Those members who attended the presentation by Tall Ships Global at the San Clu on 20th June will recall how well the idea of a Ramsgate Tall Ships Festival was received and supported. The presentation was the result of a Feasibility Study commissioned by The Ramsgate Society and the Ramsgate Regeneration Alliance who have been working together with Tall Ships Global and The Sail Training International for the last two years to bring this about.

Use this link to download a copy of the Feasibility Report here so you can can see for yourself the benefits of such an event coming to Ramsgate. As an example of the impact on the local economy Hartlepool held a Tall Ships Festival in May 2023 and the official figures state that the event created a total economic impact of £12,531,633 for the local Hartlepool economy.

The Ramsgate Society and Ramsgate Regeneration Alliance held a meeting with Thanet District Council on 8th July to present the Feasibility Study and to discuss whether the Council would be willing to engage with us to help organise the event. Those discussions are currently ongoing but we hope to have a decision in November. Clearly, we need the Council’s input as they own and manage the Royal Harbour so without their involvement and cooperation it is difficult to see how the event could take place.

We will report further as matters progress.

John Walker