50th Anniversary Celebrations

50th Anniversary Week
Programme of Events

Even if you don't read any of this(!) please note that you will need to fill in separate information for each person attending - add them as a 'Guest' after you enter your info.

Please also note that Bookings cannot be amended online after they have been made - if you need to do this, you will have to contact Helen Steeple (SBA50@steamboatassociation.org.uk) directly.

Monday 2nd August

During the day: Launching of boats and allocation of moorings.

Evening get together at Brathay for registration, distribution of rally packs and general catch-up. Food must be pre-ordered but we don't have menus yet - so just say if you want to come and menus will be sent nearer the time.

Tuesday 3rd

Steam to Wray Castle Boathouse for a firebox cookout or picnic (bring your own) or alternatively food can be purchased at Wray Castle café.

Afternoon raft up for tea stop in Pulwyke Bay or steam to Ambleside for ice creams.

Evening visit to Old Hall Farm which is an historic working farm with numerous steam exhibits for a private viewing and one course evening meal. Food must be pre-ordered but we don't have menus yet - so just say if you want to come and menus will be sent nearer the time. Cost £20 per person. 

Wednesday 4th

Steam to Fell Foot or Lakeside Hotel (all day event) Lunch is available to purchase at Fell Foot café or Lakeside Hotel (booking recommended) or bring your own. Tea stop in Cunsey Bay or at Rawlinsons Nab on the way back.

Evening two course hot plate buffet and quiz at Brathay Hall. Cost £20 per person. Cash Bar.

Thursday 5th

Windermere Jetty Day: Morning for free steaming to arrive at Jetty lunchtime onwards. Lunch/afternoon tea available at the Jetty café or pop in to Bowness or bring your own. Free steaming in the Bowness Bay area during the day and/or accompanying SL Osprey on her passenger trips.

Evening: 5.00pm onwards (after the Museum has closed to the public) a private tour of the Jetty site, including the workshop, which will be followed by a three course meal to finish in time for an evening steam back to your moorings before light fails. Cost £20 per person.

Friday 6th August

COMMENCEMENT OF OFFICIAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Daytime free for steaming/shopping/walking/chatting/whatever. Launching and allocation of moorings for boats attending weekend event only.

Evening, two course evening meal* at Brathay Hall (dress code informal)

Welcoming speeches and brief out line of the weekend events.

Saturday 7th– Main Event Day

Morning free steaming to arrive at the Jetty for lunch with boats decorated with buntings etc. Food can be purchased at the Jetty café or you could visit Bowness. Alternatively a picnic lunch can be pre-ordered from the Jetty café at a cost of £9 per head.

Mid-afternoon: Shamrock and Osprey will lead all the boats in a parade from the Jetty, through Bowness Bay and round the back of Belle Isle and back to the Jetty. After this the boats will disperse to return to Brathay or their moorings in time to get ready for the Gala Dinner. Period costumes to be worn if possible.

Saturday evening: Gala Dinner at Brathay* (dress code smart casual)

Requisite speeches and a little light live musical entertainment. Glass of 'Fizz'. Cash bar.

Sunday 8th

Morning treasure hunt in the north basin of the Lake to arrive back at Brathay at approx. 2.30pm for Afternoon Tea* on the lawn followed by prize giving, awards and farewells.

* There is a set price for the weekend of the official anniversary celebrations of £105/person for all three meals and a glass of bubbly on Saturday evening. This is an all inclusive price, subsidised by the SBA, and is 'all or nothing' i.e. individual meals CANNOT be booked.

This does not include accommodation which should be booked directly with your chosen hostelry. There is a variety of accommodation at Brathay Hall and further information re accommodation can be obtained by contacting

Marguerite Calvert at marguerite_calve@hotmail.com 

This map BrathayMap.pdf may help you to choose your location.

!! THIS EVENT IS ALREADY PROVING VERY POPULAR AND THERE ARE LIMITATIONS ON NUMBERS !!

If you have already expressed your intention to attend by contacting Helen Steeple, thank you but you do still need to fill out this form as this is the official registration form.

Please fill in separate information for each person attending so that we capture individual meal choices.

You do this by adding as many 'Guest' bookings as you need for your entire party after entering your details.

This will raise one itemised invoice for each boat/group