Sea Bangor 2026 returns May Bank Holiday Weekend with coastal fun on land and sea

12th May 2026

Sea Bangor returns to Bangor’s seafront May Bank Holiday Weekend, bringing two days of maritime‑themed fun, family entertainment and coastal experiences to the city.

A firm favourite in the local events calendar, Sea Bangor 2026 celebrates Bangor’s strong connection to the sea, combining visiting vessels, on‑the‑water activity and city‑wide activities across the weekend.

Sea Bangor City Passport: explore the festival beyond the waterfront

Make the most of the event through the Sea Bangor City Passport (Saturday 23 May only), encouraging families and visitors to explore Bangor while enjoying festival‑themed activities at participating venues and locations across the city.

The Passport trail links the seafront activity with the wider city, giving attendees the chance to take part in creative, cultural and family‑friendly experiences as they move around Bangor.

Visiting vessels and service representation

A highlight of this year’s event is the visit of two traditionally rigged vessels – Pellew and Spirit of Falmouth – arriving in Bangor as part of the Full Circle sailing expedition, coordinated by veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard and delivered in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.

The expedition is carrying the Invictus Games flag on a UK voyage ahead of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, with Bangor proud to be one of its host ports. Over the weekend, the crew will be on the pier nearby, giving people the chance to meet them, including Luke Powell, who built Pellew, and to learn about the ship, it’s history and about the voyage they have been making.

Sea Bangor will also welcome crew personnel from HMS Bangor, attending the event in a representative capacity. While the vessel itself will not be present, due to ongoing repairs following a collision, the crew’s attendance reflects Bangor’s ongoing links with the Royal Navy.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:

“Sea Bangor is a fantastic celebration of our city’s maritime heritage and shared connection to the sea. It’s a pleasure to officially open the event and welcome visitors, crews and families to enjoy everything Bangor has to offer on land and sea this bank holiday weekend.”

On‑the‑water activity and military rowing race

On the water activity returns to Bangor Bay throughout the weekend, including rowing races, ‘Have a Go’ sessions, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and boat trips exploring Bangor’s maritime heritage (pre-booking required). A military rowing race will take place on Sunday 24 May from 12 noon.

A bank holiday celebration for all

Sea Bangor 2026 will also feature maritime‑themed entertainment, local food and drink, family attractions and market stalls along the seafront. A Quiet Hour operates from 11am – 12noon will return each morning to ensure the event remains inclusive and accessible. We kindly ask attendees to consider whether this session is the right fit for them, helping to preserve a calm experience for those who need it most.

For details on the Quiet Hour, event updates, City Passport details and on‑the‑water activity bookings, click here.