Category: events

  • Knots, Blocks & Boats

    Knots, Blocks & Boats

    Whitstable Maritime volunteers are invited to join a lively, hands‑on presentation with Wild About Whitstable on Saturday 17 October, offering a fun and practical introduction to traditional maritime skills.

    This 1.5‑hour session will dive into the essentials of knots, blocks and boats, giving volunteers the chance to learn, practise and explore techniques that have shaped Whitstable’s seafaring heritage. The workshop is designed to be interactive, social and suitable for all experience levels — whether you’re a seasoned sailor or simply curious to try something new.

    The event forms part of our ongoing programme to celebrate local maritime knowledge and bring volunteers together through shared learning and community spirit.

    Sign-up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-introduction-to-whitstable-maritime-tickets-1994139771738?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

  • Great British Beach Clean: A Fantastic Community Effort in Whitstable

    Great British Beach Clean: A Fantastic Community Effort in Whitstable

    Whitstable Maritime was delighted to join forces with Adonis Blue (part of Kent Wildlife Trust), for this year’s Great British Beach Clean. Together, we brought over 20 volunteers to the shoreline for a hugely successful afternoon of environmental action.

    The event had a brilliant community vibe … enjoyable, welcoming and full of new connections. Volunteers brought energy and purpose, collecting a significant amount of waste and helping to protect Whitstable’s marine environment for wildlife and future generations.

    A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part. Your efforts make a genuine difference to the health and beauty of our coastline. A breakdown of the rubbish collected will be shared shortly.

    Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants | Kent Wildlife Trust

    The Great British Beach Clean | Marine Conservation Society

  • Great British Clean‑Up: Coast to Coast

    Great British Clean‑Up: Coast to Coast

    Join us on 22 September 2026!

    The Great British Beach Clean is a week-long citizen science event taking place between Friday 18th – Sunday 27th September 2026, where hundreds of beach cleans take place up and down the UK.

    The Marine Conservation Society are working to clean up beaches all around the UK and Northern Ireland. Every year in September, Whitstable Maritime supports their flagship Great British Beach Clean event to encourage people to get involved.

    Litter data collected on beach cleans drives the The Marine Conservation Society’s conservation work, which helps them to campaign for change, and also feeds into the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC). Data gathered has been used to make a positive impact on our oceans.

    Meet 22 September 2026, 12pm. Sign-up here:

    Whitstable Beach Clean 2026 | Marine Conservation Society

  • Saving Gamecock: A Creekside Collaboration for the Future

    Saving Gamecock: A Creekside Collaboration for the Future

    Join us on 29 September, at Faversham Creek Trust. Together with our shipwright, we be talking about Gamecock, built 1906, and it’s restoration journey.

    Gamecock is recognised as one of the finest surviving examples of a traditional Whitstable oyster yawl. Owned by local fishermen, the Gamecock was rescued by local residents and is being lovingly restored.

    In May 2026, Gamecock moved to Iron Wharf in Faversham where restoration work continues.

    Join us to hear more about the history and ongoing restoration of this much-loved local boat.

    Event – The Restoration of Gamecock

  • Harbour Day: Community at Full Sail

    Harbour Day: Community at Full Sail

    Harbour Day proved to be an exceptional celebration of Whitstable’s maritime heritage and community spirit, attracting large crowds and delivering what many described as a “wonderful event which displayed the harbour and Whitstable seafront as a fantastic experience for all ages.”  The day was supremely well organised, fully accessible and supported by an outstanding team of volunteers who ensured every element ran smoothly.

    Accessibility was a core strength, with clear routes, step‑free areas and helpful stewards enabling families, older visitors and those with mobility needs to enjoy the full programme.  The visit from the Lord Mayor of Canterbury added prestige, with the Mayor meeting volunteers, stallholders and heritage groups and recognising the harbour’s importance to the district.

