STAK.life
May 3-6, ARK- Cliftonville Cultural Centre, Albion Road
A four-day art exhibition and a live music and poetry night raising money to provide creative, therapeutic services for neurodivergent young people in Thanet.
The STAK.life event has been organised by Emma and Tristan Kluibenschadl in memory of their son Stefan who was just 15 when his life ended after health services failed to provide appropriate help as he struggled with increasing low moods and anxiety.
On May 6, Stefan, who was diagnosed with high functioning autism, would have turned 18 and Emma and Tristan are marking the day with the Stefan’s Acts of Kindness Fund [STAK] event at Ark Cliftonville.
From May 3 to May 6 there will be an art exhibition and sale with more than 100 works that have been donated by artists including Anthony Giles, Margo in Margate, Lisa illustrator, Louise Hynes, Hayden Kays, Angela Malone, Shane McCoubrey, Sian Catherine Morgan, Stephen Beech and many more, as well as ceramics by Kate Malone MBE, Yvette Warner, Jo Langthorne. Glasswear by Cloverdale Glass and sculptures by Luke Mockeridge, and Karen Cronin.
The exhibition will be open 11am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. It is free to enter.
There are more than 40 raffle prizes on offer with tickets for sale at the event over the 4 days.
Sealed bids are invited for prizes including a Tottenham Hotspur shirt, a three day break in Suffolk and Barretts Landrover experience.
Donations include a number of items from The Libertines, including signed song lyrics and a framed edition of the latest album All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade.
Artist Stephen Beech will also attend the event to draw portraits for £10.
On Sunday, May 5 there is a ticketed event with live music via artists from Watermelon Media, poetry and a sale and bar. The event runs from 7pm-10pm. Tickets are £10. To check availability go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amazing-live-music-poetry-art-fundraising-event-10-tickets-left-tickets-841542535377
All profit raised from the events will be used to provide the therapeutic services and also deliver training on Autism and mental health, to raise greater awareness and understanding.
First Friday
An event at Marine Studios in Margate will highlight some of the good things happening in the world and send people away with practical actions they can take to make a brighter future.
How To Find Hope is the theme of May’s First Friday, the regular event which has been running since 2009.
Storyteller Bernadette Russell will inspire people by telling two stories through the evening, both for adults.
Meanwhile, Marine Studios residents HOL Group will show the work they’ve been doing, not just to reduce plastic but to actively find alternatives. They will be demonstrating how they have made clothes hangers from Vivomer and Candee..
The Bay Trust is an environmental charity based at the Pines Gardens, St Margaret’s Bay. They will be showing biochar made in their own kilns.
Marine Studios has an extensive library, and resident librarians Dan Thompson and Connor Sansby will be pulling out a selection of books on the theme of ‘hope’, and sending people home with hopeful quotes to inspire them.
Dan is also making a giant ‘Mappa Mundi’-style map of hope, which visitors will be able to contribute to. It will be on show in Margate Writers’ Room. The room is a partnership between Co-relate, design firm HKD and Kent Poetry CIC. It provides desks for writers, and a programme focused on training, skills, and professional development.
First Friday happens on Friday 3rd May at Marine Studios, Albert Terrace, Margate. Doors open at 6pm, with performances by Bernadette Russell at 6.30pm and 7.30pm. The event ends at 9pm. Admission is free.
For more information about Marine Studios and the new Margate Writers’ Room, visit www.marinestudios.co.uk
The Smiths Presumably
May 3 7.30pm, Ramsgate Music Hall
After three back to back sold out shows – No.1 tribute to The Smiths; THE SMITHS PRESUMABLY – return to Ramsgate Music Hall
Entry Requirements: 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Tickets £16.00 + Booking fee Book now
Oval sunset concerts- Bamboozle
May 3, 5pm-9pm, Oval bandstand and lawns
The Oval’s Friday Night concerts take place throughout the summer season (subject to weather conditions).
The Oval Bar will be serving alcoholic drinks and cocktails and The Oval Kiosk has freshly-ground barista coffee, speciality teas, and delicious ice-cream.
You’ll also be able to pick up hot food before taking a seat in the bandstand amphitheatre to enjoy the concert.
Doors, toilets and concessions open: 5pm – 9pm . Concert: 6:30pm – 8:30pm.
A minimum £2 donation per adult on door (under 16’s no donation required).
Hipsville a Go Go From the Deep
May 3-5, The Lido Bar, Thelbert Crescent, Cliftonville
The UK’s wildest 60s-and-beyond underwater-themed weekend of live music, monstrous beats and sub-aquatic shenanigans!
Expect Sea-Monster Rockin’ that’s Rumblin’ enough to cause a Tsunami!
Friday Night 8pm-3am
Jim Jones All Stars (UK)
Chiff Chaffs (Belgium)
+ DJs – Suzy Creamcheese – Little Carl – Fred Bodysway -Juju & Nolf Kaka – Danny ‘O’
& Go! Go! Dancers – Wanda De Lullabies – Manuela – Celia Aloha – Tina Marina – Dottie Gooseberry – Lola Wild
Saturday
12-6pm: Tikiville Exotic Roof Top Surf Show with
The Mirage Men (Ancient Egypt) + Exotic DJs
8pm – 4am: Costume Party
Warlords of Staglantis (Atlantis)
The Gruesomes (Canada)
The Killing Floors (USA)
+ DJs and Go! Go! Dancers
Sunday
12-5pm: Rock ‘n’ Roll Vintage Market
8pm-2am: Mike Gunn Disco After-Party
DJs – ’70s & ’80s Disco
Weekend Tickets £70 + BF
Friday £30 + BF
Saturday £35 + BF
Sunday £15 + BF
Plants, Produce, Ploughman’s and Pop Up cafe in the church
Saturday 4th May – from 10am to 2pm, St John’s, Margate CT9 1LN
Join a special fundraising event with lots of homemade and home grown treats on offer as St John’s, Margate, opens for the community.
