A town is set to host a series of summer events at a waterfront location.

Gravesend Town Pier, the world’s oldest cast iron pier, will be putting on a packed programme of family-friendly activities, shows, workshops and exhibitions to help ‘keep the riverside alive’.

It starts with a Father’s Day pop-up, during which interactive dance games and free Victorian circus performances will launch the summer series on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15.

The schedule of events continues with the first dates of the Estuary Festival, a multi-arts festival taking place at various locations along the Thames Estuary, on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22.

This year’s theme is Vessels and, for the opening weekend, art installations and guided walks themed around how communities, people and culture can be vessels for memories and stories will be coming to Gravesend.

The Nao Santa Maria, a replica of Christopher Columbus’ flagship from his first voyage to America, will be open to visitors at the end of June, along with an exhibition by photographer Martin Verrier.

In August, the pier will celebrate its history with displays of old postcards and traditional entertainment, while September will welcome the town’s Maritime Festival, with more details to be shared later in the summer.

There will also be live music, family entertainment and a range of workshops taking place on select dates over the coming months.

Catch ‘90s singer Sonique at the free Gravesend Riverside Festival in July.

The programme is supported by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, which has started running its river tours from Gravesend to London again for the summer season.

Speaking of the pier’s new programme, Deborah Croxton of Gravesham Borough Council said: “It’s great to be partnering with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and the Estuary Festival to open Gravesend Town Pier up to our community and visitors throughout the summer.

“It’s an imaginative and varied programme which promises to have something for all the family, and which will celebrate Gravesend’s relationship with the Thames.”

“We are delighted to partner with Gravesham Borough Council to bring a summer of discovery to Gravesend Town Pier,” adds Sean Collins, CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

“From our special Father’s Day weekend to the majestic Nao Santa Maria, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is proud to help celebrate the pier’s rich heritage and keep the riverside alive with memorable, family-friendly events.”

The events start from Saturday, June 14 and continue until September, with more details and dates to be announced on the Visit Gravesham website. Most events are free to attend.