    The event generated significant social impact. One charity raised over £1,000, demonstrating strong community generosity. The heritage boat stall received more than 150 enquiries, highlighting growing interest in Whitstable’s maritime history.  The WI stall also enjoyed notable success, attracting numerous new membership enquiries.  Live musicians added atmosphere throughout the day, earning excellent feedback from visitors and helping create a lively, welcoming environment.

    Overall, Harbour Day brought considerable value to the town, reinforcing Whitstable Harbour as a vibrant, inclusive and culturally rich destination. Many described it simply as an exception day.  Want to get involved in next year’s event … then get in touch via our Contacts Page.

    picture courtesy of Peta Nash

  • Seaweed Secrets at Whitstable Harbour Day

    Seaweed Secrets at Whitstable Harbour Day

    Whitstable Harbour Day is bringing the shoreline to life with a hands‑on seaweed and shore‑life exhibition led by intertidal expert Ian Tittley, curator of the Herne Bay Seaside Museum. This interactive display invites visitors of all ages to explore the rich marine habitats that shape Whitstable’s coastal identity.

    Come and find out about local seaweed and shore life with intertidal expert Ian Tittley, curator of the Herne Bay Seaside Museum. Enjoy the chance to look at and touch a large selection of seaweed and molluscs freshly collected from the Whitstable shore.

    From delicate red algae to broad kelp fronds and the intricate shells of local molluscs, the event offers a rare opportunity to get close to the organisms that thrive between the tides. Ian Tittley will be sharing insights, answer questions and help visitors understand how these species support the wider coastal ecosystem.

    Perfect for families, nature enthusiasts and anyone curious about the life that flourishes just below the waterline! Drop in, explore and discover the extraordinary biodiversity of Whitstable’s shore.

    Ground Floor, South Quay Shed, sessions from 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm.

  • Whitstable Harbour Day: Harbour Tales & Salty Trails

    Whitstable Harbour Day: Harbour Tales & Salty Trails

    15 August 2026 – Whitstable Harbour Day is where the town’s salty, sunny, slightly‑chaotic magic comes out to play. It is the one day a year when the working harbour turns into a buzzing celebration of boats, local makers, maritime heritage and the brilliant community that keeps Whitstable ticking. Families wander the quayside with ice creams, kids clamber excitedly around heritage vessels, and the whole place hums with live displays, music and the unmistakable smell of fresh seafood drifting across the water.

    This is a community‑run event powered by local businesses, volunteers and harbour lovers — a proper Whitstable tradition. Whether you are drawn in by the history, the hands‑on activities, or simply the chance to soak up the harbour atmosphere, Harbour Day is your invitation to dive in and enjoy the best of coastal life.

  • Whitstable Maritime AGM

    Whitstable Maritime AGM

    Come and join us for the Whitstable Maritime 2025 AGM, taking place on Tues 25 November, 6pm, at the Hotel Continental, Whitstable.

    This meeting is an important opportunity to reflect on the activities of the past year and discuss future plans. Key agenda items include:

    • Review of the annual report and financial statements
    • Election of board members
    • Open forum for member questions and feedback

    Your participation is highly valued, come along and get involved! For more details or to submit questions in advance, contact us at via the contact form on our website.

    About Whitstable Maritime – whitstablemaritime.org.uk

  • Bird Watching …

    Bird Watching …

    A Feathered Success!

    On the crisp morning of 12 October, a group of enthusiastic birdwatchers gathered at 08:00 by the Skate Park at Swalecliffe for a charity birdwatch walk. Over the course of 90 minutes, participants enjoyed spotting a variety of birds while strolling along the scenic coastal path.

    The event brought together nature lovers of all ages and raised awareness for local conservation efforts. Thank you to everyone who joined and the next planned Birdwalk is 9 Nov 2025.

  • It’s a Clean-Up!

    It’s a Clean-Up!

    Huge thank you for joining our beach as part of the Great British Clean 2025! It was great to see you all and your efforts were very much appreciated (especially in that rather chilly wind)!

    Our results have been submitted to the Marine Conservation Society … we collected 532 pieces of litter off Tankerton beach – a great team effort!