27 things to see and do in Thanet, June 17-18

Cliftonville Night Market

Oval Bandstand and Lawns, June 16, 5pm-9pm

Street food, music, vintage, arts & crafts, and artisanal goods

Oval Bandstand Bar serving up alcoholic drinks and cocktails and The Oval Kiosk has freshly-ground barista coffee, speciality teas, and Solley’s ice-cream.

You’ll be able to buy unique goods from local makers and pick up a range of tasty dishes from Kentish food stalls while taking a seat in the bandstand amphitheatre to enjoy some free live music and entertainment.

A Few Snaps

Opens June 17 for two weeks at Pharmacy Gallery, Market Square, Margate

Kent Press and Broadcast Award winning photographer of the year Frank Leppard exhibits 30 pieces of work.

Photos include a shot from the Empire of Light film, a Turner Contemporary show, Margate Monopoly board photos and Top Trumps

Work is also on sale, all framed works £80 plus selection of signed prints at £10 each

Sidney Fox’s Crime

June 17-18, Margate Museum

Margate Museum presents Sidney Fox’s Crime, an original play based on the real life case of Sidney Fox who was hanged in 1930 for the murder of his mother in Room 66 of the Metropole Hotel, Margate.

The play was first performed in London last spring to great acclaim. Now it comes by special invitation to Margate Museum, to take place in the very magistrates court where Sidney made his appearance before his trial at Lewes Crown Court. The cell in which he was held can still be seen in the museum.

Sidney Fox’s Crime is a Boys of the Empire production for Margate Museum. It is written and directed by Glenn Chandler, the creator of Taggart. His own book on the case is published this summer.

Saturday 17 June at 7pm and Sunday 18 June at 4pm

Tickets can be booked here, or can be bought at the museum, cost £20 plus booking fee and £16 over 65s & under 16s

Minster Open Gardens

Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June, 10am to 5pm

A range of village gardens will be open, with knowledgeable gardeners on hand for advice and ideas. Visit the beautiful medieval Parish Church, known as the Cathedral of the Marshes.

A variety of refreshments will be on offer through the day. All proceeds for the upkeep of the beautiful St. Mary’s Church building.

Plant sales – There will be plants for sale, grown by gardeners.
Cost – £5 adults, accompanied under 14s free.
Tickets on the day from any participating garden, the car park, and Old Schools.

Number of gardens – Approximately 12 gardens will be open, but the total may vary from day to day.

Isle of Thanet Photographic Society exhibition

June 14-21 (closed June 19), York Street Gallery Ramsgate

The annual exhibition at the York Street Gallery, Ramsgate Prints available to buy.

Opening hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10.30am to 4pm.

George Fitzgerald

June 17, 9.30pm, Ramsgate Music Hall!

18+ event

Tickets and Pricing

ENTRY BEFORE 10PM TICKETS – £15.00 + 1.50 Booking fee

ENTRY ANYTIME TICKETS – £17.50 + £1.50 Booking fee

Life on Earth: an exhibition by Drew Graves

A collection of Drew Grave’s urban and mixed media photographic art is on show at The Eclectic Art Gallery from this weekend until June 29th. Drew’s work captures the moments and decay of life and lost life making the mundane beautiful, gilded and important. All works are available to buy.

Drew’s exhibition runs alongside a display of contemporary original art by the gallery’s resident group of local artists. Their works include: paintings, figurative and abstract. Photography – traditional and digital – is also represented. 3D work features too -ceramics, jewellery, and wood sculptures. Prints, greetings cards and postcards are also available.

The gallery is open Thursdays to Mondays, 11am to 5pm. It is in Margate’s Old Town, near Turner Contemporary.

Broadstairs Dickens Festival

Broadstairs Dickens Festival returns this Friday, marking its 86th year.

Expect cricket, gin tasting, the festival play, talks, a Victorian Summer fair and music, the Grand Parade and more.

Find the programme of events here https://theisleofthanetnews.com/2023/06/14/get-ready-for-the-86th-broadstairs-dickens-festival/

Great Expectations

As part of the Broadstairs Dickens Festival, Great Expectations is being performed at the town’s Sarah Thorne Theatre.

Performances are at 7,30pm each evening from June 15-18 with an additional 3pm show on Saturday (June 17).

Tickets are £14 in advance, £16 on the door

Book at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/sarah-thorne-theatre?

BirchLit

Birchington’s literary festival returns to the village on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June featuring a top line up of guest writers and illustrators designed to appeal to adults and children.

BirchLit, to be held in The Centre, Alpha Road and in marquees on the nearby Dog Acre open space, will welcome a range of speakers including politicians, sport and media personalities – all of whom have literary connections. Children’s authors and illustrators will entertain younger guests throughout the weekend.

Keeping it local, festival organisers have partnered with estate agents Miles & Barr, Monty’s Greengrocers and The Classroom in Westgate as well as Thanet Lions – all giving prizes for short story and poetry competitions. Neurodivergent performers and Signers will feature, including Westgate resident and volunteer hero Wilfred Jenkins, during a number of the sessions to support greater diversity and inclusion.

