Thousands of visitors enjoyed a day of events in Ramsgate yesterday (Sunday).
Scores of classic, vintage and unusual cars made the 38th annual Bucket and Spade run from Canterbury Garden Centre to Government Acre where they were parked up for visitors to see.
Stalls, rides and food and drink were on offer on the green and there was an added bonus of being able to see the passenger ship Silver Cloud docked in the port.
Further along the seafront, the Ramsgate Tunnels held a day of celebrations to mark its 80th anniversary. Despite an issue with a partial stage collapse as it was being erected in the morning, the event went on and was enjoyed by the crowds.
Entertainment included the Dad’s Army variety show, a tribute to Forces’ sweetheart Vera Lynn, homefront cooking demos and the sounding of the newly installed air raid siren.
The event also included the unveiling of two plaques commemorating the parts played by both Borough Engineer Richard Brimmel and the Top Hat Mayor A.B.C. Kempe in the construction of the tunnels that saved countless lives during World War Two.
Tunnels volunteer Derek Smith said: “The 80th anniversary event at Ramsgate Tunnels was a great advert for the hard work put in by our volunteers – especially considering this is ‘Volunteer Week 2019’.
“Hundreds of people watched and took part in The Dad’s Army 1940’s Variety Show on the stage outside the Tunnels, while others browsed the vintage market or took the opportunity to take a special anniversary tour through the Tunnels.
“The demonstration of 1940s cookery showed just how the ‘blitz spirit’ found its way into the home front kitchen.
The sound of the ‘moaning minnie’ air raid siren and the unveiling of the two plaques commemorating the parts played in the construction of the Tunnels by Richard Brimmel and A.B.C.Kempe certainly reminded visitors of just how important a part of the town’s history the Tunnels were. All in all it was a very good day.”