Into the Depths

5 - 8 Feb 2026

Ahoy there mateys!

This year we're diving into nautical archaeology and heritage, exploring pirates, shanties, shipwrecks and sea monsters.

Dig into the world of underwater archaeology through four days of films, workshops, and expert talks. With events for every age and an audience vote for our closing film, there’s something for everybody.

Expert Talks and Q&A's

We were delighted to welcome Time Team director/producers Emily Boulting and Karen Kirk, for a Q&A on the Sutton Hoo Time Team episodes.

Archaeologist Giselle Kiraly gave a talk on nautical archaeology, and film journalist Sean Wilson discussed the sounds of the sea.

Wind, Tide and Oar + Recorded Introduction

Sea Shanties with Short Drag Rodger

This seas shanty concert from Short Drag Roger took the audience on a journey of traditional folk music, from traditional shanties to original pieces.

Family Activities

The Nautical Archaeological Society brought activities and artefacts along, to give a hands on introduction to the world of underwater archaeology.

Wind, Tide and Oar (PG) (2024)

Thursday 5 February, 18.45
BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square

Director Huw Wahl turns his lens to engineless sailing, in a thoughtful exploration of nautical heritage. This screening includes a recorded introduction by the director.

The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists (PG) (2012)

Saturday 7 February, 11.00
Burdall’s Yard, 7a Anglo Terrace

Pirates meet high society in this Victorian action adventure from Aardman studios. This screening is followed by a sea monster making workshop, free with a ticket to the screening.

Gorgo (PG) (1961) + Recorded intro by Steven Sloss

Saturday 7 February, 17.15
Burdall’s Yard, 7a Anglo Terrace

London’s under attack in this 1960’s British response to ‘Godzilla’. This screening includes an introduction by Kaiju expert Steven Sloss.

The Lighthouse (18) (2019)

Saturday 7 February, 20.00
Burdall’s Yard, 7a Anglo Terrace

Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe star in this psychological horror. This screening is in collaboration with Reel Life Monsters and includes an introduction by Sal Creber.

The Little Mermaid (U) (1989)

Sunday 8 February, 11.00
Burdall’s Yard, 7a Anglo Terrace

See a classic animation in a new way with the Nautical Archaeology Society. This screening includes free family activities after the film.

Audience Vote - Master and Commander

Sunday 8 February, 14.45
Burdall’s Yard, 7a Anglo Terrace

The audience have voted! This year our closing festival film is Peter Weir’s epic nautical adventure ‘Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World’.