Community events in the Romney Marsh churches
Across the Romney Marsh, our historic churches are brought to life by a wide range of events organised by local church teams and community groups. From talks and concerts to open days and seasonal celebrations, these events not only showcase the unique character of each church but many events also help raise vital funds for their care and preservation. The events featured on this page are not run by the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust, but we are delighted to share and support them.
A past concert at St. George’s Ivychurch
If you are planning an event in one of the Romney Marsh churches and would like it to be included here, please contact admin@romneymarshchurches.org.uk with brief details. Where possible, please include a link to further information or a relevant social media page.
Community events 2026
While we aim to keep this page up to date, we recommend checking details directly with the event organiser before attending. The Romney Marsh Benefice website can be found here and East Guldeford here.
You may also be interested in events for Heritage Open Days 2026.
Dymchurch, St. Peter and St. Paul’s
Friday 11th July, 10:30am–12:30pm: Seaside Singers Concert
The popular Seaside Singers choir will be performing a lively programme of well-loved popular songs in the church. The choir is an enthusiastic amateur group and promises a relaxed and enjoyable morning of music for all ages.
Admission is free, although there will be a selection of fundraising stalls together with tea, coffee and homemade cakes available throughout the event. Everyone is warmly welcome.
August Bank Holiday Weekend
St. Peter and St. Paul’s will once again be taking part in the traditional Day of Syn celebrations over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The weekend includes a special Evensong service on the Sunday evening, celebrated in the style of the Book of Common Prayer. The Rector and members of the congregation dress in Georgian costume, helping to recreate the atmosphere and traditions of earlier centuries in a joyful and memorable way. There are also a number of historical re-enactments taking place outside the church and in the New Hall opposite, making this a fascinating and entertaining weekend for visitors and residents alike. The church will be having a special morning worship service at the church at 09:45 on Sunday 30th to fit in with the parade and other events arranged by the Day of Syn organisers - find out more about the Day of Syn on Facebook.
East Guldeford, St. Mary’s
St Mary’s is pleased to be part of the Rye Arts Festival programme:
Thursday 18 September, 3:00pm
A Talk on Iconography
An experienced iconographer will visit the church to display her work and offer insights into the meaning and tradition of iconography. Refreshments will be available, and visitors can also make use of the church’s new environmentally friendly composting toilet, which is already helping to expand the range of events that can be hosted.
Find out more on the church Facebook page.
St George’s Church, Ivychurch, welcomes two special events this autumn. On Saturday 19 September at 7pm, JAM on the Marsh presents The Lost Boy, a new opera by Jago Thornton and Anastasia Bruce-Jones. Written on Romney Marsh, its performance at Ivychurch follows premieres in Wales and London. Tickets are available from JAM on the Marsh.
On Saturday 3 October, the church hosts a Harvest Supper featuring a locally sourced three-course meal and live music. Arrive at 7pm for 7.30pm; tickets are £20 for adults and £10 for children. Book via artatthechurch@gmail.com, 07503 674475 or 07786 393956. Bring your own drinks; vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be catered for.
Lydd, All Saints
Each early May Bank Holiday weekend the church will hosts its popular Tower Open Day and Heron Watch, offering visitors the chance to climb the tower of this remarkable building, one of the tallest on the Marsh. From the top, there are spectacular panoramic views across Romney Marsh and beyond.
Inside the tower, visitors can explore the ringing room and may be offered an introduction to English full-circle bellringing, with the opportunity to see the bells up close and learn more about this traditional skill.
A particular highlight of the day is the chance to observe the nesting herons in the nearby trees from above - an unusual and fascinating perspective. The heronry has long been established in the grounds around the church, and the event is supported by a volunteer from the RSPB, who will be on hand to share expert insights into the birds and their behaviour.
This annual event offers a rare combination of heritage, wildlife and hands-on learning, making it a highlight of the spring calendar.
Early May bank holiday Monday
Usual timing 10am – 3.30pm(First tour 10.30am last 3pm)
Limited space, so places for tower can be booked in advance.
Telephone 01797 320108
Admission free; tower trips £3 per person.
Minimum Age for Tower visits 10 Years Old
Conditions of tower visits:
Adverse weather conditions could result in the tower visits being cancelled.
It is a hard climb up the spiral staircase, and the upper steps are fairly worn. Climbers must wear shoes with a good grip (e.g. trainers) and not be suffering from a medical condition which would make the climb inadvisable. You will need both hands free, so cameras and binoculars must be in pockets or in a bag with shoulder strap. The minimum age is 10 yrs, and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (one adult per young person). Stewards decision is final. Climbing is at your own risk.
This event is run by the PCC and volunteers at All Saints’ Lydd - please direct any queries to the church directly.
Newchurch, St. Peter and St. Paul’s
A warm welcome awaits visitors to St Peter & St Paul, Newchurch, where a regular programme of community events runs throughout much of the year.
From April to October, the church hosts a monthly coffee morning on the first Saturday of each month, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, beginning on Saturday 4 April. These friendly gatherings are a great opportunity to enjoy refreshments, meet others, and spend time in this historic church. An additional coffee morning will also take place on the first Saturday in December.
The April coffee morning will include a small number of craft stalls, while December will feature a larger craft fair.
This festive December event will also coincide with the church’s Christmas Tree Festival, which will run from Saturday 5 December until Sunday 3 January.
Plans are also being developed for Heritage Open Days in September, with more details expected later in the spring.
Events at Newchurch are promoted locally through the village Facebook page, the village website, community publications including The Marsh Message and The Looker, as well as posters, roadside boards and an annual leaflet drop.
New Romney, St. Nicholas’
There are some exciting opportunities to explore St Nicholas Church, New Romney, including a rare chance to go behind the scenes of its historic tower.
On Saturday 25 July (10.30am–2pm), visitors can enjoy a special Tower Open Day, offering access to areas not usually open to the public. Highlights include:
Exploring the church tower interior
Visiting the ringing room
Seeing the historic bells, including the Sanctus bell from 1499
Taking in spectacular views from the tower roof
Meeting the team and learning more about bellringing
A £3 suggested donation per adult applies (under 16s free with a paying adult), with all proceeds supporting the church. Please note that access involves spiral stairs and narrow passageways, which may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
Find out more on the Romney Ringers site
St. Nicholas’ will also host events for JAM On the Marsh (see below).
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.
WE DO NOT HAVE ANY COMMUNITY EVENT LISTINGS FOR THE CHURCHES BELOW AT PRESENT
Brookland, St. Augustine’s
We are not aware of any events at present. If you would like to list an event here, please email admin@romneymarshchurches.org.uk with details
Brenzett, St. Eanswith’s
We are not aware of any events at present. If you would like to list an event here, please email admin@romneymarshchurches.org.uk with details
Burmarsh, All Saints
We are not aware of any events at present. If you would like to list an event here, please email admin@romneymarshchurches.org.uk with details
Fairfield, St. Thomas Becket
We are not aware of any events at present. If you would like to list an event here, please email admin@romneymarshchurches.org.uk with details
St. Mary-in-the-Marsh, St. Mary the Virgin
We are not aware of any events at present. If you would like to list an event here, please email admin@romneymarshchurches.org.uk with details