Harbour show returns for first time post pandemic

Master ropemakers will be at the Whitstable Harbour & Boat Show

A Kent harbour show is returning on Saturday for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Whitstable Harbour & Boat Show said it would "showcase the talents of student boatbuilders and shipwrights and master craftsmen and women from across the south and south east".

It added that its newest attraction – The Heritage Boat Building Centre – has already been extended to accommodate demand from boatbuilders and other exhibitors.

Gordon Vincent, leader of the event's planning team, said: "It is wonderful to be back and especially exciting to be unveiling the new Heritage Boat Building Centre.

"It will feature craftsmen and women sharing their love of working with natural materials and creating beautiful boats using traditional tools."

The centre will host a range of boats and a programme of presentations and demonstrations from exhibitors including timber specialists, sailmakers and marine equipment.

Master ropemakers from Chatham Historic Dockyard will be demonstrating their skills and creating new rope for sale.

Mr Vincent added: "Many boatbuilding crafts are now officially classed as 'at risk', so it is vital we give heritage crafts and boatbuilding a stage on which to shine and attract new interest."