What’s happening during the 200th anniversary of Ramsgate Royal Harbour festival weekend?

What’s the reason behind the festival?

After enjoying his time in Ramsgate so much following an international trip to Hanover, Germany via Ramsgate, King George IV gifted the Ramsgate ‘harbour Royal’ in 1821. 2021 marks 200 years since King George IV officially declared Ramsgate harbour as 'Royal', and is still the only royal harbour in the country to this day.

When and where is the festival taking place?

From Friday the 24th of September to Sunday the 26th of September, the festival will be taking over the entire area of the inner harbour, Harbour Parade from Madeira Walk to the Turning Circle in front of The Royal Victoria Pavilion and parts of the Main Sands from the beach café to the harbour wall.

What are the attractions?

Ramsgate is set for an action-filled weekend, including a Dunkirk' Little Ships' fleet demonstration, a tea party on Ramsgate Main Sands, the unveiling of the King George IV statue, a Sea Safety Exhibition including the RNLI boats, costumed walks, a drumhead service and parade (Saturday 25th - 11 am), and water displays.

There will also be attractions throughout the weekend such as a submarine simulator, Kent Police and South East Coast Ambulance representatives, bucket and spade vintage vehicles, a funfair, and charity stalls.

Will the festival be raising money towards any causes?

Throughout the weekend, the festival will raise money towards completing a life-size statue of King George IV, the royal who gifted Ramsgate harbour's royal title. The sculpture was created by former pop star turned sculptor Dominic Grant, who sadly passed away last year. £50,000 is needed for the bronze casting of the statue and to provide site groundworks and a plinth.

If you are interested in donating towards the statue raise, click this link.

To learn more about the festival this weekend, visit the Ramsgate 2021 website here.

Blueberry homes and the newly developed Royal Sands Ramsgate luxury properties just steps from Ramsgate main sands are proud sponsors of the festival weekend. Learn more about these properties located in the sunshine coastal capital of the UK here.