A NEW and exciting boating and watersports festival is coming to three different venues this spring - Exeter, Portsmouth and Cheshire.

Boatfests 2026 is aimed at the everyday boater or watersports enthusiast who would prefer to visit a fantastic event closer to home with boats and entertainment at reasonable prices and free tickets for visitors who register in advance (or £10 on the door).

Boatfests 2026 differs from other boating and sailing events by taking the boating so much closer to the customer and as we have chosen venues that are easily accessible by road or rail, it is sure to be very popular with visitors and exhibitors alike making for a fantastic day or weekend out for all who attend.

Each of the three events will feature a wide variety of new and used boats, watersports equipment, adventures, holidays, as well as chandlery, equipment, services, and much more besides.

The inaugural Boatfests 2026 event, Boatfest West, is at Exeter Racecourse, a stunning location overlooking the beautiful Devon countryside, where the facilities are perfect for a spring showcasing of boating and water activities.

At Boatfest West 2026, explore a wide range of watercraft, including trailer boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), accessories, and all sorts of fantastic gear for water-loving enthusiasts! Discover an impressive collection of exhibitors who have gathered here to bring the best of the industry directly to you.

Located on the A38 Devon Expressway - just minutes from Exeter city centre – Exeter Racecourse has been chosen for its easy reach for those living in the many major towns and cities in the region, including those in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Avon, Dorset and South Wales making it the key event for watersports fans in the West Country.

Boatfest West will take place at Exeter Racecourse on April 11 and 12. For more information, visit: boatfests.com/boat-fest-west.