Overview
Overview
The first Gravesend Maritime Festival will be held on the 27th and 28th September 2025 in Gravesend, Kent.
All aboard for the Gravesend Maritime Festival!
Splice the mainbrace, heave to, and prepare to shiver your timbers as Gravesend prepares to celebrate its historic links to the River Thames.
Gravesend Maritime Festival takes place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September at St Andrew’s Gardens overlooking the Thames, and on Gravesend Town Pier, the world’s oldest cast iron pier.
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. Book your sailings online with Waverley Excursions
There will also be a number of Thames Barges on display, with sailings and tours available.
The weekend will feature free entertainment, including live music, Sea Shanty Workshops with Stuart Green, a mermaid, and performances from the hearty band of Sheppey Pirates.
Pop-up on the pier will host creative workshops, magic shows, and see the return of the popular Provisions Café in the former Riva Bar. Activities will be running between 11am and 4pm on both days.
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.