Filming & Events
Overview
Exclusive location
The Port of Dover is a popular location for events and film shoots, due to its iconic status and unrivalled location overlooking the famous setting of the White Cliffs and English Channel.
Any filming or recreational event taking place within the Port, Harbour or Waterfront should not take place until permission from the Port of Dover has been sought and granted.
As the UK’s busiest international ferry port and an award-winning cruise port, the Port of Dover is an exciting and iconic location for film and location shoots.
Filming at Port of Dover
As the UK’s busiest international ferry port and an award-winning cruise port, the Port of Dover is an exciting and iconic location for film and location shoots.
Filming and photography at the Port is classed as either commercial or for media and PR purposes.
Filming
Commercial filming and photography
- Includes film and TV productions, commercials, corporate productions, fashion shoots, and educational, including material for internal use.
- Operators, retail partners, stakeholders and official contractors wishing to film or photograph for external audiences, including online usage and social media, must contact Corporate Affairs. The application must be completed directly by a production company or photographer.
- Any commercial filming or photography requests must be submitted with at least 4 weeks’ notice for consideration.
- A location fee and potentially staff costs will apply for commercial filming and photography.
Filming
Drone Filming
Commercial drone filming from Port of Dover property, including Dover Beach, is prohibited unless approved in advance by the Port.
As a site of critical national infrastructure (imposed by the UK Government), all drone requests are considered on a case-by-case basis by Port of Dover Police.
Filming
Media and PR filming and photography
- Includes, news and TV documentaries, charity projects and local and regional support schemes – where the story is port related, topical, in the public interest and the crew size is minimal. Journalists and other stakeholders must contact the Corporate Affairs team to seek approval prior to filming.
- Operators, retail partners, stakeholders and official contractors wishing to film or photograph for project, internal, audit or proof of posting purposes must contact Corporate Affairs before filming on Port property.
Events
Events at Port of Dover
With a brand-new waterfront and facilities on the Western Docks, Dover’s seafront and harbour are a prime location for major local events and celebrations. As land owner, the Port strives to work with and benefit the local community, and therefore runs an exciting and diverse events programme.
In approving any event, Port of Dover needs to be satisfied that any risk to the general public, the safety of navigation, or other port users has been effectively mitigated.
Port of Dover will also require evidence that the event organiser has consulted with, and has met the requirements of, the Police, the MCA (Coastguard), the RNLI, local emergency services, and local authority where appropriate. Also, if applicable, the event should be conducted in accordance with the guidance provided by, and with the approval of, the national bodies representing the types, or classes of any craft participating in the event.
Any requirement for additional harbour authority resources – whether additional navigational marks, craft to patrol, control or escort the event, or any emergency or SAR response resources – would normally be at the expense of the request organiser.
The same would normally apply to any public safety or emergency provision considered by the police or other emergency services.
Get in touch
For more information on filming or recreational events, please fill in the form below.
Alternatively you can contact us by telephone on:
+44 (0) 1304 240 400 Ext: 4410