Sun shines on 2026 Comet Festival

THE sun shone on Port Glasgow as thousands of people enjoyed the 2026 Comet Festival.

The free event, which took place on Saturday 20 June 2026, was made extra special by the official unveiling of the replacement Comet replica – the historic paddle steamer which gave the festival its name.

A World Cup-themed parade through the town was led by the Gala King and Queen Alexander Logan and Erin MacDonald from Newark Primary School.

The parade stopped to watch the official unveiling of the replacement Comet replica by Provost Drew McKenzie, before continuing through the town towards Coronation Park.

There, the Provost welcomed them to the stage to officially open the festival.

Provost McKenzie said:

“This was another very successful Comet Festival. Well done to the Gala King and Queen who looked fantastic and did themselves and their families proud on the day.

“The Comet Festival is always a great day for Port Glasgow and is very well supported and this year was no different.

“It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves in the sunshine and it was fitting that the new replica of PS Comet was unveiled ahead of the festival.

“Well done to everyone from the council’s events, libraries and grounds services who work with the volunteers from the Comet Festival organising committee to put this on every year.”

The sun shone as crowds came together to enjoy the family fun in the park.

The entertainment tent was busy with creative writing workshops featuring authors from across Scotland, exhibitions featuring the history of the Comet, creative crafts, facepainting, a model shipwreck to excavate with Archaeology Scotland, messy play and much more.

Historic Scotland offered free entry to Newark Castle while across Coronation Park there was a popular funfair, community stalls, tea tent and a selection of delicious food and drink.

Beacon Arts Centre offered come-and-try circus skills and Nautical Youth Trust once again ran their popular boat trips on the River Clyde.