Bucket loads of fun and free seaside activities in Thanet

The British seaside is exceptionally good value this year with the popular resorts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate in Kent offering a packed programme of free entertainment. Regattas, water galas, live music and carnivals are just a few of the colourful events lined up to entertain every age group this summer.

Events guide

European Water Skiing Championships, Ramsgate: July 5-12

Set against the backdrop of Ramsgate’s impressive Royal Harbour, competitors from France, Holland, Spain and the UK will be making waves during this week-long festival of high speed racing. For more information call the Harbour Office.

Big Sky Jazz Festival, Margate: July 25, 27 and August 2

Some of Britain’s best jazz talents are lined up for this premier music event. Artists including Barb Jungr, Christine Tobin, Anita Wardell and the Phil Robson Quarter will be performing at the Winter Gardens and other key venues in the town. For further details see Visitthanet.co.uk.

Thanet Pride Festival, Margate: July 26

Procession from Margate Winter Gardens followed by live entertainment, fairground rides and a craft market in Marine Drive and Marine gardens.

Ramsgate Carnival: July 27

Popular annual event for the whole family to enjoy. The funfair opens at 10am, carnival queens are presented at 2pm and at 4.30pm colourful floats parade through the town centre and along the Regency seafront. See Ramsgatecarnival.com.

Margate Carnival Weekend: August 2 & 3

One of the biggest and most colourful carnivals in the South East featuring live music and street entertainment. The Sunday procession includes Carnival Roadshows from London’s Notting Hill, and beauty queens from across the south east.

Ramsgate Regatta Week: August 11-16

The colourful spectacle of racing yachts and boats never fails to thrill as competitors take part in a week of racing organised by the Royal Temple Yacht Club. Now regarded as the alternative Cowes, 2008’s new-look Ramsgate Week is the third largest international regatta in the UK featuring around100 boats from Great Britain and the Continent. Trophy races are held each day and include the historic Gold Cup and Round the Goodwin’s races. More details are available on Rtyc.com.

Lark in the Park, Ramsgate: August 11-28

Big tops, stalls and sideshows transform a site above the harbour into a field of fun for two weeks of family entertainment. See Larkinthepark.com.

Beach Art: August 18-22

From sandcastles to sculpture, adults and children can get creative on the dunes in Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Birchington. The workshops are led by local artist Ruth Cutler. See Thanetcoast.org.uk.

Broadstairs Water Gala: August 20

Non-stop fun for the whole family from 10am when King Neptune rises from the sea to give his blessing on a day which features swimming races, beach games, beach volleyball, boat rides and air displays. On the promenade you’ll find fairground rides, a fancy dress competition, knobbly knees contest, Teddy Bears’ Picnic, craft stalls and other attractions.

Finish off the day dancing to the music of Hulla Baloo and watching a firework display on the beach.

Wantsum Jazz 2008, Ramsgate: August 24

Free jazz performances and children’s entertainment all day long at the bandstand on the seafront in Wellington Crescent.

On dryland

Smugglers Trail Walks

Explore the haunts and secret trails of the notorious smugglers who brought their contraband across Thanet’s shores in the 18th century, and hear about Joss Snelling - Thanet’s most notorious smuggler - who avoided capture until his death in 1839, aged 98. Walks start at 7pm at the Albion Street car park next to The Dolphin at Broadstairs on July 26, August 30 and September 27. For more information see Visitthanet.co.uk.

On the Beach

It’s been a bumper year for Thanet with its beaches scoring the highest number of Blue Flag awards in the UK this year. Given to the cleanest and safest beaches these awards show there’s never been a better time to explore Thanet’s 15 sandy bays. From quiet, secluded coves to bustling main sands featuring water sports and entertainments there is a beach for everyone this summer.

Seashore Safaris: July 23-August 9

Meet a cuttlefish or come face-to-face with a Velvet Swimming Crab as you discover the wet and wild lives of the marine creatures inhabiting Thanet’s internationally important coastline. Perfect for families, these 2 hour guided walks by the Thanet Coast Project and Kent Wildlife Trust are free, but booking is essential.

Visit Thanetcoast.org.uk for further details.

Rock Doc Walks

Discover the secrets of Thanet’s 80-million year history with the regions’s very own local celebrity, the Rock Doc. Geology expert and ‘Rock Doc’ Alasdair Bruce reveals the stories hidden among Thanet’s rocks, flints and fossils. The free guided walks are suitable for families and last two hours. For summer dates and booking, which is essential, go to the What’s On section at Thanetcoast.org.uk.

Firework displays

A perfect end to the day in Broadstairs

Displays over Viking Bay on July 30, August 6, 20 and 27 at 9.45pm – weather permitting.

For further information on all free events, see Visitthanet.co.uk.