Mayoral Engagements Gallery
This gallery provides a record of the Mayor of Dover’s official engagements, including civic ceremonies, community events and formal visits. The Mayor represents the town at a range of functions, supporting local initiatives, recognising achievements and fulfilling ceremonial duties.
This page is currently being developed – last update 09/09/26
Landmark Bench Building Opens in Dover
(September 08th 2026 – Bench Street, Dover)
A multi-million pound landmark development in the heart of Dover officially opened in September 2026, marking a significant milestone for the town and the wider Dover district.
The Bench building, located on Bench Street just off Market Square, has been officially launched as a state-of-the-art education, creative arts and business centre. Forming part of the transformational Dover Beacon project, the development represents a major investment in the future of the town, creating new opportunities for local people to learn, work, create and connect.
The Right Worshipful Town Mayor of Dover attended the official opening ceremony alongside local Mayors from across the Dover district and representatives of Dover District Council. The occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate the completion of this important new facility and recognise its potential contribution to education, creativity, enterprise and community life in Dover.
Nao Victoria – Historic Ship Visit
(August 2026 – Dover Marina)
The Nao Victoria visited Dover Marina in August 2026, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to step aboard and discover the ship that made history as part of the expedition that completed the first circumnavigation of the world.
The Nao Victoria is a replica of the vessel that sailed as part of the Magellan–Elcano expedition of 1519–1522. Of the five ships that originally set out on the voyage, the Victoria was the only vessel to complete the journey around the world and return to Spain. Today, the replica helps bring this extraordinary chapter of maritime history to life, allowing visitors to explore the ship and learn more about the sailors, conditions and challenges of ocean exploration more than 500 years ago.
The Right Worshipful Town Mayor of Dover visited the Nao Victoria during its stay in Dover, taking the opportunity to explore the historic vessel and welcome its crew to the town. The visit celebrated Dover’s longstanding connection with the sea and provided a fascinating opportunity to experience a recreation of one of the most important ships in the history of global exploration.
Little Artlings & Earthlings CIC – Big Ideas Fun Family Festival
(Saturday 1st August 2026 – Biggin Hall and Riverside Gardens)
The Big Ideas Fun Family Festival took place at Biggin Hall and Riverside Gardens on Saturday 1st August 2026, offering a free day of creative activities, entertainment and family-friendly fun in the heart of Dover.
The festival brought children, families and local residents together to enjoy a varied programme of arts, crafts, play and imaginative activities. It encouraged creativity, exploration and learning for all ages, while providing an accessible and welcoming environment in which families could spend time together outdoors. The event also helped bring new life to an underused green space, establishing Riverside Gardens as an attractive community venue overlooking Dover Castle and the River Dour.
The Right Worshipful Town Mayor of Dover attended the festival as part of the mayoral engagement programme, meeting organisers, participating families and members of the local community. The event highlighted the importance of providing creative opportunities for children and demonstrated the valuable contribution made by local organisations in supporting families across Dover. Dover Town Council was pleased to support the event as a community partner.
World in a Tent Festival
(Sunday 19th July 2026 – Burgoyne Heights Community Centre)
The World in a Tent Festival took place at Burgoyne Heights Community Centre on Sunday 19th July 2026, bringing local residents together for a celebration of culture, community and diversity.
The festival provided an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to meet, enjoy activities and learn more about the different cultures and communities represented in Dover. The event created a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere while encouraging greater understanding and connection between residents.
The Right Worshipful Town Mayor of Dover attended the festival as part of the mayoral engagement programme, meeting organisers, participants and members of the community. The event highlighted the value of local organisations and community venues in bringing people together and celebrating Dover’s cultural diversity.
Dover Youth Comic Con
(Saturday 18th July 2026)
The Dover Youth Comic Con took place on Saturday 18th July 2026, bringing young people, families and fans together for a celebration of comics, gaming, creativity and popular culture.
The event offered an enjoyable and welcoming environment for visitors to meet others with shared interests, take part in activities and celebrate their favourite characters, stories and creative hobbies. Attendees were also encouraged to express their creativity through costumes and cosplay.
The Right Worshipful Town Mayor of Dover attended the event as part of the mayoral engagement programme, meeting organisers, participants and visitors. The occasion highlighted the importance of providing positive and inclusive activities for young people within the Dover community.
Cinque Ports Conference Reception
(Friday 26th June 2026 – Maison Dieu)
The Cinque Ports Conference Reception was held at the Maison Dieu on Friday 26th June 2026, as part of a major two-day conference exploring the history and continuing significance of the Cinque Ports from the 13th century to the present day.
Hosted in the medieval splendour of Dover’s Maison Dieu, the conference brought together academics, historians, archaeologists, civic representatives and delegates to examine the role of the Cinque Ports in the defence of England, their governance and administration, and the lives of those who lived in the Cinque Ports towns.
The evening reception was attended by the Right Worshipful Town Mayor of Dover, Councillor Bekah Dawes, who gave a speech to those present. The occasion was enjoyed by mayors and mace-bearers from other Cinque Ports towns, alongside speakers, delegates and guests, providing an opportunity to recognise Dover’s important place within the shared history and civic traditions of the Cinque Ports.
Samphire Multicultural Festival
(Saturday 20th June 2026 – Pencester Gardens)
The Samphire Multicultural Festival took place on Saturday 20th June 2026 in Pencester Gardens, bringing together Dover’s diverse communities for a day of celebration, learning and shared experience.
The festival aimed to celebrate and explore the rich variety of cultures which make up Dover, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy new music, try different foods, take part in dance and art, and learn more about other cultures. The event created a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to come together and recognise the strength of Dover’s multicultural community.
The Right Worshipful Town Mayor of Dover, the Deputy Mayor and Town Councillors joined the celebrations, meeting visitors and taking part in the occasion. As part of the event, the Town Mayor delivered a speech to visitors, highlighting the importance of community, inclusion and celebrating the diversity which helps make Dover such a vibrant town.
Cinque Ports Sailing Club Event
(Saturday 13th June 2026 – Cinque Ports Sailing Club)
The Cinque Ports Sailing Club Event took place on Saturday 13th June 2026 and was attended by the Town Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Town Councillors. The event celebrated sailing in Dover and showed how getting out on the water can bring people together, build confidence and Dover’s unique seafront.
100th Anniversary Parade – Dover Sea Cadets
(Sunday 7th June 2026 – Maison Dieu)
The 100th Anniversary Parade for Dover Sea Cadets took place on Sunday 7th June 2026, marking a proud milestone in the history of the local unit and its long-standing connection with Dover’s maritime and civic life.
As part of the occasion, the Right Worshipful Town Mayor of Dover and nominated civic partner attended the unveiling of a blue plaque on the Maison Dieu wall to commemorate Elliot Gould RN VC, recognising his bravery, service and lasting place in Dover’s heritage. The parade brought together cadets, civic representatives, guests and members of the community to honour both the centenary of Dover Sea Cadets and the legacy of one of Dover’s distinguished naval figures.
Mayor Making 2026
(Monday 18th May 2026 – Maison Dieu)
The Mayor Making 2026 ceremony was held at the Maison Dieu on Monday 18th May 2026, marking the beginning of the new civic year for Dover Town Council. At the ceremony, Cllr Bekah Dawes was appointed as the new Mayor of Dover, with Cllr Janet Kember appointed as Deputy Mayor.
The event brought together councillors, invited guests and leaders from local organisations to recognise Dover’s civic traditions and welcome the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor into their roles. Following the formal proceedings, guests attended a reception at the Maison Dieu.
