Dover Harbour Festival

Dover Harbour Festival 2026

Formerly known as the ‘Dover Regatta’ (which has been running for over 10 years), the ‘Dover Harbour Festival’ marks an exciting new era for the town and its vibrant waterfront.

Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th July 2026

The festival will bring some of the most popular events of the Regatta, such as challenging races and marine performances, together with a wider range of onshore family friendly activities and Kent’s award-winning food and drink.

We look forward to once again working with our partners and local businesses to showcase Dover’s bright social scene on and off the water.

Dragon Boat Race

Dragon Boating is great fun and ideal for complete novices as no previous experience is necessary. It’s quick to pick up and suitable for almost all abilities. A dry land safety briefing takes place before each team’s first race, professional helms (steerspersons) dragon boats, paddles, buoyancy aids (life jackets) and water rescue cover are provided. All instructions are given on the day.

Teams require 9 to 11 people (8 or 10 paddlers + a drummer – all teams must have a drummer). The minimum age for all participants is 14 years old, any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Each team will have a minimum of three timed races where your single fastest time only will count for Grand Final qualification and as the racing will be over an international sprint distance of 200 meters, it makes little difference if a novice team is made up male, female or mixed. It’s all about teamwork, rhythm and timing, that’s the key to winning races.

Dover Harbour Festival Swim

Held across two days; Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th July 2026, the festival will bring some of the most popular events of the Regatta, such as challenging races and marine performances, together with a wider range of onshore family friendly activities and Kent’s award-winning food and drink.

Dover Lifeguard Club will be hosting the swim event, with the following event categories;

• 500m Novice Swim (minimum age is 11yrs as at 31st Dec 2026) 
• 1km Junior Swim (13-16yrs as at 31st December 2026) 
• 1km Senior Swim (17yrs+ as at 31st December 2026) 
• 3km Junior Swim (13-16yrs as at 31st December 2026) 
• 3km Senior Swim (17yrs+ as at 31st December 2026) 

Prizes will be awarded to the first male and first female in each category excluding the Novice event. 

Entries close at 6pm on Friday 3rd July. 

On the day, Event Registration will open at 10:30hrs, Swimmer Safety Briefing at 11:15hrs.

Live Music

This Harbour Festival we will be joined by a wide range and variety of local sounds. Whether you’re a fan of country, rock or even swing jazz, there’s going to be something for everyone!

📅 SATURDAY 4th JULY:
– Chris Ray
– Alligator Gumbo
– The Ratzkins
– Pantasy Steel Band
– South Coast Samba

📅 SUNDAY 5th JULY:
– Callum Sutton
– The Altones
– The Red Stripe Band

For more details and information, follow our Facebook Event.