Annual Events

JUNE

Portishead

A matter of only a few years ago Portishead could be called a village, but after the dock closed in 1992 and the last of the larger industries disappeared then residential development started to move on at a pace. Today it is well and truly a town in size but still very much keeps its village attractions and friendly atmosphere. Being situated on a headland beside the Bristol Channel and located in the beautiful Gordano Valley it has become a prime location to live for commuters and people who want to be near to the City of Bristol yet far enough to be able to relax in a friendly rural location.

Portishead has expanded dramatically over the past 15 to 20 years, with its most ambitious building programme currently under way. The redevelopment of the docks renamed Port Marine will provide berths for 100's of pleasure boats and create waterside housing that will transform the town and attract visitors with its new leisure facility. As the town is only 3 miles from the M5 motorway junction 19, it is easily reached from all directions, whether for shopping, a day trip, to work or to stay a while.

Local bus services also run to Weston super Mare, Clevedon, Bristol and the Mall at Cribbs Causeway.

The High Street is a busy shopping centre with many shops and businesses. Throughout the town their are shops in other areas, which can be located on the shopping page. Out of town shopping is also close, with the Mall at Cribbs Causeway, M5 Jct 21, 15 miles away and Bristol less than 10 miles.

New businesses and shops are being attracted to the town on a regular basis. The biggest employer is the Avon & Somerset Police Headquarters, with many other companies being located on the business parks around the town. The latest large shop to open is the Waitrose supermarket on Harbour Road.

Portishead boasts a long list of places to eat, which can all be found on the Eat, drink & stay page. Restaurants, cafes, and takeaways throughout the town can suit all tastes.

There are many sports clubs and facilities catering for a diverse collection of sports and leisure activities. There are two main centres, Parish Wharf Leisure Centre and Gordano Sports Centre.

Visitors to Portishead

The main visitor attraction is the Lake Grounds and the Esplanade. Here as well as the attractive scenery of the lake and open grassed areas there are also the fine views across the River Severn. To the north can be seen the two Severn bridges crossing from England to Wales and to the south the Islands of Flatholm and Steepholm. Directly across is the Welsh coast and views beyond to the Black Mountains.

The Lake Grounds are an ideal place to take a picnic whilst watching the cricket or boats on the lake. There is an enclosed play area for younger children and rowing boats for hire on the lake.

Snacks and meals are available at the Lakeside tea rooms.

Walking along the Esplanade can take you north to Battery Point with its fine views across the river and the sea front, where also there is situated one of the towns main attractions, the Open Air Pool, which is open from May to September. Continue on and you can take a walk through East Wood and on to the Marina. Walk south from the Esplanade along the coastal path which meanders past the Approach pitch and Putt golf course

and the Old Nautical School then on to Clevedon.

There some main events that take place through the year which you may wish to put into your diary, The Carnival takes place in June, starting at the Lake Grounds through the High Street to the Show Field where a fair, side stalls and events take place. The Flower Show takes place in July. During July and August there are events at the Lake Grounds including a Raft Race. The end of November sees the famous Christmas lights being switched on and the visit of Father Christmas in the High Street. Mid December sees the Victorian evening in the High Street where the shops stay open late, street stalls sell their goods including the hot drinks and mince pies for the cold winter night, a fair, town band and side stalls help to make an enjoyable evening for all the family.