Light festival to be held in Ramsgate

Event organisers Teresa Askew (left), Jemima Brown (middle) with Jess Hudsley (right)

Ramsgate is set to hold a free light festival over the Christmas period.

Ramsgate Lumiere begins on 24 November and runs until 31 December.

An opening event called, "Let There Be Light", will be held at St George's Church on 26 November when the Ramsgate town Christmas lights will be switched on.

Teresa Askew, an event organiser, said: "Some of the attractions that are on at Christmas are expensive for families with the high cost of living, but this is all free."

Throughout the six weeks there will be LED lights and projections, a Christmas tree festival and lantern workshops at St George's Church, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2027.

"When you come into the church you will see it full of Christmas Trees which have been decorated by local community groups which look magical, and the smell is amazing”, said Jemima Brown, St George's Church Regeneration Officer.

Boats in Ramsgate Harbour will be illuminated by their owners carrying on a decade long tradition with prizes awarded for Best Yacht and Best Motor Boat.

The event aims to revitalise the town centre, according to organisers.

Ms Askew added: "There will be a living advent calendar around the town when a different shop or home each day through December will be lit up or hold an event for people to take part in.”

Ramsgate Lumiere will culminate with a winter lantern parade through the town on 31 December.