A new festival in Ramsgate will bring a vibrant, six week long celebration, illuminating the town from November 24.
Ramsgate Lumiere will begin with the Christmas Lights switch-on and run until New Year’s Eve with a grand Lantern Parade.
The festive programme is inspired by Ramsgate’s annual harbour display of lit up boats and will enhance the existing illuminations in the town with a series of installations, projections and events to bring extra sparkle and shine,
The festival begins with a short lantern parade leading to St George’s Church for the “Let There Be Light” event, featuring both interior and exterior light projections, live music and mince pies.
Alongside this Ramsgate Lumiere will also introduce Light Up Ramsgate, a six week event aimed at revitalising the town centre. Inviting local shops to join the celebration with creatively lit window displays, Light Up Ramsgate will feature commissioned artworks in the High street, using light and projections.
Ramsgate Lumiere culminates in a magical New Year’s Eve Winter Lantern Parade from St George’s Church to the Harbour and onto the beach for an early celebration for all the family.
Organisers said the event will ensure the town is a must-visit Kent destination during the festive period, adding: “This is the pilot year for the Ramsgate Lumiere and we are confident it’s the start of something big. People can get involved in the workshops making lanterns and decorations for the window displays and it all adds to really shining a light on everything this place has to offer.”
Cllr Helen Crittenden, Chair of the Town Promotion Committee, shared her enthusiasm for the event, emphasising the support received from Arts Council England and Ramsgate Town Council to make this vision a reality. She said: “This event is not only a spectacular holiday celebration but also a way to support our local businesses during this vital trading period.”
Andrew Kettering, a key figure of the harbour boat lighting, added: “The boats and small businesses that surround the harbour make a great effort year on year to create a magical spectacle, for the benefit of the whole town.
“Prizes are awarded in several different categories such as best yacht, best motor boat and best arch and are presented at a reception held at the Royal Temple Yacht Club.
“We couldn’t be more delighted that this effort will be at the heart of the Ramsgate Lumiere and that the light works and projections in the High Street will Light Up Ramsgate and link the harbour and town. It is Ramsgate’s year to shine.”
The event is being arranged by local organisations including JH Events, Great British Carnival CIC and St George’s Church. They will soon be releasing a calendar of activities and information on how to get involved.
The event is being funded by grants and a crowdfunding campaign.
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