News & Events Archive
Above the Marsh: Climb the Towers of Lydd and Ivychurch
Rising above the flat landscape, Romney Marsh’s church towers have helped generations find their bearings, both on land and out at sea. Many people still use these familiar landmarks to navigate the winding Marsh roads. Their enduring presence owes much to the communities who care for them and to the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust, which helps fund the costly specialist repairs needed to preserve these ancient buildings.
This September, Heritage Open Days offers a rare opportunity to climb two of these towers - at All Saints’, Lydd and St. George’s, Ivychurch - and discover the landscape from above.
Special events in the Romney Marsh Churches for Heritage Open Days 2026
Over half of the Romney Marsh Historic Churches are participating in Heritage Open Days 2026, which runs from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September 2026.
With tours, talks and towers open, all for free, it’s the perfect time to visit these globally-important architectural wonders on Romney Marsh in Kent.
Special events are happening every day during the festival period, as part of England’s largest festival of history and culture.
Snave Thanksgiving service
Our annual Thanksgiving service is on Sunday 13th September 2026 at St. Augustine’s Church, Snave. All are welcome
Kent Churches Ride & Stride 2026
The Friends of Kent Churches Ride & Stride returns on Saturday 12th September 2026. Walk, cycle, or explore Romney Marsh’s historic churches while raising funds to support the preservation of Kent’s remarkable church heritage. Participants can visit churches across the county and help ensure these treasured buildings continue to be cared for for future generations.
JAM On The Marsh returns 8-12 July 2026
JAM On The Marsh returns to Romney Marsh 8 - 12 July 2026. Tickets are on sale now!
A magical way to experience the historic churches of Romney Marsh, events this year take place at St. Dunstan's Snargate, St. Nicholas' New Romney, St. Clement's Old Romney, as well as our neighbours St. Leonard's Hythe, New Romney Old School and The Assembly Rooms.
AGM & Members’ Lunch 2026
The Trust’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 16th May 2026 at St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church, Newchurch, at 2:30pm.
The Members’ Lunch will be held at 12:30pm at Newchurch Village Hall.
Save the dates!
We are pleased to share advance notice of our key annual events. Full details and booking information will be available shortly, but we hope members and supporters will mark the dates in their diaries now.
Christmas events in the Romney Marsh churches
Christmas makes for a particularly atmospheric time to visit the medieval churches on Romney Marsh.
Church events and services are coordinated by the volunteers and clergy who oversee each individual church (the PCCs). We will endeavour to add Christmas events and services to this page as we receive details.
Special events in the Romney Marsh Churches for Heritage Open Days
Over half of the Romney Marsh Historic Churches are participating in Heritage Open Days 2025, which runs from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 September 2025.
With tours, talks and towers open, all for free, it’s the perfect time to visit these globally-important architectural wonders on Romney Marsh in Kent.
Special events are happening every day during the festival period, as part of England’s largest festival of history and culture.
Church & Craft Workshops - 23rd August at St. Nicholas’ Church, New Romney
Discover, create and explore! Unleash your creativity with our Church & Craft Workshops, held in the beautiful setting of St. Nicholas’ Church, New Romney.
Choose from four fun activities, suitable for all skill levels, guided by expert artists.
Discount available for RMHCT Members.
(Rescheduled from St. George’s, Ivychurch on Saturday 5th April).
Members’ Tour 2025
Our annual tour of the churches, for members of the Trust, will take place on Saturday 6th September 2025, hosted by Joan Campbell. We will be visiting the churches at Dymchurch, Burmarsh and Newchurch. This tour is now fully subscribed.
Kent Churches Ride & Stride
The Friends of Kent Churches Sponsored Ride & Stride takes place on the second
Saturday in September each year. This year it will take place on Saturday 13th September 2025.
Ride & Stride Day is an opportunity to raise money for Kent’s churches and chapels by
cycling or walking or being a welcomer in a church or chapel. Money raised is shared equally between the church or chapel nominated by the participant and the Friends of Kent Churches which awards grants to Kent’s churches and chapels to help preserve them.
Snave Thanksgiving service
Our annual Thanksgiving service is on Sunday 14th September 2025 at St. Augustine’s Church, Snave. All are welcome
JAM on the Marsh returns to the Romney Marsh churches, 3rd-13th July 2025
From 3-13th July 2025, JAM on the Marsh returns to Romney Marsh for its 12th festival. The festival brings world-class talent to the medieval churches of Romney Marsh and other locations across the area. This year’s programme features an array of events involving international and local artists, plus opportunities to get involved.
AGM & Members’ Lunch 2025
The Trust’s Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday 10th May 2025 at St. Augustine’s Church, Brookland, at 2:30pm.
The Members’ Lunch was held at 12:30pm at Brookland Village Hall and was full booked.
Re-dedication of East Guldeford Angel Frieze
On Sunday 1 December 2024 a special service was held at St Mary’s East Guldeford to re-dedicate the Angel Frieze in the church. Music and new research was shared with those gathered.
Snave Thanksgiving service 2024
Snave’s Annual Thanksgiving service was held on Sunday 8th September 2024.
Kent Churches Ride & Stride
The Friends of Kent Churches Sponsored Ride & Stride takes place on the second Saturday in September each year. In 2024 it took place on Saturday 14th September.
Ride & Stride Day is an opportunity to raise money for Kent’s churches and chapels by cycling or walking or being a welcomer in a church or chapel. Money raised is shared equally between the church or chapel nominated by the participant and the Friends of Kent Churches which awards grants to Kent’s churches and chapels to help preserve them.
September concert at St. Mary in the Marsh, a fundraiser
On 7th September 2024, a concert was held at the church of St. Mary the Virgin to help raise funds for ongoing repairs to the church. Organist Dean Hayward was joined by the Saltwood Handbell ringers.
Free mosaics workshops in Marsh Churches in Summer 2024
The artists behind The Marsh Mosaics, ran free mosaics workshops at locations on Romney Marsh in Summer 2024, funded by Arts Council England. Workshops took place at New Romney (St. Nicholas) on 14th August and Ivychurch (St. George’s) on 22nd August, as well as other locations around New Romney. Suitable for all abilities, participants practiced by making a coaster, which took away, before adding some tiles to a new community mosaic for New Romney.