In its 12^th year, Dover’s biggest annual event attracted thousands of families to the Waterfront once again, with proceeds being shared between Dover Lifeguard Club and Pegasus Playscheme.

Despite a battle with the elements on the day, around 9,000 people flocked to Dover from across Kent and beyond to experience one of the highlights of summer on the Southeast coast. For the first time, the action spanned across the new Marina Curve, Clocktower Square, Outer Marina and seafront.

The Regatta brings different activities, stalls and demonstrations to the community each year, presenting the best of our local culture. 2024 saw the biggest Dragon Boat Race yet sponsored by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, providing adrenaline fuelled fun for all throughout the day.

The event has also been awarded a platinum sustainable certification since 2022; the Clean Regatta award, which is the world’s leading environmental accreditation for water-based events.

Diederik Smet, Placemaking, Events and Partnerships Manager at the Port of Dover said:

“We are delighted to have put on another brilliant Regatta and thank everybody for coming along to support the community and local businesses, while helping to raise important funds for our two chosen charities.

“We had a brilliant set of sponsors this year, with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines helping to make the Dragon Boat Race a huge success. It attracted the largest number of teams we have had, all determined not to be defeated by the strong winds!

“My huge thanks go to our sponsors Fred. Olsen, DFDS and Perrys, and the organisations that worked with us to provide great memories for the whole family. Here’s to 2025!”

Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“We were delighted to be the headline sponsor of this year’s Dover Regatta and Dragon Boat Race and see thousands of people enjoying the buzz of the event, all while raising money for two important local causes.

“We are proud to support and give back to the communities that we sail from across the UK, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Port of Dover for next year’s season of cruising.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• The Port of Dover is closing the gap every day between the UK and the world by connecting trade, travel, visitors and communities locally-globally, collaborating with local and international partners to create a more seamless, sustainable and tech-enabled port.
• As the UK’s busiest international ferry port and a vital gateway for the movement of people and trade, Dover handles £144 billion of trade per year, 33% of UK trade in goods with the EU and welcomes over 11 million passengers.
• Dover is an award-winning cruise port, delivering world class travel and visitor experiences to over 20 different cruise lines each year. With a growing and diversifying cargo business operating from state-of-the-art facilities, a new marina which is at the centre of the revived waterfront, plus opportunities for further expansion in the future, Dover’s proud history dating back 400 years has a new modern twist.