Ramsgate Day – 15th August 2026

🎉Step Right Up! Ramsgate Day Returns with a Spectacular Circus 🎉

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls… step right up and join us for a day of colour, creativity and community as Ramsgate Day transforms the town centre into a giant circus-inspired celebration on Saturday 15th August.

This year’s event takes inspiration from Ramsgate’s remarkable connection to Sanger’s Circus, once one of the most famous travelling circuses in the world. Many people are surprised to learn that Ramsgate was home to a permanent circus amphitheatre in the High Street and that members of the famous Sanger family lived and performed here.

One of the most fascinating figures in circus history, Ellen Sanger, later known as Madame Pauline de Vere, the Lady of the Lions, will be brought to life through a special costumed guided walk and talks exploring the extraordinary story of Ramsgate’s circus heritage.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Madame Pauline throughout the day before she takes her place at the head of the afternoon parade, accompanied by magnificent life-sized lion and elephant puppets in a spectacular tribute to Ramsgate’s circus past.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a packed programme of free family-friendly activities, performances and workshops across the town centre.

Young aspiring performers can learn new tricks with circus skills specialists This Bean Spins and Phases Margate, who will be offering opportunities to try a range of circus disciplines and discover hidden talents. There will also be children’s craft workshops, face painting and plenty of opportunities to get creative.

Adding to the spectacle, Looping the Loop will bring the magic of the circus to life with their magnificent life-sized elephant and lion puppets, vintage clowns and charismatic ringmaster, creating colourful encounters and unforgettable photo opportunities throughout the day.

Visitors can also marvel at giant bubbles drifting through the town centre, while local community groups, performers and organisations help create a vibrant festival atmosphere. Plans are underway for performances by local musicians and dance groups, celebrating the talent and creativity of Ramsgate’s through the generations.

Adding a touch of science, creativity and discovery to the programme, Discovery Planet will invite visitors to uncover the secrets behind some of the circus’s most impressive feats. From testing your balance like a tightrope walker and exploring the science of juggling to creating giant and unusual-shaped bubbles, children and adults alike will have the opportunity to experiment, learn and play while discovering the STEAM principles behind the spectacle.

The day will culminate in a joyful community parade led by the infectious rhythms of Samba Ya Wantsum. Led by Madame Pauline de Vere and accompanied by giant lion and elephant puppets, the procession will feature children showcasing the circus skills they have learned during the day alongside costumes, banners and creations from the workshops.

The parade will conclude in the heart of town with a magical bubble finale as performers, participants and spectators come together to fill the air with bubbles – including giant bubbles floating high above the crowd – creating a memorable end to Ramsgate Day.

Whether you’re trying your hand at circus skills, discovering a piece of local history, enjoying live performances or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Ramsgate Day promises a fantastic day out for all ages.

For one day only, the spirit of Sanger’s Circus returns to Ramsgate, bringing together history, creativity, performance and community in a celebration that promises fun for all ages.

So dust off your top hats, gather the family and join us as we celebrate Ramsgate’s rich circus heritage in style.

Ramsgate Day

📅 Saturday 15 August 2026
🕙 10am – 5pm
📍 Ramsgate Town Centre
🎪 Free Family Event

For updates and the latest programme information, keep an eye on Visit Ramsgate’s website and social media channels.