Maritime Heritage Festival & Flotilla

Celebrate Norfolk’s rich seafaring past at the Maritime Heritage Festival and Flotilla, taking place at the Harbour of Wells-Next-the-Sea on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025. This exciting weekend event offers a unique opportunity to experience the maritime traditions, stories, and historic vessels that have shaped life along the North Norfolk coast.

Highlights of the 2025 Maritime Heritage Festival

  • Historic Wooden Fishing Boats Afloat
    Admire a rare gathering of beautifully restored 20th-century wooden fishing boats, each unique to the Norfolk coast. Learn about their design, the people who built them, and their working lives at sea.

  • Spectacular Flotilla Parade
    Don’t miss the main event! A dramatic flotilla procession as these heritage boats sail to the harbour mouth and back. This breathtaking maritime spectacle attracts hundreds of onlookers and celebrates the vibrant seafaring spirit of Wells.

  • Live Entertainment & Maritime Activities
    Enjoy live music with two bands performing each day plus a variety of onshore entertainment. Explore food and drink stalls, traditional crafts, maritime demonstrations, and family-friendly activities for children.

Event details

2nd, 3rd August

Free event

Wells-Next-the-Sea Harbour

Various local parking available

What’s on at Pinewoods and nearby

View all eventsView all events

Sheringham 1940’s weekend

19th, 20th 21st September

Step back in time and experience the spirit of the 1940s as Sheringham and Holt come alive with vintage music, fashion, classic vehicles, and wartime nostalgia.

Read more

Holt Sunday Market

First Sunday of every month

Head over to Holt for over 30 artisan stalls selling everything from pottery and tea to jewellery and cakes!

Read more

The White Horse at Brancaster Mussel Festival

24th, 25th, 26th October

This August take a short drive along the coast road to The White Horse at Brancaster for their annual mussel festival! 

Read more

The Halloween Garden

26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th October

Put on your spookiest outfit step through the Venetian gates at Holkham’s Walled Garden and see what Halloween tricks and treats await.

Read more

Christmas tours of Holkham Hall

Various dates throughout November and December

Make the festive season even more special with a visit to Holkham Hall decked in all it’s festive finery.

Read more