Dover, that delightful historical town located by the coastline of England, is a place that is famed for its white cliffs and many interesting sea stories. But that is not just the beginning of this rather charming port town, no, that you are very much mistaken about. Dover takes you like some whimsical old relative who always has a storehouse or chest full of good old anecdotes and plots you least expect for Christmas cheer. Here, festivals are not dormant – they catapult themselves into life with laughter, music, dancing, and quite literally, loads of OMG is that a REAL joust? Well, keep your festival hats on, put on your comfortable walking shoes, and let me take you for a tour of some of the most famous festivals in Dover. I assure you that the joy you will take with you into your heart will be immense, and so will the number of photos on your phone.
The reality is that spring is rather magical in Dover. Picture this: tIU implements such as blooming flowers, fresh grass, and people not wearing their winter jackets. How much more fitting can it be to come out of these cold and grey weeks finally with the traditional May Fair in Dover? Taking place in the central area of the town, this fair is as old school as they come, although they sure know how to spice things up a little in the 21st century.
The Maypole dance is probably the most iconic part of this festival. Watching locals, especially the little ones with their serious, concentrated faces, wrap colorful ribbons around the pole is pure delight. There’s a hilarious charm to the way some of them get tangled up, making it feel like a competitive sport nobody knew they needed. You wouldn’t even believe how good the food is. Well, you’ve got from candy floss (which I still insist is called cotton candy despite the locals calling it candy floss) to savory items such as sausage rolls so well made it feels like grandma popped them into the oven herself. And yes, someone will most certainly come bumbling out of a door and most likely spill some food on you. It is all like being part of some reality show that someone out there is watching.
We’ve all yearned to be taken back in the time when people wore chain mail as ordinary clothing and jesters were professional chucklers. Enter the Dover Castle Medieval Festival. This is one weekend where you’ll swap your jeans for a faux crown and try not to say “Forsooth!” every ten minutes. The festival takes place at the iconic Dover Castle, which already looks like it was pulled straight out of a storybook. When you step inside, it’s like stepping into a different century. Knights on horses? Check. Archery demonstrations make you wonder if you should have taken that hobby up. Check. Kids running around with wooden swords they refuse to part with? Double check.
And oh, the food! Consider strolling down the street while market vendors are grilling meat and boiling oranges for spiced wine. You would be inclined to dine just as if you were at a feast hosted by King Arthur himself. (Just don’t expect Merlin to show up; he’s apparently booked solid this time of year.) There’s jousting, of course – no medieval festival would be complete without it. Picture two men in shining armor charging at each other, lances at the ready, while the crowd collectively holds its breath. It’s intense, thrilling, and sometimes more dramatic than a soap opera cliffhanger. And if you’re not yelling “Huzzah!” by the end, are you even doing it right?
For those who want a little less chainmail and a lot more dancing, the Dover Music Festival is where it’s at. This annual event turns the town into one giant musical paradise. And here’s the thing about Doverians—they know how to party. From rock bands that shake the sea breeze to acoustic sets that make you feel poetic (even if you’re usually not), there’s a sound for everyone. The festival is set up near the waterfront, so you’re not just listening to amazing bands; you’re doing it with the backdrop of that postcard-perfect view of the English Channel. It’s a bit surreal to have the waves crashing behind you as someone on stage belts out an '80s power ballad. Dance like nobody’s watching (even though someone inevitably is, and yes, they’re taking a video).
Local food trucks and pop-up vendors make sure you’re never too far from a snack. Fish and chips? Check. Burgers that drip sauce down your wrist? Double check. The local beer tents are a big hit, where you can sample everything from classic lagers to quirky brews that taste like someone decided to ferment an entire herb garden. It's a vibe, trust me.
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If there’s one event that proves Dover knows how to let loose, it’s the annual Dover Carnival. Now, calling it just a “parade” feels like an understatement—it’s more like a colorful explosion that winds its way through town, leaving behind a trail of confetti, cheers, and a few toddlers in awe. The carnival has floats decorated to the nines, performers in elaborate costumes, and dance groups that seem to defy the laws of energy (seriously, how do they keep going for hours?). Think bright feathers, glittering sequins, and music that will make even the most rhythmically challenged tap their toes. You’ll spot everything from samba dancers to marching bands, and somewhere in the mix, there’s bound to be a man dressed as a giant fish. It’s not a Dover Carnival unless there’s a giant fish.
What’s particularly heartwarming is how the whole town gets involved. Local businesses set up shop, there’s face painting for kids (and kids-at-heart), and street performers keep the energy up between floats. By the time the sun sets, the entire town feels like it’s been hugged by the spirit of summer.
Okay, so we’ve covered music, history, and parades—but did you know Dover also has a soft spot for the silver screen? Every year, film buffs gather for the Dover Film Festival, a celebration of both local and international cinema. This isn’t just a bunch of film critics sitting around stroking their chins. This is a festival for everyone—families, couples, solo adventurers, you name it. Expect outdoor screenings that let you cozy up on blankets under the stars, popcorn in one hand, and maybe a cheeky cup of wine in the other. There’s something truly special about watching an old classic with Dover Castle silhouetted against the night sky behind the screen. And yes, if it rains, you might just have to deal with a soggy seat, but hey, that’s all part of the charm, isn’t it? Indie filmmakers get a chance to showcase their work, too, so you might just catch the next big hit before it’s even on the radar.
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Dover’s festival scene is proof that this town knows how to celebrate life in all its forms—whether that means dancing like nobody’s watching, cheering on knights in battle, or getting a little lost in a film under the open sky. Each festival has its own unique flair, inviting locals and visitors alike to join in the fun and make memories worth a hundred retellings.
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