OH BUOY!
Seas the day and join the crew to celebrate LV21’s 60th birthday! There's a lot to see, do and experience aboard the ship, ashore on the quayside and on the River Thames…
OH BUOY | LV21 Is 60!
Seas the day and join the crew to celebrate LV21’s 60th birthday! There's a lot to see, do and experience aboard the ship, ashore on the quayside and on the waves along the River Thames...
You’re invited to join in the celebrations! Explore this National Historic Ship's Static Flag Ship of the Year 2023 and discover details of her extraordinary 60-year journey from lightship service guiding mariners at sea along the Kent coast to the present day and her current role as a cultural beacon.
The event is also part of the national Heritage Open Days 2023 programme.
EVENT SCHEDULE
1100-1700 | On the Quayside
Drop-in activities | No booking required, just turn up | Places allocated on first come first served basis | All materials & guidance provided | Suitable for all ages
Enjoy live performances and take part in creative hands-on drop-in activities inspired by nautical themes and design your own LV21 60th anniversary souvenirs to take home.
1130-1330 & 1600-1700 | Aboard LV21
No booking required, just turn up | Places allocated on first come first served basis | Suitable for all ages (under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
Meet the crew, tour the decks and explore artefacts, photos and films to find out more about LV21’s story.
While aboard you’re invited to help create a celebratory ‘time capsule’ to mark the occasion and preserve your thoughts of the day. As part of the celebration, a previous ‘time capsule’ containing public contributions gathered 10 years ago at LV21’s 50th anniversary event, will be unsealed and contents put on display for you to delve into. Were you at the party in Gillingham back in 2013? If so, it would be great to welcome you back aboard and reconnect you with your personal contribution. We can’t wait to see the contents unveiled...
FREE BOOKABLE EVENTS TO TEST YOUR SEA LEGS…
Limited places are allocated on first booked first served basis so please reserve your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
1330-1600 | Aboard LV21
BOOKING ESSENTIAL | Suitable for all ages (under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
How are your sea legs? We’re offering a unique opportunity for a limited number of visitors to stay aboard while the ship is afloat.
Events aboard LV21 usually run during low tide while the ship is resting on the mud, as access is restricted while the ship is afloat. Please note that during this event (expected to be between 1.30/2pm to 3.30/4pm but dependant on tidal conditions on the day) visitors are not able to exit the ship unless in a case of emergency. As the tide waits for nobody, anyone wanting to join in this experience will have to step aboard before the ship is afloat and then stay aboard until the tide descends enough for her to settle back on the mud before being able to go back ashore.
Refreshments and toilet facilities are available aboard during this period.
To book your place please email us with your name and number of tickets required (max. 4/booking).
1100 & 1300 & 1500 & 1700 | Sailing Trips
BOOKING ESSENTIAL | Suitable for all ages (under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)
There is no charge for this sailing experience but a £10 deposit is required to confirm your booking, refunded following the sail or with 48hrs notice of cancellation.
Have you ever been sailing on the River Thames? Joining in the birthday celebrations is the historic Thames Barge Edith May and her jolly crew! We’re delighted to offer four 60 minute sailing experiences aboard this magnificent barge, leaving from / returning to the Gravesend Town Pier Pontoon located next to the ship.
Access
As a historic ship access aboard LV21 is limited with main entry via a narrow gangway and a steep staircase. Please wear flat, non-slip shoes when onboard. The crew can assist with entry on arrival if needed. Regrettably there is no wheelchair access to the ship but activities on the quayside are wheelchair accessible/suitable for pushchairs/prams. Pushchairs/prams can be stored securely on the quayside while visiting the ship.
Two disabled parking spaces are available at the end of Royal Pier Road next to St Andrew's Gardens/Quayside.
Fully accessible public toilets are located at Gravesend Borough Market across West Street.
