It is the weekend and there is a Christmas flavour to many of the events on offer across the isle. Here is our round up
Westgate Christmas light switch-on
Father Christmas, entertainment and a snow globe will all be at the Westgate light switch on on December 2 from 11am to 5pm.
The fun takes place in Station Road with Santa, a fun fair for all the family, live entertainment throughout the day and Christmas themed stalls. The light switch on is at 4.30pm
There will be two stages with Thanet acts from dancing to school bands and a parade.
This year rather than have a celeb’ to switch on the lights the event committee asked Westgate on Sea to vote for their Local Hero. There were many names put forward with some wonderful back stories however the committee had to pick one. The winner was Ruth Shilling who is well known in Westgate and loved by many.
Old Town Christmas Lights
December 1, Margate Old Town Hall
4.20pm – Margate Social Choir singing
4.30pm – Mayor of Margate turns on Old Town lights
Followed by carol singing led by Hughie Gavin and social singing choir
Precious Kent – Objects of Desire
Pie Factory Gallery Margate until December 2
The exhibition and fair features pieces that range from traditional silver and gold to fun-inspired Perspex.
During the exhibition visitors can buy directly from the makers or commission special one-off pieces.
Saturday 10m to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Find out about the exhibitors here
Jack and the Beanstalk comes to Minster
Still time to catch the show on Saturday, December 1 at 10.30am, 3pm and 7.30pm.
Minster Playhouse perform the tale of Jack on his adventures as he climbs the beanstalk to the Giant’s castle in the sky, with cries of ‘fe-fi-fo’
Adult £8, Child £4
All seats on Saturday morning £4
Minster Village Hall. Call 07501 894381.
Margate Operatic Society present their annual family pantomime, Aladdin
The show runs at Margate Winter Gardens until December 2.
The panto is a musical extravaganza with street urchin Aladdin, in love with the Princess Jasmine who’s overbearing mother, the Empress of China, wishes her to marry a rich young man.
Plenty of panto fun is included with Widow Twanky, and Wishee Washee, as well as the evil Wizard Abanazar.
Full Price £14 (£16 on door)
Concessions £12 (£14 on door)
Group of 4 £52 (£13 each)
FOMT BOGOF Opening night (Max 10 tickets)
Booking fees – £1 per ticket in person/phone. £2 per ticket online
Wednesday 28 November – 7:30pm
Thursday 29 November – 7:30pm
Friday 30 November – 7:30pm
Saturday 1 December – 1pm & 5pm
Sunday 2 December – 1pm & 5pm
Call 01843 292795 or click here
Josh Gluckstein, ‘WILD’
Now until December 10, Nice Things, Harbour Street, Ramsgate,Open daily 11am-5pm
An exhibition of drawings and paintings inspired by Josh’s travels through South America, Asia and Africa
The proceeds from selling his work at the exhibition will help him set off on his next journey to either Borneo or Uganda, to continue his encounters with wild creatures.
Winter Wonderland
Now until December 22, Margate Winter Gardens
Christmas Party nights set in a magical Winter Wonderland; On entry, you will be greeted with a luscious iced cocktail to kick start your evening.
Then get ready to enjoy a four-course festive carvery at the beautifully decorated tables.
Live music as Hotsy Totsy play songs from the 1930s, right up to current chart hits and the girls like to call themselves a “retro to contemporary girl-group”.
Dates and Availability:
Saturday 1 December | Thursday 6 December
Friday 7 December | Saturday 8 December
Wednesday 12 December | Thursday 13 December | Friday 14 December
Saturday 15 December | Sunday 16 December |Wednesday 19 December
Thursday 20 December | Friday 21 December
Saturday 22 December
Prices
Wed and Thurs – 7pm
New Customers £33
Previous Customers £32
Fri and Sat – 7pm
New Customers £35
Previous Customers £34
Call the Box Office on 01843 292795 or click here
Christmas Tree Festival – Margate
December 1-8,, St John’s the Baptist Church , High Street, , Margate
The church will be open various times during the week.
