About

Merchant Navy Day

A major community event has been organised by Brixham Future CIC to mark Merchant Navy Day in Brixham on Thursday 3rd September 2026. A spokesperson for Brixham Future CIC, Steve Glanvill said:

As a former Merchant Seaman myself, and member of Brixham Future Board I am delighted that at last our town with its strong nautical heritage, has decided to mark this nationwide day with commemoration, celebrations and educational events.

It was amazing to see Brixham people and visitors turn out in thousands to mark other national occasions. These have included significant anniversaries for D-Day & VE Day, or the amazing Jubilee and coronation events we organised. So, we feel as a town  with a strong nautical heritage dating back centuries, we should lead on organising these events to mark this day.

We are confident that the planned events will be amazing, and well supported by residents and visitors alike. The recent closure of the Straits of Hormuz demonstrates the importance of the Merchant fleet to the survival of our seafaring nation in peacetimes and during wars. This is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate this vital service.

Funded by the Brixham Lottery, there will be a formal unveiling of a commemorative heritage Board recognizing the sacrifices of the Merchant fleet in World War 2 ( 1939-1945) and the poignant story of the sinking of HMS Saucy. Many descendants of the crew of this ill-fated ship still live in the town. This event will be held in Churchill Gardens, Berry Head Road at 1030am.

This is then followed by short Parade along Berry Head Road to the town war memorial, for a short service and wreath laying ceremony.  Our own local female Scottish piper Jean Hart will be playing a range of tunes including a lament for the fallen. The Brixham Town Band will be providing music to accompany the service at the town war memorial.

After the above formalities, there is a 12 Noon reception in the Constitution Club ( former Conservative Club) in New Road, Brixham including lunch buffet to which all attendees are welcome. There is music provide by local group `Missin` tackle adding to the nautical flavour of the event. Then at 1pm-145pm  there is a free presentation from Capt. Parsons RMN on the history of the Merchant Navy.

For those who wish to carry on enjoying the nautical atmosphere that Brixham  has to offer, there is an afternoon tea arranged at the Chart Room, in Foundary Court with entertainment provided by the  famous local group `Harbour buoy`s.`

Copies of the printed programme for this significant event are available from The Chart Room, Foundary Court , or Crafty Cwtch Welsh Café, the colours of Brixham Art Shop and Flour Flower café all three located in Middle St, Brixham. Copies also available from Brixham Library and Town hall , alongside many other locations throughout the town.

Brixham Future CIC would like to thank everyone involved in the delivery of this important community event, or those who made donations to help cover the costs.

Further details on this event please contact Brixham Future CIC :

Steve Glanvill -07942863777 or steveglanvill@uwclub.net
John Brennan-01803 852270 or john.brennan@brixhamfuture.co.uk