Spring is almost here, and we’re looking forward to welcoming people back to Charlestown Harbour for the start of the 2026 season. 

From Saturday 28th March, the Inner Harbour and harbour-side businesses will begin reopening for spring, with more to follow as preparations continue towards our main Season Launch on Saturday 4th April. This year’s harbour traders reflect Charlestown’s character as a working, evolving harbour, bringing together independent food, drink, craft and small businesses that add life and activity around the quays. Chosen to sit as sensitively as possible within this historic setting, they help create a harbour that feels welcoming and full of character for locals and visitors alike.

This year marks an important moment for the harbour as we move towards the completion of a major phase of regeneration works, including the installation and commissioning of the new bespoke lock gate. As preparations continue, the harbour team is working towards reopening the lock gate, bridge, outer harbour and both beaches as part of the Season Launch. 

We’ll be marking the occasion with a full day of community activities, live performance, family events and opportunities to hear more about the harbour’s future. 

Your Harbour: Update & Q&A 

A key part of the day will be Your Harbour: Update & Q&A, taking place from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Inner Harbour near Smugglers Bar. 

This drop-in session is a chance to see the latest updates, explore community feedback gathered so far, and share your own thoughts on the future of Charlestown Harbour. 

There will also be two short public conversations during the morning: 

11.00am – In Conversation with Harbour Businesses 
11.45am – In Conversation with the Owner 

Wood & Waves: Free Creative Workshop 

From 1pm to 3pm, families can drop in to Wood & Waves, a free creative workshop for ages 6+. 

Delivered by Porthmuer CIC and Fish Factory Arts CIC, with support from FEAST Cornwall, the workshop will use reclaimed timber from the tall ship Kajsamoor to create mini harbour houses, painted fish shapes and simple wooden boats. 

The session will be guided by local artists and model-makers Len and Didge Hatcher, with all materials provided and no experience needed. 

Harbour Hatchlings: A Pirate Easter Quest 

Also running across the Easter weekend is Harbour Hatchlings: A Pirate Easter Quest, a family trail open from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April, from 12pm to 7pm each day. 

Collect a treasure map from Smugglers Bar, follow the trail around the harbour, and return for an Easter prize. Entry is £2. 

More to Enjoy Across the Day 

The Season Launch on Saturday 4th April also includes a lively afternoon and evening programme: 

1pm – 1.30pm – Cornwall Wildlife Trust: Tor to Shore Project Talk and Q&A 
1.30pm – 2pm – The WAD – all-female Morris dancing 
2.30pm – 4.30pm – The Lemonaires – Cornish sea shanties and folk music 
4.30pm – A Toast on the Bridge 
5.30pm – 6.30pm – Imerys Mid-Cornwall Male Choir 

At 4.30pm, visitors are invited to gather for A Toast on the Bridge – a simple celebratory moment to mark the reopening of the bridge and lock gate, and the completion of this major phase of works at Charlestown Harbour. Bringing together performers, project partners, invited guests and the harbour team, it will offer a relaxed opportunity to pause, reflect and raise a glass to the harbour’s next chapter. 

Join Us This Easter 

Whether you’re coming for the community update, the family activities, the music, or simply to enjoy the harbour as spring begins, we hope you’ll join us over Easter as Charlestown Harbour reopens for the 2026 season. 

Spring reopening begins Saturday 28th March 
Season Launch event: Saturday 4th April 2026 

Limited Edition Reopening Prints

We’ve also been really encouraged by the response so far to our limited edition commemorative prints, created to mark the 2026 reopening of Charlestown Harbour.

Pre-orders are still open until 25 March, with each image limited to 100 hand-numbered A3 fine art prints – so there’s still time before the pre-order closes. Order here.

For regular updates follow Charlestown Harbour on facebook & instagram.