A beautiful array of decorated trees will be on display created by various groups and individuals associated with St John’s Church
Admission free with donations going towards the church Donations welcomed
Saturday 1st December 10am-3pm: Children’s Craft Activity, Christmas Stalls, Traidcraft, Coffee and Cakes
Sunday 2nd December 10.30am: Christingle Service
Monday 3rd – Friday 7th December 10am-2pm: Coffee and Cakes
Thursday 6th December 10.30am: Communion Service in St George’s Chapel
Friday 7th December 10.30am: Come and listen to carols by School Choirs. 7-9pm Join us for mulled wine, mince pies, carols and David Lammler on the Organ
Saturday 8th December 10am-3pm: Children’s Craft Activity, Christmas Stalls, Traidcraft, Coffee and Cakes
Free with donations welcome
Ramsgate Illuminations
December 1-31, Ramsgate harbour
The berth holders in the Royal Harbour are busy decorating their vessels in the period leading up to Christmas.
Come and see this wonderful spectacle of boats and local businesses lit up for the festive season
The Elf Express & Magical Elf Forest
December 1-23, Quex Park, Birchington
All aboard the Elf Express to Elf Tower!
Venture though the Magical Elf Forest where you will be greeted by 3 very cheerful elves.
Each elf will be waiting with a sweet treat or two for you to take away- but of course, that is only if you have been good this year!!
Then climb the winding staircase to meet Santa for a Christmas story and present!
This is set to be the best Christmas experience yet, so don’t miss it… even the adults get treats!
You may arrive at the Park at any time, but please take into account your booked Elf Express Ride time. You will need to arrive at the departure point no later than 10 minutes before your chosen time slot.
Departure point is at Quex Barn and please follow signs for parking.
Prices:
Off Peak 1st Dec- 16th Dec: Adult £5, Child £10, Adult and Baby £10 (with present), Adult and Baby £5 (no present), Family of 4 £25
Peak 17th Dec- 23rd Dec:Adult £7.50, Child £12.50, Adult and Baby £12.50 (with present), Adult and Baby £7.50 (no present), Family of 4 £35
Santa Specials
December 1-22, Crampton Tower, Broadstairs
Journey to the top of Crampton Tower, through the elves’ workshop, to visit Father Christmas in his grotto. Kids of all ages enjoy the model railways, and if the weather allows they’ll love to ride on the 5 inch gauge miniature railway!
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd December… 1pm to 5pm
Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th December… 1pm to 5pm
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th December… 1pm to 5pm
Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd December… 1pm to 5pm
Book in at Museum kiosk from 12.30pm on arrival (no pre-booking).
Last admission 4.30pm.
Admission £7 per child, parents and guardians go free. Includes a visit to Father Christmas, a carefully chosen gift and a free miniature train ride (weather permitting).
Matt Jam Lamont
Saturday, December 1, Dreamland, 7.30pm – 2am (last entry 11pm)
UK garage royalty Matt Jam Lamont graces the Hall By The Sea with his nomadic celebration series, “History of Garage & Bass”.
Joining him on the day with be fellow UKG legends DJ Luck & MC Neat, bassline poster man Bassboy, production chameleon Champion with MC Serious and Bugzee. Vibes are guaranteed.
This is an 18+ event
£20 + booking fee in advance
£17.50 + booking fee for Dreamland members
St Andrew’s Church Christmas Fayre
December 1, St Andrew’s Church, Reading Street, Broadstairs, 11am-2pm
Come and meet Father Christmas. There will be light lunches and refreshments available plus a Children’s Corner
Stalls include – Christmas Crafts, Cakes, Jewellery, Books, CDs, Toys, Gifts, Bric a Brac and more
Grand Prize Draw with 1st Prize £50
In aid of church funds
Thanet Chamber Choir
December 1 at 7pm , St Nicholas-at-Wade Church
Advent Carol Concert by Thanet Chamber Choir and the Choir of Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Ramsgate
Conducted by Stuart McIntosh.
