Picton Maritime Festival is a FREE family event, celebrating the unique maritime heritage of Picton and Marlborough Sounds. Founded in 2005 the aim of this event is to bring community together, and enable our children to learn about the region's heritage in a fun and participatory way. The event provides a valuable opportunity for family and friends to spend time together without expensive entry fees.
Picton Maritime Festival committee is currently preparing for its 21st annual event in 2026, to coincide with Wellington Holiday Weekend. Each festival entertains around 6000 people.
The dedicated group of committee members, are each responsible for specific aspects of the event. Meeting on a monthly basis, discussing opportunities for improvement and value to the community. Each of the committee recruits a number of supportive volunteers to plan and operate their various aspects of the event, guiding, leading, and seeking input for ideas and strategies.
Organisations such as the Picton Clinker & Classic Boat Club, Papatuanuku Independency Trust, and Endeavour Park Pavilion Society, have opportunities to raise funds through participation in the event and groups such as local sports clubs and Picton School all having opportunities for fundraising with the opportunity to have a stall at the Maritime festival each year to support their members.
Funds raised by the Picton Maritime Festival Trust are subsequently distributed back into the community to support local initiatives for a direct bearing upon local youth and families.
A scholarship fund has been established by the Picton Maritime Festival Trust to assist local Marlborough boys and girls who might not otherwise be able to afford the cost of a tertiary, trade, polytechnic or other courses or training to further their knowledge in their chosen field. Scholars will be selected from Marlborough and be New Zealand citizens who are bona fide residents. Applications close in October of each year - more information available here.
If you are keen to be part of our community event and help volunteer we would love to hear from you.
Picton Maritime Festival committee is currently preparing for its 21st annual event in 2026, to coincide with Wellington Holiday Weekend. Each festival entertains around 6000 people.
The dedicated group of committee members, are each responsible for specific aspects of the event. Meeting on a monthly basis, discussing opportunities for improvement and value to the community. Each of the committee recruits a number of supportive volunteers to plan and operate their various aspects of the event, guiding, leading, and seeking input for ideas and strategies.
Organisations such as the Picton Clinker & Classic Boat Club, Papatuanuku Independency Trust, and Endeavour Park Pavilion Society, have opportunities to raise funds through participation in the event and groups such as local sports clubs and Picton School all having opportunities for fundraising with the opportunity to have a stall at the Maritime festival each year to support their members.
Funds raised by the Picton Maritime Festival Trust are subsequently distributed back into the community to support local initiatives for a direct bearing upon local youth and families.
A scholarship fund has been established by the Picton Maritime Festival Trust to assist local Marlborough boys and girls who might not otherwise be able to afford the cost of a tertiary, trade, polytechnic or other courses or training to further their knowledge in their chosen field. Scholars will be selected from Marlborough and be New Zealand citizens who are bona fide residents. Applications close in October of each year - more information available here.
If you are keen to be part of our community event and help volunteer we would love to hear from you.
All photos provided by Richard Briggs Photography