridlington offers one of the few opportunities to see these iconic boats in action and gain insight into a bygone era.
Visitors can admire craft built by renowned boatbuilders, including:
One notable absence at the 2026 festival will be the Flamborough coble Imperialist. Built in 1934 for the Stephenson family, it is currently undergoing a full refit at the BSCPS workshop at Beck Hill.
Live music and harbourside entertainment
Alongside the sailing displays, the Bridlington Sailing Coble Festival will feature a lively programme of entertainment throughout the weekend.
Performances include:
Hornsea Shanty Lasses
Headlanders
Ramshackle Shantymen
Colleen’s Fancy
Bridlington favourite Jim Eldon will return with his wife Lynette, an award-winning clog dancer. On Sunday, the Flamborough junior long sword dance team will add a traditional touch to the festivities.
Inside the Exhibition Hall, visitors can explore a range of displays celebrating local fishing heritage. Highlights include traditional fishermen’s ganseys and educational exhibits.
The North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority will also be present, showcasing its work in protecting and managing the local coastline and fisheries.
The festival offers something for all ages, making it a perfect family day out in Bridlington. Refreshments will be provided by the Bridlington Lions, while the Harbour Heritage Museum will be open throughout the weekend with free admission.
Community support and sponsorship
As a registered charity, the Bridlington Sailing Coble Preservation Society relies on funding and community support to deliver this annual event.
Funding for the 2026 festival has been provided by:
The Lords Feoffees and Assistants of the Manor of Bridlington
Dogger Bank Wind Farm
Trevor and Janet Kidd
Additional support has come from Wold Top Brewery. The festival committee has also thanked Bridlington Harbour Commissioners and the harbour master for their continued support.
For further information about the Bridlington Sailing Coble Festival 2026, the BSCPS, or the Harbour Heritage Museum, enquiries can be made via email at:
threebrotherscoble@gmail.com
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