Tickets available from The Post Office, St Nicholas-at-Wade and Vinyl Head Cafe, Addington Street Ramsgate
Entry Price
Tickets £8
£3 full time students and children
£10 on the door
01843 602332
Ten
December 1-February 3, Lombard Street Gallery, Margate,
Open Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday (plus Bank Holidays) 12-4pm
An exhibition celebrating 10 years of Lombard Street Gallery in Margate!
Since it’s opening, Lombard Street Gallery has curated over 100 exhibitions for the public to enjoy and art lovers to buy.
Throughout this time, these shows have encouraged new artists to flourish, enabled established artists to grow and have always proudly supported local talent & ventures, which is an incredible achievement to celebrate!
Including work by: Ruth McDonald, Greg Bottle, Hugh Ribbans, Nick Kelly, Elizabeth Cake, Margo Selby, Claire Gill, Anthony Giles, Andy Tuohy, Graham Ward, Emma Thomson, David Mullett, Jon Spencer, Dada Van Abbot, Esther Miles, Dawn Cole and Fiona Fouhy
Christmas Card Making
December 1, Lovely’s Gallery, 248 Northdown Road, Cliftonville, 11am – 3pm
Join Dawn Cole and see how she demonstrates simple printmaking techniques that you can do at home to create unique Christmas cards and gift wrap.
Turner Contemporary Christmas light switch-on
The switch on of Turner Contemporary’s artistic Christmas tree takes place on Saturday, December 1 from 4pm to 6pm.
Christmas carols will be performed by Palm Bay Primary School. Mulled wine and mince pies will be available in the gallery Cafe.
Joanna Tatham and Tom O’Sullivan’s colourful and playful Christmas tree installation, DOES THE ITERATIVE FIT, is a temporary sculptural and audio artwork commissioned in 2017 by The Kings Cross Project and originally installed in Granary Square London during the Christmas period.
Dreaming of a Bright Future with Zoe Murphy
December 1, Turner Contemporary, 1pm – 4pm / Drop in / Free
A sustainable decoration making family workshop.
Inspired by Turner Contemporary’s futuristic Christmas tree Does the Iterative Fit, join Margate Maker Zoe Murphy to create your own 3D Christmas decorations. We’ll use recycled materials to make new, festive and futuristic designs to take home.
Minster Christmas Festival
December 1, 3pm-5pm, across Minster
A fantastic free community event with
Carols at the Church
Christmas Tree light switch on
Hot drinks and cupcakes at Jemima’s Tea Room
Beauty Grotto in Girls World
BBQ at The Saddler
Real Unicorn rides
Visit from Santa
Dancing by the LA Dance Company
Craft Stalls
Live music and performances from local choirs
The Minster Handbell Ringers
The Salvation Army Band
Age UK Thanet Community Christmas Fair
December 1, Age UK Thanet, Randolph House, Zion Place, Margate,11am – 2.30pm
Festive singing, dancing and performances. Father Christmas will be in his grotto handing out gifts and there will be stalls galore selling gifts for loved ones. There will also be a prize raffle and tombola, and if you are feeling peckish the kitchen will be on hand offering tasty snacks!
All Saints Church Christmas Fayre
December 1, 8.30am-12pm, All Saints Church, All Saints Avenue, Margate
Fun and games, lucky dips, guess how much, raffle and more
Step Inside This Christmas
December 1-31, Dreamland, 10am – 10pm
Cozy up with your favourite Christmas characters or strap on your skates at the Roller Rink with our resident Frosted FM DJ spinning Christmas classics.
Catch a Christmas movie or sports screening, play in the Pinball Parlour and games room, or enjoy some mulled wine and Scandinavian meatballs in the Roller Diner Holiday Hangout.
Westgate Heritage Talks
December 1 at 10.30am, Westgate Heritage Centre, St Savour’s Church, Westgate Bay Avenue
Dr Dawn Crouch will make a short talk at 10.30am on aspect of the history of Westgate and Westbrook
Small charge for non-members of £2
QuExhibition
December 1-2, 10am-4pm
Taking place in the Function Suite of the Powell-Cotton Museum
The QuExhibition is the result of more than 30 local artists joining together to share their
artworks inspired by Quex Park, particularly Quex Gardens.
