Friday 3 July – Sunday 5 July 2026
Open from 12 noon on Friday, closing early evening on Sunday
This summer, Mousehole’s much-loved Sea, Salts & Sail Maritime Festival returns to the harbour for a very special celebration. Marking its 30th anniversary year, the festival has grown from a small one-day event in 1996 into one of Cornwall’s most distinctive and treasured maritime festivals.
Organised entirely by volunteers, Sea, Salts & Sail remains true to its original aim: celebrating Cornwall’s rich maritime heritage, showcasing traditionally rigged boats and helping keep traditional sailing skills and customs alive for future generations. Against the stunning backdrop of Mousehole Harbour and Mount’s Bay, visitors will once again be treated to the unforgettable sight of historic vessels arriving, gathering and sailing together – a glimpse into Cornwall’s seafaring past brought vividly to life.
The boats may be the stars of the festival, but there is plenty happening ashore too. Visitors can enjoy an exciting mix of live music, traditional Cornish folk, sea shanties, bluegrass, jazz, swing and lively evening entertainment. There will be opportunities to sample some of Cornwall’s finest seafood, watch local chefs demonstrate their skills, explore maritime displays and exhibitions, join heritage walks and meet the people helping preserve Cornwall’s sailing traditions today.
Families will find plenty to keep younger visitors entertained, with free creative workshops, storytelling, traditional cork boat making and racing, and a host of maritime-themed activities designed to inspire the next generation.
This year’s festival also features internationally renowned Newlyn artist Vicki Norman, whose beautiful maritime artwork graces the festival programme cover. As Artist in Residence for the Cornish Maritime Trust, Vicki’s work captures the spirit, history and beauty of Cornwall’s maritime landscape, making her the perfect artist to help celebrate this landmark anniversary year.
As a free festival, Sea, Salts & Sail relies heavily on the support of visitors and the local community. One of the ways to help is by purchasing the official festival programme, which contains full event listings, fascinating maritime stories and information about the boats taking part. For the first time, a digital version of the programme will also be available alongside the traditional printed edition, which can be found at www.seasalts.co.uk .
Festival merchandise, food and drink sales also play a vital role in helping fund the event, ensuring that this unique community celebration can continue for many years to come. So while you’re enjoying the music, boats, food and atmosphere, please buy from the festival too.
For the latest information, visit www.seasalts.co.uk, where a brand-new website will launch ahead of the festival, and follow Sea, Salts & Sail on social media for updates, announcements and behind-the-scenes stories as the countdown begins.
Join us in Mousehole this July as we celebrate 30 years of Sea, Salts & Sail, a unique Cornish festival where maritime heritage, community spirit and unforgettable experiences come together by the sea.
