Castaway Cove brings free summer fun to the waterfront. Gunwharf Quays fills Portsmouth’s waterfront with free live entertainment throughout August, and families can join the fun until 31st August. The centre launches Castaway Cove, a relaxed waterside spot where visitors can enjoy drinks, street food and live shows most days. At its heart sits the new Nautical Tiki bar, which serves tropical cocktails, spritzes, regional beers and non-alcoholic drinks. Tropical plants and shaded pergolas surround the bar, echoing the feel of a Polynesian beach club, while a changing menu highlights fresh South Coast flavours.
A month packed with music and Free summer fun activities
Visitors can catch live acoustic sets from Jack Creedy, The Wednesdays and Portsmouth local Ella Roche, plus saxophone performances from Vadym Sax and Freddy Saxo. Salsa Solent leads salsa dancing sessions, while Circa Hoops and Emily Cunningham host family-friendly circus workshops and hula-hooping. Yoga by Emily brings disco yoga to the programme, and children can enjoy bubble shows throughout the month. With something different on offer nearly every day, families can build a full August around Castaway Cove.
Seafood Festival closes the celebrations
The August Bank Holiday weekend, running from 29th to 31st August, brings back Gunwharf Quays’ popular Seafood Festival. Guests can sample fresh seafood, live music and entertainment while celebrating the South Coast’s best produce. Hampshire restaurant The Gamekeepers serves crab bruschetta, while Brighton’s Riddle & Finns brings its famous champagne and oyster bar to the waterfront. The Nordic Smokery cooks wood-smoked seafood over an open fire, and The Fish Truck and Spanish family business Paella Garcia round out the vendor line-up.
Centre Director Yvonne Clay says Gunwharf Quays wants to give guests even more reasons to spend time on Portsmouth’s waterfront during its centenary year. Entertainment and Events Producer Nick Zuppar adds that the varied programme, from live music to circus workshops, aims to create a relaxed space where families can enjoy summer together.
Castaway Cove takes place in The Plaza at Gunwharf Quays until 31st August 2026, with all entertainment offered first-come, first-served. Find the full programme at Gunwharf Quays
