Boat’s centenary celebrated with free trips
PEOPLE can enjoy free trips around Bristol Harbour, with tea and cake included, to mark the centenary of a popular boat.
The Tower Belle, run by Bristol Packet Boat Trips, turns 100 on Thursday.
The boat, which was refitted last winter, has been operating since lockdown restrictions eased in July. Groups and individuals have been taking trips around the harbour, down the River Avon and into the Bristol Channel.
Thousands of Bristolians have grown up marking the stages of their lives on the Tower Belle from children’s birthdays to weddings, anniversaries and retirement celebrations. The boat was built in Newcastle and launched in October 1920. A grand celebration for its centenary was planned but that has been put on hold due to current restrictions.
To mark the centenary, and to thank the people of Bristol for their support, Tower Belle will carry passengers on 45-minute trips around the harbour on Thursday free of charge, with birthday cake and tea.
Booking is advised due to a limit of 25 passengers on board per trip.
A spokesman for Bristol Packet Boat Trips said: “The ship owes its longevity to all the paying passengers that sailed on her or booked parties and celebrations onboard.
“This has enabled restoration work to continue every winter.
“It is thanks to the skilled fabricators, welders, engineers and shipwrights who have worked on her restoration. Her hull is now as good as new. As long as those shipbuilding skills are not lost, she will be making memories for generations to come.”
Birthday trips run on Thursday at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm.
To book, telephone 0117 926 8157 or just turn up on the day.
For more information, visit www.