On Saturday 4th April, Charlestown Harbour reopened – marking the end of a long period of change. 

Since storm damage to the lock gate in September 2024, the harbour has been closed to vessels, the inner basin left tidal, and access across the gate restricted. What followed was one of the most significant engineering projects in the harbour’s history – a new lock gate designed to restore the harbour as a working port and secure its future for generations to come.  

This reopening was the moment that work became visible again, and the harbour could once more be experienced as it was meant to be. Locals, visitors, families, businesses were drawn back to the water as the fencing was removed and access was restored. There was a real sense of movement and anticipation as people crossed the lock gate, stepped onto the outer quays, and made their way along the beaches once more. 

The harbour felt alive again. 

A Day of Music, Movement and Celebration 

Some of the first to cross were the Wad Morris dancers – a flash of bright blue moving over the bridge and into the harbour, where they danced and drew a crowd, pulling people in and setting the tone for the afternoon. 

They were followed by the Lemonaires, whose shanties and choral folk melodies carried across the water. For a brief but perfectly timed moment, the sun appeared, and people gathered along the knuckle – drinks in hand from the Smugglers Bar, watching, listening, and soaking it all in. 

All around the harbour walls, on the quay, and above on the village streets, people stopped to watch. 

The Pirates of St Piran made their way through the crowds too, happily posing for photos and adding their own energy and theatre to the day. 

A Toast on the Bridge 

At 4.30pm, attention turned to the lock gate. 

Harbour owner Rolf Munding said a few words, reflecting on the scale of the project and the significance of the moment. Glasses were raised, and with a bottle of champagne, the lock gate was formally “wetted” to mark the completion of this phase of works and the harbour’s reopening. 

Local councillor James Mustoe followed with a speech recognising the importance of the project to the community, and looking ahead to a positive future for the harbour. 

As the afternoon softened into evening, the Imerys Mid Cornwall Choir brought a serene close to the day, their voices carrying gently across the water. We are looking forward to a season full of sounds as we prepare to announce our full programme of live music and events.

The Harbour in Use Again 

Throughout the day, the harbour wasn’t just a stage – it was in use. 

People explored the quays and beaches, reconnecting with spaces that had been closed during the works. The energy was constant: movement, conversation, curiosity. 

Alongside the celebrations, the Your Harbour – Update & Q&A session invited people to engage more deeply, while Porthmuer CIC were on hand throughout the day to talk, listen, and gather ideas. We’ll be publishing the results from the feedback we’ve been collecting very soon.

The Wood & Waves craft workshop was busy from start to finish, with children building fish, cottages and ships – the harbour becoming a place for making and learning. 

We were also joined by Cornwall Wildlife Trust, sharing their Tor to Shore project and beginning a partnership that will bring more environmental interpretation, learning and activity to the harbour. 

Alongside the celebrations, the harbour’s independent pop-ups were back in place – many of them familiar faces who have returned year after year, even through the more challenging periods.

Charlestown Fish Co were once again serving freshly cooked seafood from their spot on the harbour, while The Deck offered coffee, street food and ice cream overlooking the water. The Smugglers Bar, our new Hawkestone Hut and Scuttlebutt Tavern kept drinks flowing throughout the afternoon, adding to the atmosphere on the quay. Artyfish, Harbour Gifts and A Little Bit of Cornwall brought together a mix of local crafts, artwork and coastal goods, while Cornish Cream offered their range of Cornish liqueurs and treats. This year we are also joined by Charlestown Woodcraft and The Canny Goose for hands on making and unique crafts.

Together, they are part of what gives the harbour its character – small, independent businesses, rooted here, and ready to welcome people back to the water’s edge.

What Comes Next 

While the harbour is now open to the public, a small amount of final remedial work is ongoing at the entrance to support the safe return of vessels. 

With the lock gate operational, boats will begin to return on the coming spring tides (the only times the gate can be opened) and we expect to start seeing vessels back in the harbour very soon. 

We are now welcoming berthing enquiries for both visiting and longer-term vessels, as well as enquiries for our shipwright services, as Charlestown re-establishes itself as a hub for classic boats and maritime skills. 

Berthing Information
Shipwright Services

We are also expecting a number of interesting visiting vessels across the season – more on that soon. 

Berthing_Charlestown Harbour

Looking Forward 

This reopening marks more than the completion of a major engineering project. 

It is the beginning of a renewed chapter for Charlestown Harbour – as a working harbour, a safe haven for classic sailing vessels, and a place that supports a range of economic activity while remaining rooted in its community. 

The aim is simple, but ambitious: 
to create a harbour that is active, authentic, and valued – a place to visit, and a place to belong. 

Thank you to everyone who came, took part, performed, shared, and helped bring the harbour back to life for the day. 

And a special thanks to Harvey Dunstan Drone Photography for capturing the opening day.  

The harbour is open again – and this is just the beginning. Keep an eye on our social media and Events page for what we’ve got coming up – including Live Music and Heritage Days throughout the season.