Light Vessel 21 | Fusionists: Experiment 2

Join the crew and artists aboard LV21, a unique 40-metre steel-hulled lightship, the last of the renowned Philip & Son's ships to be commissioned by Trinity House. Since her launch in 1963, LV21 saw most of her service off the Kent coast on the Varne, East Goodwin and Channel stations.

Come tour the decks and discover her story, from lightship service in the past to the current role as a cultural flagship moored at Anchor Wharf in the Historic Dockyard Chatham.

There's a lot to see and do aboard LV21 during your visit!

Delve deeper into the rich maritime heritage of the vessel through a private collection of artefacts, films and photos, and immerse yourself in the fascinating 'Experiment 2' exhibition by the Fusionists Collective below decks, or just sit back on the upper deck and enjoy the views.

The exhibition by artists Jocelyn Leigh, Rosie James, Rosie Melville and Sheilagh Dyson explores the intersection of art and science, featuring new works influenced by the members' scientific backgrounds and their personal connections to maritime heritage, Historic Dockyard Chatham and the River Medway.

As part of the exhibition visitors are invited to take part in a creative drop-in activity led by the artists and leave their mark on a collective art installation. All materials provided, suitable for all ages.

Timings

Saturday 19 September:

12:00-2:00pm

Sunday 20 September:

12:00-2:00pm

Location & directions

Anchor Wharf, Historic Dockyard Chatham, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4TZ

Directions:

Please note important information about visiting LV21 for the Heritage Open Days 2026 event: LV21 is moored at Anchor Wharf in the Historic Dockyard Chatham, Kent. Access to the site is restricted via 24/7 security gates and public entry via the Visitor Information Centre is only available for Historic Dockyard Chatham annual ticket holders. To join this special event it is ESSENTIAL that you pre-book your place to gain free entry. Detailed directions will be provided prior to the booked visit. For directions to the Historic Dockyard Chatham including information about parking please see: https://thedockyard.co.uk/plan-your-visit/parking/. For any queries please contact the venue [email protected]. If you are an annual ticket holder then you do not need to book a place and can visit LV21 admission free on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September during opening hours 11am-4pm.

Contact on day:

Päivi Seppälä & Gary Weston

Telephone number:

+447827694706

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Pre-booking a place to this event is essential due to limited numbers and site access restrictions.

Booking contact name:

LV21

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://lv21.co.uk/whats-on/

Booking opens:

21 Aug 2026 10:00 AM

Booking closes:

18 Sep 2026 06:00 PM

Accessibility details

As a historic ship access aboard LV21 is limited with main entry via a narrow and steep gangway and steps. Please wear flat, non-slip shoes for your visit onboard the ship. The crew can assist with entry and exit if required. Regrettably there is no wheelchair access to the ship. Toilet facilities are located onshore adjacent to the ship.

Additional information

Max number of people:

40

Estimated duration:

2 hour(s)

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