St Augustine Week, Ramsgate’s premier annual week of history and culture, will run 25th – 31st May. Hosted by Pugin’s church of St Augustine’s – built by the man most famous for his designs at the Houses of Parliament – the week celebrates St Augustine, who brought Christianity to England in 597, and English history and culture.
Held during the half term week, all the family is welcome to take part in the events. A youth event on Saturday 31st evening, 6pm-9pm, will be held at Minster Abbey in Minster. There will be indoor and outdoor events suitable to many age groups held at St Augustine's and St Ethelbert's, Ramsgate.
This annual festival offers something for everyone in Thanet and beyond. It features extraordinary arts from live music to historic lectures; it is enticing as you can see St Augustine’s used for its principle purpose of worship (this year with Bishop Athanasius Schneider from Kazakhstan); it is expeditionary as you walk around significant sites in Ramsgate or take the coach trip around east Kent and see how important our corner of the country is.
This annual festival features spectacular music, walking tours, wonderful liturgies, a coach trip, lectures, and more. Some highlights are: Friday 30th at 2pm, Pugin expert Catriona Blaker will guide people around Ramsgate, showing Pugin’s influence and legacy; on Saturday 31st at 2.30pm, everyone is encouraged to join the procession from the Hugin Viking Ship to St Augustine’s Cross at Ebbsfleet to commemorate the famous landing in 597. On Monday 26th there is the rare chance to see Bishop Athanasius Schneider of Kazakhstan in procession along Ramsgate’s Westcliff followed by a beautiful Mass in St Augustine’s. On Sunday 25th at 7pm there will be a concert in St Augustine’s which will be an excellent evening of music.
This year St Augustine Week will feature a brand new icon, made by a local artist, of St Augustine. It is a beautiful creation. It will be processed along Ramsgate’s Westcliff after being blessed by Bishop Schneider on Monday 26th at 11am.
Rector of St Augustine’s, Fr. Marcus Holden, said, “This festival is a marvellous celebration of local talent, enthusiasm, and community spirit as well as the wonderful legacy of St Augustine. We look forward to welcoming the people of Thanet and beyond to mark the feast day of St Augustine – our local international hero!”
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