Photos by Frank Leppard
Ramsgate has been getting in the festive spirit this weekend with events stretching from the harbour and tunnels into the town.
On Friday Santa hitched a lift with RNLI Ramsgate to sail around the harbour – which is sparkling with lights on boats and the arches- and wave to those gathered to catch sight of him.
There was also singing, wartime Christmas scenes and atmospheric decorations in Ramsgate Tunnels as part of the town’s Living Advent Calendar.
At St George’s Church the Christmas Tree Festival opened. Trees will remain on display from 2pm- 5pm daily until December 21.
On Saturday, the Camden Arms hosted its first children’s Christmas Party with miniature Shetland pony, Honey, stepping in for ‘Santa’s reindeer’ for an afternoon.
If you missed Santa aboard the lifeboat, there is still a chance to see him at the harbour thanks to the 6th Ramsgate Sea Scouts who have a custom built grotto in the Scout Hall at Ramsgate’s Ice House in Military Road.
The grotto will be open to families throughout the festive season and funds raised will go towards supporting Sea Scouts’ activities and equipment and the continued Ice House refurbishment.
Cost is £5 per child and every child receives a gift .
The grotto includes a winter wonderland and illuminated 6th Ramsgate express train. Some nights will also include marshmallow toasting.
On Saturday 20th December the Sea Scouts are holding a Christmas market and the grotto will be open for walk ins only.
There will be lots of stalls on offer and Santa will be taking to the harbour in his illuminated boat at 6:30pm.