Tickets to all sessions are free and can be booked via www.birchlit.co.uk.

Thanet Heritage Volunteer Hub – Recruitment Drop In

Partners in the Thanet Heritage Volunteer Hub are hosting a drop-in recruitment event at Margate Caves, 1 Northdown Road, Margate, on Saturday 24th June from 11am – 3pm.

The event will showcase the wide variety of rewarding volunteering roles that are on offer across local heritage attractions.

Teams will be on hand from Margate Museum and Tudor House, Dickens House Museum, RAF Manston History Museum and Margate Caves – all venues that depend on the enthusiasm and commitment of valued volunteers.

The type of roles available are many and varied and include: museum guides, cafe and gift shop assistants, archiving roles, social media support, gardening and maintenance opportunities. Volunteering is a brilliant way to learn a new skill or share your skills for the benefit of the community, while widening your circle of friends and spending time with like-minded people – whatever your age! Plus, if you are looking for a career within the cultural and heritage sector, volunteering can be a great way to see what it’s like.

“Our heritage attractions are so important to Thanet,” says Sarah Vickery, chair of the Margate Caves Community Education Trust. “And so many of us rely on our volunteers to keep the doors open and tell visitors our stories. We know that the passion and enthusiasm our volunteers bring really enriches the experience of our visitors – because they tell us so all the time!”

Take the first step and drop in and find out more.

For more information visit www.heritagevolunteers.co.uk

Or email volunteerproject@margatecaves.co.uk

St John’s, Margate, Pop Up Charity Shop

Held in the Community Centre next to the church, Victoria Road from 10am to 12 noon on Saturday 17th June

Monthly charity shop with bargain items which also help raise money to support the running of the Community Centre.

Pre-loved clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children.

Browse the stalls in the main hall where you will find jewellery, vinyl, coins, vintage, toys, books, bric-a-brac, craft materials, handcrafted items.

Stay for a tea or coffee with cakes and savouries from the cake stall while you wait for the raffle to be drawn.

The Romans Return

Romans will be returning to Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre next weekend.

Famous for witnessing the beginning and end of Roman rule in Britain, Richborough’s history will come to life over June 17-18 with Romans once again taking over the fort and putting on a spectacular display.

Visitors will be able to experience living history by cheering on their chosen Roman champion in the arena performances or discovering the clothes Roman people wore, the food they ate and the lives they led. They can also find out what it takes to be a Roman soldier with the Roman Legionary School.

The Romans Return at Richborough tickets can be booked at www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/richborough-roman-fort-and-amphitheatre-the-romans-return-17—-18-june-2023/

Admission to the event is included in the standard admission ticket price. If you are an English Heritage Member then your ticket will be free. You don’t need to book your visit in advance, but you will always get the best price and guaranteed entry by booking online ahead of your visit.

Everything & The Kitchen Sink

Exhibition byCatherine Lette

The Lido Stores at 2 Ethelbert Terrace, Cliftonville, 15 June – 1 July
Drinks reception: Saturday, 17 June

Catherine Lette presents a new series of paintings and collages that engage with the varying humours and paces of life at home.  Continuing her interest in domestic space after the pandemic lockdowns Lette explores the binary nature of containment and our relationship to daily routines.

Digital darts at Lost Island Golf

Three digital augmented reality dartboards have been installed upstairs at the Flamingo Arcade in Marine Terrace, alongside the venue’s second jungle-themed crazy golf course and a drinks cafe for players.

The latest competitive social game combines traditional darts with gaming technology and opens this Saturday 17th June.

The new crazy golf challenge, which was completed last year, is another 18 hole course, with a lucky 19th hole. You can either book online or turn up and play. Golf opening times are 10am daily, with last entry 7:30pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30pm Friday to Sunday.

The boards are available to be booked for 1 hour slots from noon daily, closing 8pm Monday to Thursday, and 9pm Friday to Sunday. Boards can be booked for a flat hourly fee for up to 6 players.

Off peak board fees per hour are £25 all day Monday to Thursday, and up till 5pm Fridays. Peak time £35 per hour Friday from 6pm and weekends.

For bookings, head to www.lostislandgolf.co.uk

Open Arms exhibition

An art exhibition by young refugees opens this Saturday (June 17) at Discovery Planet in Ramsgate.

In the last year, youth charity Pie Factory Music has welcomed more than 50 unaccompanied refugees, the youngest aged 13, to its Open Arms sessions.

The young people have had to flee their homes in Afghanistan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Kurdistan, Ukraine, Syria and other countries. Together, at the Open Arms sessions, they make music and art, play games, dance, and cook traditional recipes from their home countries. The aim it to help them make friends and connections, and to learn life skills.

To celebrate the project’s first anniversary, the charity is exhibiting work by the young people during Refugee Week. The work is inspired by the powerful stories of the journeys the young people have made, the resilience it took to get here, and the compassion they found along the way.

The exhibition is at Discovery Planet, 47 High St, Ramsgate and is open from 17-22 June, 10am-4pm.

