Ramsgate Festival of Sound returns with another spectacular line up of performances and installations from 23rd – 28th August.
From internationally renowned artists to grassroots acts, theatrical spectaculars to captivating art work, there will be something for everyone.
This year, the Festival is proud to welcome Grammy Award-winning artist Aoife O’Donovan, who will be appearing at St George’s church on Thursday 24th August for a special solo performance. Tickets for the show are on sale now.
In 2020, O’Donovan’s band I’m With Her won the Grammy award for Best American Roots Song and her latest solo album ‘Age of Apathy’ went on to receive three further nominations in 2023.
Aoife said: “I’ve always been drawn to melodies and chordal structures that were unexpected, they’re just more fun. And sometimes, performing them in historic buildings like St George’s in Ramsgate – that were created for sound to travel effortlessly – brings some extra magic to live music. I’m thrilled to be joining Ramsgate Festival of Sound for what is sure to be an unforgettable evening.”
Also just announced is Dead Music, a new sonic installation by the critically acclaimed BAFTA-nominated composer Simon Boswell. Featuring previously unheard compositions from his archive of scores brought to life from inside coffins. The event forms part of the Festival’s Sonic Trail, running from 23rd – 28th August and taking place in the Crypt of St George’s Church in Church Hill.
Busk at Dusk is also back with a feast of live music from the best up and coming and established artists in the area. Set along Ramsgate’s East Cliff, each act will treat audiences to live performances as the sun sets over the festival. Get set for rock’n’roll trio Guitars Have Ghosts, plus Dolly & Clyde, Daisy Beau, Steve Gamble, Ukulele outfit Gaddzukes and Luke J Dorman from 6pm.
In Ellington Park, an eclectic mix of exciting free events will take place throughout the day on Saturday 26th August with a children’s extravaganza, combining fun mix of live acts, workshops and DJs for all ages.
In the afternoon, expect show tunes galore from Hear the People Sing, featuring performances of renowned West End musical numbers by Stage Door Academy and hosted by Katie McGarry, plus Gaddzukes and Thanet Vocal Collective.
In the evening a much-anticipated performance – Screaming Alley Cabaret presents: La Isla Thaneta, featuring MC Jonny Woo – a raucous tribute to the undisputed queen of pop, Madonna.
The full line up so far…
Wednesday 23rd August
St George’s, Church Hill – Simon Boswell’s Dead Music (private view). A unique ticked event forming part of the Festival’s Sonic Trail and running 23rd – 28th August. Dead Music is a jaw-dropping new sonic installation by the critically acclaimed composer Simon Boswell. This really must be seen and heard to be believed.
Thursday 24th August
Headline performance: Aoife O’Donovan, St George’s, Church Hill, plus support from Claire Hamill and Dolly & Clyde.
Sonic Trail: St George’s, Church Hill – Simon Boswell’s Dead Music (ticketed event)
Various locations – the series of free events will this year feature Marianne Dissard, Jemma Cullen, Tom Adams and Sadie Hennessy plus more to be announced, all taking place on Ramsgate High Street
Friday 25th August
Banned Live! Chatham School Hall
This ticketed event will host Sabina Desir and band, featuring guest soloists plus opening performance from vocalist and composer Randolph Matthews. Ticketed – Doors 6.30pm
Saturday 26th August
Ellington Park bandstand: an eclectic mix of free events throughout the day
Morning: Kids extravaganza, combining fun mix of live acts and DJs for all ages, plus Taiko Drumming – a special drumming workshop hosted by Taiko Dunlopo
Afternoon: Hear the People Sing, featuring Stage Door Academy performers and hosted by Katie McGarry, plus Gaddzukes and Thanet Vocal Collective.
Evening: Screaming Alley Cabaret presents: La Isla Thaneta, featuring MC Jonny Woo. A raucous tribute to the undisputed queen of pop, Madonna.
Sunday 27th August
Talk: Caroline Knowles at Hold Creative Spaces, Albert Street from midday
Accompanying Marianne Dissard’s sonic trail installation, author and professor of sociology at Goldsmiths University, Caroline Knowles discusses the wealth divide and her book Serious Money.
Talk: Known as ‘The People’s Lawyer’ and ‘The People’s Poet ‘, David Neita will give a talk connected to the themes of place, belonging and identity. 2.30 – 3.30 pm The Kings Suite, The Royal Oak Hotel
Produced by Freedom Road Project, The Ramsgate Society and Ramsgate Festival of Sound
Ramsgate Festival of Sound Main Stage and Busk at Dusk
Main Stage: Pie Factory Presents – 4:15pm – 4:45pm
Main Stage: Thomas Abrahams – 5:10pm – 5:50pm
Busk at Dusk performances from rock’n’roll trio Guitars Have Ghosts, plus Steve Gamble, Taiko Drums, Gaddzukes, Luke J Dorman and more from 6pm.
Dead Music: 8pm
Following its installation in the Crypt at St George’s, Simon Boswell’s Dead Music will resurrect on the East Cliff ahead of the Busk at Dusk headline act.
Headliner act: The Future Psychedelics 8:40pm
A 13-piece all-star band featuring some of the area’s most established and notable performers will take to the main stage to end the evening.
Monday 28th August
Final chance to see performances and installations of the Sonic Trail
Poetry event with Sarah Tait (venue tbc)
Reflexions: Reframed is a ticketed, guided improv performance with visuals featuring Mike McEvoy, Ivan ‘Celloman’ Hussey and Mark Sanders 5-6pm (venue tbc)
The Falstaff, Addington street – Festival closing party