Headlines Early Summer 2026

Happy Midsummer solstice…

Volunteer maintenance work days (and open days / music evenings) continue to sustain MV Balmoral.
Summer it is in calendar mode, but we’ve already had a series of high summers interspersed with gales! The winds sadly knocked out some of our special sailing as well as others in the Bristol Channel. Thankfully PS Waverley, her crew and passengers braved the Penarth to Newport Transporter Bridge cruise, both a great occasion and a good fund-and-consiousness raising excursion for which we were most grateful.

Please look out for upcoming events

See below, also the Facebook page www.facebook.com/thebalmoral1949

The website’s “CONTACT”, “DONATIONS”, and “SHOP” links (and the people behind them) are still operational even whilst most of the website is in re-build. A bit like Balmoral – it’s her people not electronics that navigate, steer and operate the engines…
You can also sign up for electronic NEWSLETTERS (to receive via Mailchimp).

Maintaining traditional decks to keep out the rain – especially after this wet winter – is now urgent.
DONATIONS TO HELP FUND TIMBER & PITCH for continuing repair work to Balmoral’s weather decks would be very much appreciated. Short term protective measures will have to be undertaken for the bridge deck, but MVBFL is grateful that donated time by a particular volunteer, whilst training some of our other volunteers, should allow permanent repair to at least some areas of the promenade deck and help to keep cost down.
https://www.thebalmoral.org.uk/donations/

HELP WITH THE ADMIN. BEHIND THE SCENES is also urgently sought. And if you’d also like more detail on opportunities, accessibility or restrictions on board, please contact MVBFL through the website’s link or email the Charity direct thebalmoral@protonmail.com

EVENTS

…NB – private hirings / events are not shown; recently several private parties and a filming session have taken place so its been busy.

Saturday 27th June

BALMORAL’S BIRTHDAY – Open Ship 12 –3pm – free to enter
Then during the day is a mini-music festival of punk rock from “CAT FLAP” and friends
Evening – Brilliant Ceili House Band is back, with free entry (donations very welcome) with the bar open;
Doors: 7pm Music: 8–10.30pm. (Their enjoyable own poster is below!)

Sunday 28th June

Ship open 11.30 – 4pm, free entry, (donations very welcome) with the bar open

Art in action – (Opening evening of Friday 3rd June) Community art exhibition and activity. This will be commencing over a few days in July

19th – 21st July

BRISTOL HARBOUR FESTIVAL
More information on Balmoral’s role, with big involvement via MyFutureMyChoice – coming soon

Tuesday and Friday volunteer work days continue. Current activities include routine prep and running of engines and other machinery / services, plumbing, welding, testing, refurbishing of windows, doors, prep and decorating ceilings walls and corridors, and of course – cleaning, scrubbing, preparing and minding the ship for visitors!

If you would like to help please CONTACT us through the website or EMAIL events@mvbalmoral.com.

Our education partners are helping us seek “social volunteers” – to help “mind the ship” for open days and events – contact Hugh through myfuturemychoice.co.uk.