Operation Dynamo
Dunkirk Little Ships Set Sail for Ramsgate: A Historic Spectacle this May!
This May, Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour is preparing to welcome an unforgettable sight — the largest gathering of Dunkirk Little Ships since the Second World War.
To mark the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo, up to 70 historic vessels are set to arrive in Ramsgate between 16th and 26th May 2025, bringing with them a powerful reminder of one of the most heroic rescues in British history.
A Living Legacy
These Little Ships, many over 100 years old, played a pivotal role in rescuing more than 330,000 Allied troops stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940. Now, decades later, they return to commemorate their incredible achievement 85 years ago.
“This is an opportunity to join the skippers and crews to celebrate the continued survival of these historic vessels,” says Kevin Finn, Commodore of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships. “They stand as a reminder of incredible courage and unity in a time of crisis.”
What to Expect: 10 Days of Free events to Commemorate and Celebrate
Friday 16th May marks the beginning of this extraordinary event as the first Little Ships arrive, including the Medway Queen who will be moored at the Commercial Quay to allow visitors on board throughout the ten days (weather permitting), with festivities ramping up over the weekend and beyond. Here’s a taste of what’s in store:
The Highlights:
The Little Ships in Concert – Sunday 18th May at 5:30pm A world premiere performance that will include over 200 boats including 70 of the original Dunkirk Little Ships (playing bells, whistles and foghorns), a full choir, musicians and a WWII air raid siren.
The Little Ships Film Festival – 19th–21st May doors open at 5.30pm Held at the Granville Theatre, this series will showcase historic and cinematic tributes to Operation Dynamo. 600 seats available each night operating on a first come, first served basis. Donations welcome for RNLI Ramsgate. · Re-enactments & Exhibitions – Ramsgate Tunnels Step back in time with immersive displays, personal stories, and wartime installations.
Royal Marines Parade & Historic Air Display – Tuesday 20th May Catch a stirring parade featuring the Royal Marines Band, followed by a short air display by the only surviving airworthy Fairey Swordfish, a biplane torpedo bomber — a rare and unforgettable sight from the skies of WWII.*
Children’s Art & Community Spirit Young artists will be decorating 400 model Little Ships, displaying them at Albion Gardens and Ellington Park (Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th respectively) and wooden horseshoes to line the harbour railings, wishing the crews “Bon Voyage” before they set sail on their long journey to Dunkirk.
Parades, Projections & Music From live music stages by the harbour to newsreel projections on historic buildings, the entire town will come alive with tribute.
Key Dates:
Wednesday 21st May, 6am – The Little Ships depart Ramsgate, headed to Dunkirk. Locals are encouraged to give them a heartfelt early morning send-off!*
Monday 26th May, from 4pm – The fleet returns to a hero’s welcome with pipers, standard bearers, and cheering crowds.*
A Town United in ‘Dunkirk Spirit’
The event is a true community effort, supported by the Royal Temple Yacht Club, Ramsgate Tunnels, The Ramsgate Society, Ramsgate Town Council, and many more local groups. John Walker, Chair of The Ramsgate Society, said, “This historic gathering of Dunkirk Little Ships will be a huge draw for both local residents and visitors alike.”
With a record-breaking number of Little Ships visiting, a world premiere of The Little Ships in Concert, and an air display from the only surviving airworthy Fairey Swordfish plane, we think the events taking place will be quite a draw. With the fantastic team involved, including Nick Rankin who worked hard with the support of The Granville Theatre to secure three evenings for the Little Ships Film Festival, this is really shaping up to be a wonderful range of events, spread out over the ten days.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a boat lover, or simply looking for a brilliant seaside event, Ramsgate’s commemoration of Operation Dynamo is not to be missed.
For full event details, download the programme here.
Need accommodation? Find places to stay at Visit Ramsgate or Visit Thanet * Please check the Visit Ramsgate Facebook page for up-to-date information on arrival times, the departure to Dunkirk, and the air display — all are subject to change due to sea and weather conditions.
