
Christmas will come to Margate’s Cecil Square this year thanks to Margate Carnival organisers teaming up with a number of organisations and a county councillor.
Cecil Square missed out on the festivities last year – although there was plenty of Christmas spirit and events in the Old Town and Cliftonville – and the covid pandemic in 2020 meant the cancellation of all large switch-on events.
Prior to that, in 2017-2019, it was community efforts that made sure a tree and lights were in place.
And this year funding from Kent Community Foundation, KCC Cllr Barry Lewis and Barclays plus donations of services from D R Tech Services, Thanet Virtual High Street, Creative Banana and Be On The Wall working with Margate Carnival means not just the tree but a packed light switch-on event too.
The big event takes place on November 26 and will also include a Christmas market, Santa’s grotto, Live entertainment and independent traders.
The fun will run from noon to 8pm with the tree lights switched on at 6pm.

Margate Carnival organiser Jack Packman said: “Last year Cecil Square looked bare with no tree and when coming into Margate on the bus it’s the first place visitors and locals see. It’s important for the place to look festive and welcoming.
“More importantly we need to regenerate community spirit and a sense of pride in the local town. There will be live entertainment and local performances throughout the event with the light switch on at 6pm by the local Panto provided by MOS.”
Bah, humbug!
you cant polish a turd
Real world ,in which shiny brilliant town /city Do you you live in perfect is it
If you could there would be no shortage of them to polish in Thanet.
No – but you can roll it in glitter . . .
Exactly
Great news well done to all concerned I look forward to coming to see it.
No matter how hard they try you can’t polish poo. No doubt the tree and lights will be vandalised.