Crowds packed Ramsgate over the weekend as events to mark the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo – the WWII rescue of troops from beaches at Dunkirk – got underway.

Some 70 Little Ships have been heading to Ramsgate harbour for the commemorations – the largest gathering of the vessels since the historic flotilla took part in the heroic efforts to rescue British soldiers and Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940.

Arrivals included the Medway Queen, last in Ramsgate in 2022 when she underwent maintenance at the harbour Slipways.

There has also been live music, a funfair, stunning projections on the Clock House telling the story of the wartime operation and a series of displays and tours at the Ramsgate Tunnels.

Visitors could also see a replica Spitfire from RAF Manston Museum and 1940s vehicles from Invicta Military-vehicles Preservation Society.

On Saturday the harbour arches and the Obelisk were lit up, there were children’s workshops and – at the Ellington Park May Fair hundreds of Little Ships created by isle schoolchildren were on display.

The 6th Ramsgate Royal Harbour Sea Scouts created a poppy display at Jacob’s Ladder for the occasion. Every single poppy was hand-painted by the Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts.

On Sunday there was a Town Parade from Sailors’ Church to St. George’s Church, followed by a public service. The church was also host to an installation of over 3,000 mini paper boats.

The ‘Little Ships in Concert’  took place at the Harbour with a live performance with opera singers calling to the Little Ships and the Clock House projection was shown once again.

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There are still many events to come this week including free film screenings, an air display with the oldest surviving airworthy Fairey Swordfish in the world, the Little Ships setting off on the journey to Dunkirk and then their return.

Programme:

May 19-21

The Little Ships Film Festival at The Granville Theatre

Three contrasting Dunkirk–themed blockbuster films showing over three days. Doors open 5.30pm for a 7pm start. 600 FREE seats on a first come, first serve basis each night. The Granville Theatre, Victoria Parade, Ramsgate, CT11 8DG: www.thegranvilletheatre.com

May 20

Royal Marine Corps of Drums and Air Display The Band of the Royal Marine Corps of Drums parade from Pier Yard to the Sailors’ Church, plus a Navy Wings air display over the sea in the oldest surviving airworthy Fairey Swordfish in the world. 11.30am, Harbour Parade, CT11 8LS and in and around the Royal Harbour: www.rtyc.com

Dunkirk Memorial Unveiling of the restored Operation Dynamo Memorial in the Royal Harbour. 12.30pm at Harbour Parade, CT11 8LS: www.ramsgate-society.org.uk

May 21

THE CROSSING TO DUNKIRK

Line the piers and harbour-side to witness over 70 Dunkirk Little Ships, 10 escort and 100 supporting boats as they set off for Dunkirk. 6am – 8am* (weather dependent), Harbour Parade, CT11 8LS and along the West and East Piers: www.rtyc.com

May 23-25

The Lost Ships of Dunkirk Short film, with wartime soundtrack, of the sonar images of wrecks sunk close to Dunkirk during Operation Dynamo, taken from the 2023 seabed survey by Historic England and French Ministry of Culture. 1pm – 5pm (shown on a loop) Hold Bar, Royal Temple Yacht Club, 6 Westcliff Mansions, CT11 9HY: www.rtyc.com

May 26

THE RETURN TO THE ROYAL HARBOUR

Come and welcome the Dunkirk Little Ships as they return from Dunkirk – with pipers, Queens Regiment Association Corps of Drums, standard bearers and a cannon salute. From 3pm, Harbour Parade, CT11 8LS and along the West and East Piers.

Live Music at the Royal Temple Yacht Club in the main bar. From 4pm, Royal Temple Yacht Club, 6 Westcliff Mansions, CT11 9HY.