Underfall Yard launches ‘Showtime Ticket Raffle’ to support boatyard restoration

The Underfall Yard Trust has announced the opening of the ‘Underfall Showtime Ticket Raffle.’

Image: Underfall Yard, Bristol 

From 17 March 2026, participants can purchase e-raffle tickets to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to a range of select venues across Bristol, with one lucky winner receiving tickets to the acclaimed We Out Here festival this August. This competition is designed to support the ongoing recovery of the historic boatyard following the devastating arson attack in May 2023.

By purchasing a £5 ticket, participants are allocated one e-raffle ticket for prizes that allow entry to shows taking place this year from eight Bristol venues and events: Thekla, The Exchange, Strange Brew, The Croft, Rough Trade Bristol, Bristol Old Vic, Bristol Film Festival and The Gaffe’s Thursday Night Comedy show. For £10, participants can enter the We Out Here ticket raffle, where one lucky winner will win two tickets to the Dorset-based music festival taking place from 20-23 August. Founded by Gilles Peterson, the festival joins the musical dots between soul, hip hop, house, afro, electronica, jazz and beyond.

All proceeds from the raffle will act as a donation to the Underfall Yard Trust as they work to rebuild the workshops lost in the fire and reinstate the historic structures to modern standards. The project aims not only to restore the "Big Shed" and adjoining workshops but also to enhance the site's community engagement through a revitalised education programme. By celebrating Bristol’s status as one of the UK’s most creative hubs, the Trust seeks to further connect the inner-city community with the Floating Harbour.

Sarah Murray, Director of Underfall Yard Trust, says: “We are incredibly moved by the support from Bristol’s vibrant arts and music scene as we continue the journey of bringing Underfall Yard back to full strength.  Bristol has such a strong sense of community and to experience this city’s generosity is an amazing feeling.  Rebuilding the Yard ensures traditional maritime skills remain at the heart of Bristol’s culture, and we are excited to offer a way for the public to support the Yard while enjoying the incredible creativity our city has to offer.”

Alex Black, General Manager of Thekla, adds: “As one of the larger boats moored in the Bristol harbour, we know all too well how vital a working slipway and boatyard is to those who live or work in the harbour. We also know how important it is to preserve the city's maritime heritage whether that be for leisure, education, or tourism. Underfall Yard helps provide all of this and more and long may it continue to do so.”

The raffle will start at 7:30am on 17 March and run until 1pm on 6 April, when winners will be contacted via email to confirm ticket allocation to a Bristol venue or We Out Here festival. To find out more and to buy your ticket, please visit the Underfall Yard website.