Dover Winter Light Up

New Date 8th February 2025

7th December 2024 (Postponed)

Dover Winter Light Up (NEW DATE)

NEW DATE 8th February 2025

Saturday, 7th December 2024 (postponed)
3pm–9pm
Pencester Gardens, Dover

Dover Town Council and Future Foundry are sad to announce that Dover’s Winter Light Up will be postponed due to Storm Darragh forecast to reach Dover this weekend. All festivities, activities and the lantern procession which were to be taking place on Saturday 7th of December are on hold until February 8th 2025.

We have been very lucky over the past 4 years to have had perfect conditions for Dover’s Winter Light Up. However with 60mph gusts predicted on Saturday, it will not be possible to run the event safely.

The great news is that Dover’s Winter Light Up has been rescheduled for Saturday the 8th of February. It will be a festival of light when we need it most - at the end of winter just before the first signs of spring. We will be offering all the enchanting activities we had planned for this weekend, with circus performances, cabaret, music, rides, markets, workshops and Future Foundry’s magical lantern procession - all just in time for the start of spring.

In the meantime stay safe during Storm Darragh and we wish you a wonderful festive, winter season.

Key Information for Pencester Gardens:

Pencester Gardens Day/Evening Entertainment: Starts from 3pm

Star Lantern Collection: 3:30pm–4:30pm

Procession with Lights: Starts from 5pm

Dover Make a Wish: 6:15pm

Event Ends: 9pm

Families from Dover and beyond are invited to a magical celebration at the Dover Winter Light Up 2024, taking place in Pencester Gardens. Co-organised by Dover Town Council and Future Foundry, this year’s event promises an exciting mix of light displays, free activities, and entertainment for all ages.

Evening Entertainment and Lantern Procession (FREE):

The event’s highlight is the lantern procession, led by Future Foundry, featuring star lanterns and large-scale designs inspired by Kent wildlife, created by both local artists and schoolchildren. Visitors can also enjoy dazzling fire acts, LED performances, glow-in-the-dark shows, and a ride on the enchanting simulator featuring The Snowman.

In Market Square, admire the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, set against Dover Castle’s iconic backdrop, and the illuminated stags at Maison Dieu House. From 3pm, Pencester Gardens will host festive markets with unique creations by local makers, artists, The Forge Art Club and independent businesses. Don’t miss the 69MCC Club’s decorated bike display also in Pencester Gardens.

As night falls, follow the Lantern Trail, which winds through Pencester Gardens, Cannon Street, and Biggin Street. The trail features mythical creatures (Maison Dieu), Kent wildlife (original organisers’ designs), and Sea Life mini lanterns commissioned through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Local businesses are joining the fun by lighting up their shopfronts, adding to the festive glow of the town’s winter lights, provided by Dover Town Council.

Food and Entertainment:

Relax in Pencester Gardens’ food and beverage village, with seating and cabaret-style performances by the Anxious Pickle Club.

Daytime Activities (FREE):

Christmas Crafts Workshops:
10am–3pm, St. Mary’s Parish Centre, CT16 1LY

Natural Festive Decoration Making with Mel
1. Paper Craft Stars and Baubles by the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment/Queens Museum
2. Watercolour Cards and Gift Tags with Dover Smart Project
3. Winter Pebble Mosaic Crafting with Debbie
4. Heatpress Vinyl Artwork by Dreamsafari

Dancing and Rhythm Workshops:
10am–3pm, Riverside Centre, CT16 1RL

10:15am–11:00am: 1920s Solo Charleston & 1930s Box Rumba
1. 11:30am–12:15pm: 1940s/50s Jive (partner dance)
2. 12:45pm–1:30pm: 1950s/60s Continental and Chalypso (solo/partner)
3. 2:00pm–2:45pm: Hand Jive, Twist, and Hukilau (solo dances)

Also, from 10am–3pm in Market Square, join the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership to create natural food for wildlife and shop the creators’ market for local, handmade goods.

Public Lantern Workshops (FREE):

Fri 29th Nov: 4:30pm–8:30pm, Biggin Hall, CT16 1DW (COMPLETED)
1. Sat 30th Nov: 11am–1pm & 2pm–4pm, Charlton Centre, CT16 1TT (COMPLETED)
2. Sun 1st Dec: 11am–1pm & 2pm–4pm, Biggin Hall (COMPLETED)
3. Wed 4th Dec: 4:30pm–8:30pm, Biggin Hall (COMPLETED)

Please allow at least 2 hours to make your lantern. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

On the night of the procession, collect your lanterns from Pencester Gardens (4:30pm–5:30pm). The procession begins at 6pm on Saturday 8th February 2025.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

Port of Dover, Dover Community Association, Destination Dover, Dover District Council, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, Colyer Fergusson Trust, Arts Council England, and the Levelling Up UK Shared Prosperity Fund.