Pyronaut 90th Birthday Bristol Harbourside

Pyronaut 90th Birthday Celebrations at the M Shed on Bristol Harbourside

23/06/2024 editorial

Pyronaut 90th Birthday celebrations saw the fire fighting boat giving demonstrations this weekend

Bristol’s historic Pyronaut celebrated its 90th birthday this weekend with some special exhibits and boat trips taking place outside the M Shed.

Pyronaut is a fire boat with water cannons. It played a huge role during the Bristol Blitz of World War II.

After the war, Pyronaut continued to play an important role in Bristol fire fighting. Notably, it helped tackle the serious fire at the Bristol Hippodrome in 1948 which gutted the auditorium.

Over the weekend, M Shed displayed vintage fire equipment and engines, including a 1906 horse-drawn steam fire pump.

The John King was taking people on boat trips around the Harbour. Pyronaut, although under conservation work, was able to give demonstrations moored outside of the museum.

@chopsybristoltt
The Pyronaut has been celebrating its 90th birthday in Bristol this weekend. It’s a fire boat with water cannons and played a hugely important role in Bristols Blitz history #pyronaut #fireship #vintagefireengine #vintageboats #boats #fireengine #fireengines #fireenginesoftiktok #firefighting #bristol #bristolhistory #bristoluk #bristoldocks #bristolharbour #bristolharbourside
♬ (Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding