Special Events for 2009 - our 25th Anniversary Year

An exciting programme of events during 2009 offers great value for money and fantastic additional reasons to visit throughout the year - whether for day trips or as part of a short break.

25 year old prices are “better than zero % inflation!”
On Wednesday 1st April 2009, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust officially celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its creation as the custodian of The Historic Dockyard. As part of the celebrations, the Trust announced a special ‘early bird’ offer on admission to The Historic Dockyard on that day; visitors arriving between 10 am and 12 noon were able to purchase a 12 month ticket at ‘opening day’ prices: Adult £1 and Child 50p. Click here for more information|

Hundreds of spectacular steam and transport exhibits! Favourites like vintage cars and classic motorbikes, commercial and military vehicles, steam traction engines and locomotives to name just a few.  

This year's festival, supported by KOS Media| and Old Glory Magazine| is THE Easter event for all the family not to be missed!

Click here to see a photo gallery of previous Steam and Transport festivals!|
Click here to watch our TV advert|

More information about the event .....|

A week long celebration of Pirates for all the family! Youngsters can enjoy the delights of the ‘Pirates’ Play Place’ with storytelling, puppet shows and costumed characters – including Captain Flint, the mischievous pilfering pirate parrot who is always on the look out for treasure to steal!

A treasure trail, party games with prizes and arts and crafts make this an event not to be missed! Come dressed as a Pirate to add to the fun!  Return visits with your 12 month tickets are valid for this event!

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is proud to be the venue for the first national Armed Forces Day. 

A day when the nation joins with its armed forces and veteran communities in recognition of the service and sacrifice they have given over the years, and continue to make today.

A drum-head service, military and veterans’ parade, military bands and displays, have-a-go displays and kids adventure zone.

Click here| for further details of the event and for regular updates. 

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Click here to go to the official website of National Armed Forces Day|

This separately ticketed traditional end of day ceremony will feature military bands and a finalé muster with standards.

Smugglers come out of hiding to share their secrets and treasures with visitors at The Historic Dockyard Chatham over the August Bank Holiday weekend. On Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August the “value for money summer family fun”| continues with exciting ‘Smuggler themed’ activities, all included in the normal admission price. These include creative workshops, a children’s themed ‘smuggled goods’ lucky-dip and a ‘Spot the Smuggler Trail’ with a prize for the winner. As well as these Smuggler activities, there will be storytelling and a variety of childrens’ games on board HMS Gannet, colouring activities, a Brass Rubbing Trail, a Family Fun Trail and the family Ropery tour – all to add to the enjoyment of a visit and to keep the children amused!

Step back in time to the 1940s as the dockyard is brought alive by the wartime vehicles, uniforms, music and activities of Britain at War.  Enjoy a fantastic day of nostalgia, memories and wartime experiences at one of the best events of its kind. Highlights of the event include Fashion, Rationing and Life on the Home Front; Street Party Style Celebrations; Authentic Tea Rooms; Land Army and Farming Displays and a separately ticketed Blitz Ball in the evening of 19 September.
More info .....|