Cliftonville Cultural Space

A celebration of Refugee Week is being held at Cliftonville Cultural Space, in Albion Road.

The nationwide festival marks the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary and runs from June 15-25.

The Thanet venue is holding a programme of events, exhibitions, workshops and talks around the theme of Compassion with accompanying activities at 101 Social, in Northdown Road, and Margate’s Turner Contemporary.

The festival opens with There’s Got to be Some Light, an exhibition of work by Anastasia Tory Tyranova-Romanchuk, a surrealist artist from Odesa who left Ukraine in Spring 2022 and is currently based in East Kent.

The work is accompanied by The Museum of Ukrainian Victory. This is a digital exhibition of 3D reconstructions which shows the war’s destruction and the hope of the Ukrainian people.

The exhibition is open from 11am – 4pm  Thursday 15th – Saturday 24th June (closed Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th June).

Join the artist at 6.30pm on Saturday 24th June, when she will be in conversation with Ukrainian architect Yulyia Frolova on the future rebuilding of Ukraine.

Find tickets and details for the programme here

Reverend & The Makers

June 17, 7pm, Whereelse? Margate.

This is an 18+ event

Tickets £12.10 Book now

Acoustic night of classics and new tracks, can be bought as a bundle pack. (album + show ticket) Bundle link here: https://revandthemakers.tmstor.es/

The Royal Collection

June 16-18, 53 Addington Street, Ramsgate

First solo exhibition by Jo Mapp

Private view June 16 from 7pm.

Weekly Saturday Market

Margate Old Town, open from 11am – 4pm (weather permitting)

Local vintage traders, artists, designers and makers will be available

Montefiore Memorial Concert

On each anniversary of the dedication in 1833 of Ramsgate’s Montefiore Synagogue, Ramsgate Montefiore Heritage present a concert of music which would have been familiar to Sir Moses and Lady Judith. The Montefiores invited their fellow townsfolk to join them in celebrating the dedication of their synagogue on that day.

This year’s concert, on Sunday 18 June at 3pm, Eliot Alderman, Benjamin Wolf and Yoav Oved present ‘The Voice of the Cantor’, a mixture of Ashkenazi chazzanut, Sephardi and Yemenite melodies and wedding music.

The concert will be held in the grade II* listed heritage synagogue off Dumpton Park Drive, a delight in nineteenth century architecture.

Tickets cost £15 (£10 to RMH members – you may join on the day to take advantage of the lower price – and can be obtained from York Street Gallery, 22 York Street, Ramsgate, CT11 9DN,

Or online https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/montefiore-day-concert-2023-the-voice-of-the-cantor-tickets-640707923647

Broadstairs Bandstand live music

June 18, 2.30pm-4pm, BAE Systems Brass Band

SUNDAY SILENT: DELIGHTFUL DICKENS (U)

The final Sunday Silent of the season, The Palace is delighted to be part of the 86th Broadstairs Dickens Festival! With Kent MOMI, we present an afternoon of Dickens in silent film and magic lantern accompanied live on piano by Lillian Henley.

Sunday 18 June, 4.30pm. Tickets and details here

Classic Motor & Music Show

Westwood Cross Shopping Centre will play host to the Classic Motor & Music Show on Sunday 18 June in partnership with Classic Music & Motors and Academy FM.

A jam-packed free day full of cars, music, and children’s entertainers is promised. On display will be a great selection of classic vehicles, live music, stalls and refreshments and children’s entertainers. Shoppers can even catch a glimpse of the Ghostbusters movie car, which will be onsite from 10am.

There will be some 130 classic vehicles on display, including high performance cars from Ferraris to Porsches, and prestige cars spanning Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes, plus family favourites, American classics and more!

Visitors will also be treated to the Classic Music Show featuring four family-friendly performances between 11am and 3.30pm, two bands and two solo artists performing tracks from across the decades. Plus, as it’s Father’s Day, the Academy FM Roadshow will also be holding a Dad Dancing Competition, giving you the chance to strut your stuff to win a prize.

Westwood Cross’ upcoming new arrival, Just Fitness by Bannatyne, will also feature throughout the day. Fitness instructors will be demonstrating live taster sessions of Les Mills classes, and visitors can participate in body MOT’s and chat with the Just Fitness team on offers and tips to get on the right road to fitness.

The event will be raising funds for One Great Day with proceeds going towards local children’s charity Demelza House and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.

Summer Sundays Concert: The Spittin’ Feathers

June 18, Free summer music concert at The Oval Bandstand and Lawns

Open 1pm – 5pm with concert 2pm-4pm

The Chills at Ramsgate Music Hall

June 18. Start time: 7:30pm

Back in the UK and Europe for the first time in over six years, The Chills announce an extensive summer tour that includes a special stop-off at Ramsgate Music Hall

Tickets £20 + £1.50 Booking fee Book now

Royal Opera (Live) IL Trovatore 2023

June 18, 2pm, Carlton Cinema Westgate. https://www.westgatecinema.co.uk/