Film / MV Balmoral
Filmmaker hopes film will highlight importance of the Balmoral
As historic ships vanish from British waters, a group of passionate volunteers fights to save the Balmoral – a 1949 passenger vessel moored in Bristol’s Floating Harbour – battling time, bureaucracy and financial struggles to preserve a piece of maritime history before it’s lost forever.
Over 75 years ago the M.V Balmoral was built and launched in the historic and iconic Southampton docks.
Now, in 2025, the ship will return to familiar ports and piers around the UK coastline where it once visited.
However, this time it will arrive not by water but by screen.
The Balmoral looks in good condition to those walking by but beneath its hard exterior work to preserve it continues – photo:
Bringing the ship to the big screen, director Harry Knight explained why he shared such a fondness for the preservation of the ship’s legacy and continued service: “My granddad worked on ships, sailing across the Atlantic in all kinds of weather, transporting all kinds of cargo.
“I’ve lived for the past ten years, primarily making films. For seven of those years, I’ve been in Bristol enjoying the harbourside and everything it has to offer, like so many others.
“On my way to work I would regularly walk past the Balmoral, moored outside the M Shed. Its presence intrigued me—this unique vessel with no equal in the harbour.
“I began to wonder about its history and story. Then to my surprise the ship disappeared. Taking it as a sign I reached out to the MV Balmoral Fund, the charity dedicated to preserving her.
“What was meant to be a short, one-day documentary turned into months of filming as I followed the volunteers working in dry dock, carrying out essential maintenance.”
During this time he has met all of its dedicated helpers – some who’s connection to the boats spans decades – hearing their stories, learning about their connection to the ship and witnessing their determination to see it sail again.
On any given day they have up to 25 volunteers working away on restoring the ship to its former glory.
He adds: “I also began to see both the Balmoral and the people fighting for her with a new perspective—one that I’ve tried to capture in this film.”
“The main aim is to get trips going. The ship wont survive just by being tied up. Ten years down the line we would be cutting it up,” says Rob Skuse – still from the film Balmoral by Harry Knight
The ship has remained stationary in Bristol since 2017, but owners charity MV Balmoral Fund Limited keen to ensure they can hold onto the spot within the docks by illustrating their community value, have hosted events, tours and parties, as well as seeking out fundraising opportunities.
The charity has been firing on all cylinders since they received a grant of £248,318 in January 2024 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the project “Save MV Balmoral for Bristol and Beyond.”
The grant covered funding for staff and events, allowing them to increase Balmoral’s use for inspiring education and in reaching less advantaged communities.
The engine room of the Balmoral. The ship has been featured in several films and tv shows including 1997 film the Titanic – photo: Hannah Massoudi
There are two functions room at the moment, much of the spaces are filled with domestic items and construction tools that have been accumulated through the years.
The features have retained and those working on the ship hope to keep it that way. Firstly for its character and historical preservation, but secondly to ensure they can keep their classification of a historical vessel.
Rob Skuse, director of MV Balmoral Limited Fund Limited and marine engineer, explains: “If we are looking at going back to sea, we can’t really change much.
“If we change it we will then be classed as a new vessel and have to go by modern regulations. Modern regulations, half the things will not suit the ship.
“If you don’t meet them, we can’t take passengers. So, we’re going down the historic vessel route, which is what we are, so while they (the Maritime and Coastguard Agency – MCA) would like for us to follow as closely to regulation as possible they also understand that it would entail changing so much.
“So, its deciding what is essential and what isn’t.”
If they are able to get the ship seaworthy, they hope to be doing regular excursions for the public by Spring 2025.
Unlike in previous years whereby ships like the Balmoral and its sibling the P.S Waverley (1949) — operated by the Balmoral’s former operator Waverley Excursions Limited — took tourists and locals on 12-hour trips, these would be shorter and more cost effective.
“We’re right at that deadline to receive an answer regarding her seaworthiness” says Rob.
Harry reiterates that first, “It has to actually get sailing for it to have a future. That would be lovely, this nostalgia there, but there is still just a need to push engagement with the next generation.”
Balmoral is the latest film by director Harry Knight and producer Maria Webb of Falling Films.
After each screening, they will be joined by special guests to discuss the film and its themes, as well as an opportunity to have a Q&A with the filmmakers.
The film premiere at Southampton Picturehouse on April 23, it will then move to Embassy Cinema Ilfracombe on April 24, Theatreship London on May 8, with further dates and locations to be announced.
You can donate to the Balmoral’s efforts through their website.
Main photo: Ben Walton
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