Everyone is invited to see the artworks, meet the artists and perhaps consider unleashing
your own creative talent in the future. The programme will continue in 2019.
Whilst visiting the exhibition over the weekend, you can also gain half price entry to the
Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens.
Broadstairs Christmas fair
A Christmas fair takes place in Broadstairs on December 1.
Broadstairs and St Peter’s Chamber of Commerce present the fair and light switch on from noon to 5.30pm.
The traditional family event at Pierremont Park and hall will have Christmas themed stalls, Santa in his grotto, local choirs and the turning on of the Christmas lights.
Christmas Sing-Along
December 1, Ramsgate Tunnels, 1-4pm
Start your Christmas celebrations with The Beverly Big Band, Kent’s premier swing band
The Beverley Big Band, along with guest vocalist, Graham Clark, take to the floor for an afternoon of Christmas nostalgia full of tunes made famous by such household names as Glen Miller, Sinatra, Basie and Nat King Cole as well as some of your favourite traditional songs and carols to sing along to.
Ramsgate Tunnels will be decorated in wartime style for Christmas and those attending the concert will be able to wander round ‘Tunnel Town’ (normally only available on guided tours) to see what conditions were like during the war, and then take a look in the new museum with it’s displays ranging from the Zeppelin raids of World War One to the reopening of the tunnels in 2014.
The ticket price also includes tea/coffee and a cold buffet.
Entry Price
Adult £15
Child £10
admin@ramsgatetunnels.org
01843 588123
Visit Website
Ramsgate Blitz Walks
December 2
Relive the dark days of the war in the heaviest bombed seaside town in the country. Hear the stories, visit the places.
Ramsgate Blitz Walks run first Sunday of the month at 10am
The tour takes approximately 2 hours and is free with donations welcome.
No need to book. Dogs and children welcome.
Meet at Ramsgate Library
Coastal Crafty Crew
December 2, Quex Small Barn,10am-3pm
Handmade and unique crafts
Easy Sunday: Bright! Colour/Light
December 2, Turner Contemporary, 1-4pm £4.50 per child/ Free for CT9 residents
Drop into the Clore Learning Studio on Sundays to create your own masterpiece with our friendly Navigators.
Be inspired by the light and colour in the works of art around you and explore new materials with collage, mirrors and lots of bright colours!
Nethercourt light switch on
A huge 25,000 bulb Christmas light display in aid of charity will go on show in Ramsgate from December 1.
Food Shack owner Tyrone Keen,27, wife Katie and five-year-old Bethany will be creating a light spectacular at their home in Nethercourt Farm Road to raise funds for the Kent Air Ambulance.
The Christmas display raises funds through donations and the sale of food and drink. It can be seen from December 1-3, 6pm to 9pm.
There will be a firework display at the switch on as well as music, mulled wine, glow stick,s hot and cold food and drinks from the Food Shack and a 20 ft blow up Santa.
Of Markings and Unmarkings
Now until December 3, York Street Gallery, Ramsgate
Exhibition of embroidered art by artist Emily Tull
Book signing by Nick Evans
December 2, Quex Barn, Birchington
Signings of A Birchington Patchwork by local author Nick Evans who will be on hand to sign copies in Quex Barn’s main shop. The book contains dozens of stories about Birchington and is richly illustrated throughout with photographs unseen for many years.
Find out more about the book here
Widows (15)
Palace Cinema, Broadstairs
Three widowed women plan to complete the heist in which their husbands were killed in this blistering grown up crime thriller adapted from the legendary 1980s British TV series by BAFTA/Oscar winning British director Steve McQueen and Gone Girl’s Gillian Flynn.
Friday 30 November, 7.45pm
The Guilty (15)
Saturday 1 December, 6.00pm
Tuesday 4 December, 6.00pm