All aboard for the Gravesend Maritime Festival which takes place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September at St Andrew’s Gardens overlooking the Thames, and on Gravesend Town Pier
Splice the mainbrace, heave to, and prepare to shiver your timbers as Gravesend prepares to celebrate its historic links to the River Thames.
The weekend will feature free entertainment, including live music, mermaids, and performances from the hearty band of Sheppey Pirates between the hours of 11am and 6pm on both days.
Music line-up
Saturday
- TBC - 12:15 to 13:00
- TBC - 13:30 to 14:15
- Swinging the Lead -14:45 to 15:30
- The Cockney Kings - 16:00 to 16:45
- Hog Eye Men - 17:15 to 18:00
Sunday
- Helen North - 12:15 to 13:00
- Sea Shanty Workshop - 13:15 to 14:15
- The Ashen Keys -14:45 to 15:30
- The Beard Conspiracy - 16:00 to 16:45
- Something Sleeps - 17:15 to 18:00
Ships and barges
The historic pier will be hosting a number of visits from historic ships over the weekend, including the ever-popular Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer.
There will also be a number of Thames Barges on display, with sailings and tours available from Tiller & Wheel.
Pop-up on the Pier
Pop-up on the Pier will host creative workshops, the Aquanauts Adrift show, magic, and see the return of the popular café in the former Riva Bar, activities will be running between 11m and 4pm on both days. Visit St Georges Arts Centre Facebook for more information including show timings.
The Forgotten Dead
On Friday 26 and Saturday 28 September, Northfleet based Blueprint Arts will also be telling the tragic tale of the Princess Alice paddle steamer through installations along the quayside and immersive performances at the Three Daws Inn, opposite the pier.