Formerly known as the Dover Regatta, which has been running for over 10 שנים, Dover Harbour Festival marks an exciting new era for the town and its vibrant harbour setting. The event will bring together popular regatta favourites, including races and marine performances, alongside a wider programme of onshore family-friendly activities, live music, local organisations, and Kent food and drink.
The Port of Dover will once again work with partners, charities and local businesses to celebrate Dover’s social scene, maritime heritage and waterfront community, both on and off the water.
Dragon Boat Race
The Dragon Boat Race is open to complete beginners and is suitable for most abilities. Teams will receive a dry land safety briefing before their first race, with professional helms, boats, paddles, buoyancy aids and water rescue cover provided.
Teams need 9 ל 11 people, made up of 8 אוֹ 10 paddlers plus a drummer. Participants must be aged 14 or over, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Each team will take part in at least three timed races over a 200 metre sprint distance, with the fastest time counting towards Grand Final qualification.
Dover Harbour Festival Swim
Dover Lifeguard Club will host the festival swim event, with categories for novice, junior and senior swimmers across 500m, 1km and 3km distances.
- 500m Novice Swim – minimum age 11 years as at 31 דצמבר 2026
- 1km Junior Swim – ages 13 ל 16 as at 31 דצמבר 2026
- 1km Senior Swim – ages 17+
- 3km Junior Swim – ages 13 ל 16 as at 31 דצמבר 2026
- 3km Senior Swim – ages 17+
Prizes will be awarded to the first male and first female in each category, excluding the Novice event. Entries close at 6pm on Friday 3rd July 2026. On the day, registration opens at 10:30אני, followed by the swimmer safety briefing at 11:15אני.
Live Music
Across the weekend, the festival will feature a wide range of local sounds, with music styles including country, rock, swing jazz, steel band and samba.
Saturday 4th July
- Chris Ray
- Alligator Gumbo
- The Ratzkins
- Pantasy Steel Band
- South Coast Samba
Sunday 5th July
- Callum Sutton
- The Altones
- The Red Stripe Band
Festival Raffle
The Dover Harbour Festival raffle is open to anyone aged 18 or over. Proof of ID may be requested at the time of purchase.
Prizes include ferry crossings, local experiences, afternoon tea, a port tour, a countryside retreat, sauna sessions, צילום, kayak hire, Destination Dover cycle hire, family attraction passes and a £50 Amazon voucher.
Prize winners will be randomly selected in a supervised draw at approximately 3:45pm on Saturday 4th July 2026 on the main stage at Clock Tower Square.
Charity, Community and Local Organisations
Dover Harbour Festival will also showcase local organisations, charities and community partners, helping to celebrate the region’s culture, heritage and community spirit.
The festival provides an opportunity to bring residents, מבקרים, businesses and local groups together for a weekend of activity across Dover’s waterfront.
Stall Holder Sign Up
Local stallholders are invited to apply to be part of Dover Harbour Festival 2026. Applications can be made using the festival stall holder sign-up form.
פרטי האירוע
אירוע: פסטיבל נמל דובר 2026
תאריך: Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th July 2026
מקום: Dover Waterfront and Harbour area
Further information: Follow the Dover Harbour Festival Facebook event for the latest updates, timings and announcements.