Ramsgate Carnival and Fair Saturday and Sunday 25-26 July 2026

Ramsgate Town Carnival and Fair takes place on the 25-26 July 2026 and this year it’s going to be extra special.

There’s lots to see and do up at Government Acre where the Fair is on all weekend - including the Giants Parade at 3pm on Saturday 25, which is an amazing spectacle that has become an established extra feature of the weekend over recent years. This year they’ll be new magical creatures to meet.

Robert Mayne’s fun fair has rides for all the family. There’s live entertainment and DJs at the music stage and a bustling market with arts and craft traders, food, bar, face painting, drumming and making workshops. 10am-8pm on the Saturday and from 10am again on the Sunday.

On Sunday, The streets of Ramsgate burst into life as the Fair and market continues with the addition of the Ramsgate Courts Arena and more music all day. The Grand Carnival Parade goes through the town, stepping off at 4pm. Expect some surprises and be sure to save your place to watch along the route so you get a great view. 

Organiser, Teresa Askew of Great British Carnival explains “The Carnival has been established for over 100 years and is ever evolving, as the long established Carnival traditions and new elements all sit happily side by side, embodying joy and unity, bringing everyone together for a wonderful community celebration that all ages can enjoy and be a part of. 

The parade follows a shorter route than it used to, so that more participants can join in on foot, making it easier to take part. It also means there are fewer gaps and provides more spectacle and fun for both participants and audience alike.

Saturday highlights at the music stage include: DJ Darren Grant, Hebden’s Hifi, the African Diaspora Festival Choir, Harmony Bo and headliners, Crabs, who are playing at 4pm.

The Grand Carnival Parade route on Sunday goes from Government Acre, along Royal Esplanade, St Augustine’s Road, Paragon and Royal Parade, back up Harbour Street, then Queen Street, Westcliff Road and Grange Road and back to Government Acre via Royal Esplanade again.

The Giants Parade on Sunday goes around Government Acre, remaining on the site of the Fair.

Grand Parade highlights will include displays of playful carnival art and Samba Ya Wantsum, Great British Carnival’s  inclusive community band that practices drumming together at the Salvation Army in Ramsgate every Thursday evening - where new members are always welcome.

It’s not too late to book a stall or enter the Carnival Parade. 

To book a stall at the fair: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGrxPWoCEwpobi1iwtDT7Tpsy8u8AQ1rYiZcewtGTKaa2-Kg/viewform  

Or enter the carnival parade: https://forms.gle/AYfotMXcbuLRzVGr9  

The event is kindly supported by Ramsgate Town Council and by local Outdoor Arts and Carnival CIC, Great British Carnival who are leaders in Carnival Arts in the UK, committed to bringing people together to create and have fun.

See @ramsgatecarnival on Facebook and Instagram and the website:gbcarnival.co.uk/ramsgate-carnival-and-fair.html

Contacts:

teresa@gbcarnival.co.uk / 07958 040355
Lorraine@lorrainewilliams.co.uk / 07957 208 322