Ramsgate: The Heart of the Dunkirk Little Ships
This May more than 70 Little Ships will make a return trip to Dunkirk, from Ramsgate, to commemorate the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo. Commemorative events, exhibitions, services and parades will take place throughout the town and across the Isle
From Thursday 15 May
- Dunkirk Little Ships, including The Medway Queen, will start to arrive in Ramsgate
Friday 16 - Monday 26 May
- 10am-4pm: Operation Dynamo Exhibitions at Ramsgate Tunnels - The Ramsgate Story: visualisation of the 40,000 evacuees that came through Ramsgate and personal stories and RNLI Ramsgate Exhibition
- Standing with Giants The Story of the Return of the Dunkirk Little Ships - told through panels along Marina Esplanade and Military Road
- The Medway Queen - explore the Medway Queen and discover the story of her participation 10am-4pm
- The Tommy Trail - throughout the town look out for the silhouettes of Tommy and scan the QR codes to find out about the rescue and evacuation of soldiers and children
- The Little Ships at St George's Church - see the Dunkirk Memorial stained glass window and an installation of over 3000 little paper boats by local volunteers
Friday 16 - Sunday 18 May
- Fun Fair with rides and amusements on Harbour Parade
- Live Music on Pier Yard (Harbour Parade)
- Children's 'Little Ships' Town Trail and Harbour Trail
- Royal Harbour Projections (Friday and Sunday) on The Clock House and Royal Harbour Illuminations (Saturday) Royal Harbour and Harbour Parade
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May
- 11am-4pm: Handmade and vintage fair and children's workshops at Pier Yard (Harbour Parade)
- The Children's Little Ships - installation of decorated paper boats by over 400 Ramsgate Primary School children. Saturday 10am-2pm at Albion Place Gardens and Sunday 12pm-4pm at Ellington Park
Saturday 17 - Monday 19 May
- 10am-6pm: 1940s Vehicles Show - replica Spitfire and 1940s vehicles on display by Ramsgate Tunnels
Sunday 18 May
- 10:30am: Parade from the West Pier, near the Medway Queen, to St. George's Church followed by a public service at 11am. The service will be supported by the Thanet Big Sing Community Choir
- 5.30pm: Little Ships in Concert live performance with opera singers calling to the Dunkirk Little Ships in the Royal Harbour
- 6pm: Live music at Royal Temple Yacht Club
Monday 19 - Wednesday 21 May
Tuesday 20 May
- 11.30am Parade featuring the Band of the Royal Marines and Drum Corp from Ramsgate Tunnels to Sailors Church
- Navy Wings Air Display (TBC)
- 12.30pm: Dunkirk Memorial Unveiling
Wednesday 21 May
- 6am to 8am 70 Dunkirk Little Ships will depart Ramsgate for Dunkirk, shepherded by a Royal Navy 'guard of honour' of approx six vessels (subject to the weather)
Sunday 25 May
- 10am - Service of Remembrance outside Margate Lifeboat House. Veterans and cadets will then parade to Margate Station.
Monday 26 May (Bank Holiday)
- From 3pm approx - The Dunkirk Little Ships will be welcomed back to Royal Harbour, Ramsgate (subject to weather)
- From 4pm: Live Music at Royal Temple Yacht Club
Download a copy of the programme here or pick up for the Visitor Information Centres in Margate or Ramsgate
For all the latest updates see the Visit Ramsgate website and check @VisitRamsgate on Facebook and Instagram for information
Getting to Ramsgate: Travel Advice for Event Days
To help you enjoy the events in Ramsgate safely and stress-free, it is strongly recommend to leave the car at home, at your accommodation and using public transport wherever possible. Ramsgate is well served by train and bus routes, making travel easy and convenient.
The first Southeastern train from London arrives at 5:37am. The Loop Bus runs every 8 minutes around the Isle of Thanet from 6am onwards.
Important Parking Restrictions
Please be aware of the following road closures and parking restrictions during key event times:
- Friday 16th May (from 12pm) to Sunday 18th May (11pm): No parking available on Harbour Parade during the event.
- Tuesday 20th May: No parking on Harbour Parade or East Pier Yard Car Park between 8am and 2pm due to the Band of the Royal Marines Corps of Drums parade (11:30am–12:30pm) and the Air Display (approx. 12:45pm–1:15pm).Top viewing spots for the Air Display include the West and East Pier arms, and the north end of Main Sands Beach (near the promenade).
- Wednesday 21st May: The Little Ships depart between 6am and 8am with a large number of visitors expected
- Monday 26th May (Bank Holiday): The Little Ships return around 3–4pm, with a large number of visitors expected
Given how busy these days will be, we recommend public transport as your best option. Car parks are likely to fill quickly, and we want you to enjoy the events — not worry about where to park.
Plan Your Journey
Southeastern Trains: Plan your trip
Stagecoach Loop Bus (around Thanet every 8 minutes): Plan your bus journey
