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.*
Parades, Projections & Music From live music stages by the harbour to newsreel projections on historic buildings, the entire town will come alive with tribute.
Children’s Art & Community Spirit Young artists have been busy decorating 400 paper Little Ships, displaying them at Albion Gardens and Ellington Park (Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th respectively) and over the first weekend, children will have the opportunity to decorate wooden horseshoes to hang on the harbour railings as gifts for the Little Ships’ crews to wish them safe travels before they set sail on their long journey to Dunkirk. There will also be a little trail to win a badge – visit the shops listed, write the letter you find in each of the shop windows in the love hearts and hand your completed trail in to Gifts Galore in Harbour Parade or at the Yellow Tent to win a badge or sticker!
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.
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.
Getting to Ramsgate: Travel Advice for Event Days
To help you enjoy the upcoming events in Ramsgate safely and stress-free, we strongly recommend leaving your car at home or at your accommodation and using public transport wherever possible. Ramsgate is well served by both train and bus routes, making travel easy and convenient.
The first Southeastern train from London arrives at 05:37, and local bus services begin around the same time. Once you’re in the area, the Loop Bus runs every 8 minutes around the Isle of Thanet from 6am onwards — perfect for getting around without the hassle of parking.
Important Parking Restrictions
Please be aware of the following road closures and parking restrictions during key event times:
Friday 16th May (from 12pm) to Sunday 18th May (11pm): No parking available on Harbour Parade during the event.
Tuesday 20th May: No parking on Harbour Parade or East Pier Yard Car Park between 8am and 2pm due to the Band of the Royal Marines Corps of Drums parade (11:30am–12:30pm) and the Air Display (approx. 12:45pm–1:15pm). Top viewing spots for the Air Display include both the West and East Pier arms, as well as the north end of Main Sands Beach (near the promenade).
Wednesday 21st May: The Little Ships depart between 6am and 8am. We expect a large number of visitors to see them off.
Monday 26th May (Bank Holiday): The Little Ships return around 3–4pm, and we again anticipate high footfall.
Given how busy these days will be, we recommend public transport as your best option. Car parks are likely to fill quickly, and we want you to enjoy the events — not worry about where to park.
Plan Your Journey:
Southeastern Trains: Plan your trip
Stagecoach Loop Bus (around Thanet every 8 minutes): Plan your bus journey
Let’s keep the roads clear and the atmosphere festive — we can’t wait to welcome you!