Enjoy coffee and cakes in the cafe space of the centuries old building. If you are already familiar with the monthly pop up shop then you will be pleased to know he cake stall will be offering the ever popular bread pudding, Victoria sponge, muffins, sausage rolls, cheese and bacon twists, Eccles cakes and cheese scones.
Please note that Ploughman’s lunches are being pre-booked and will therefore be subject to availability on the day.
The St John’s office email is [email protected] and the phone number is 01843 224957
https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/553173564873500/?mibextid=6NoCDW
Sunken Garden Society’s Fund-Raising Sunflower Seeds Challenge
A small exhibition about the work of Westbrook’s Sunken Garden Society volunteers is being hosted at the newly-refurbished Westgate Galleria & Studio. On until 11th May, it’s an opportunity to collect some free sunflower seeds, find out about the Society’s plans and volunteer opportunities, and help to turn Thanet yellow in the coming months. Local artists and makers have helped to decorate the display with colourful floral-themed hand-crafted goodies, and there is a collection box for donations to help the Sunken Garden Society with its work, no purchase necessary.
This promotion runs alongside permanent offerings of arts and crafts made by a large group of Kent-based artists, makers, writers and crafters, who sell their work from individual displays within Westgate Galleria & Studio’s large and airy space at 29 Station Road, Westgate-on-Sea. The venue is located near bus stops, the town’s train station and there is free car-parking close by. Open 10am to 5pm Saturday, closed this Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday for more refurbishment work.
A Day at the Seaside: Paintings by Gary Obee
A selection of new oil paintings by Gary Obee, featuring local seaside scenes, is featured in this exhibition at the newly-refitted Eclectic Art Gallery in Margate Old Town. After retiring in 2021. Gary finally had the time to take-up his passion for painting, Gary had always been keen to paint, especially in oils. He loves their versatility, consistency and at times the challenge of painting wet into wet.
Recently Gary joined a local group of like-minded artists in Thanet. He enjoys the challenge of painting Plein Air each week through the Summer months. These sessions give him the inspiration to tackle more challenging subjects in his studio at home. All works on show are beautifully framed and available to buy
Gary’s exhibition takes place alongside an expanded display of contemporary original arts and crafts by our resident group of local artists and makers. Works available include paintings, photography, ceramics, glass-work, jewellery, and wood sculptures. Prints, greetings cards and postcards are also available. The Gallery is open throughout the bank holiday weekend, 11am to 5pm, at 6 Broad Street, in the Crown Chambers building, CT9 1EW.
I’ve Been Going Through Something
Nine new large scale works displayed by artist and poet Adam Lucy as part of an exhibition at Pie Factory Gallery Margate.
The works, alongside archival items and found imagery, form new solo show ‘I’ve Been Going Through Something.’
From ongoing series ‘All My Memories Are Photographs’ the nine brightly coloured large scale acrylic works explore the fragility of remembrance, taking the viewer on a journey through memory and a quiet poignant grief.
The artist uses found photography to create colourful compositions in which he merges his own autobiographical history into the moments of others. Bright and vibrant skies and an intense colour palette combine with Adams direct exploration of grief through art.
‘I’ve Been Going Through Something’ opened on Thursday 2nd May and runs to Tuesday 7th May, 11am to 5pm each day.
Entry is free and all ages are welcome.
Find out more about Adam at: www.alucyart.com
The Social at Olby’s
May 3, 7pm-midnight, Olby’s Soul Café, Margate
An evening of quality music, taking you on a musical journey. From swing to rhythm & blues, rock n roll to boogaloo, with some ska, 60s soul and a few new tunes in the mix too.
DJ Jerome and Lindsay will be your hosts for the evening with guest DJ TBC
Pre-event Soul Cafe Menu available – click here to book a table (tables not reserved in the venue space)
Sammy Goss (Ekko Audio): All Night Long
May 3, 9pm, Faith in Strangers, Ethelbert Crescent, Cliftonville
Margate based DJ, producer, audio equipment designer and label founder, at Faith In Strangers Ethelbert crescent
18+ Free entry
The Where Else? Social: DDWY & Katya Blackledge DJs
May 3, 9pm, WhereElse? The Centre, Margate
Guest DJs soundtracking the beers, cocktails and good vibes in the bar until late at Where Else? in Margate!
DDWY & Katya Blackledge DJs – dubbed out percussive rhythms inducing an atmosphere of love.
Free Book now
NiCKY Harris
May 3, 7.30pm, Tom Thumb Theatre, Eastern Esplanade, Margate
Having released their debut piano EP with PRAH Recordings in February 2024, following global radio play + rave reviews, NiCKY brings their musical show to Margate, inviting support sets + collaboration from Kuntessa.
Tickets from £12 Book now
Palace Cinema Broadstairs
THE FALL GUY 12A
Ryan Gosling (Barbie) and Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer, Mary Poppins Returns) in a rip-roaring romantic comedy set in the bonkers world of Hollywood stuntmen. Ken – sorry Colt – has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life all while being tossed around like a rag doll for our entertainment.
Friday 3 May to Thursday 16 May. Details here
In the Garden of Magical Possibilities
Casper Scarth/ Deborah Burnstone/ Joseph Dilnot/ R&FMo
May 2-18, The Lido Stores, 2 Ethelbert Terrace, Cliftonville/ Private view drinks reception for In the Garden of Magical Possibilities, a painting exhibition curated by Deborah Burnstone, on Saturday, 4 May, 7-9pm
RAF Manston boot fair and market
RAF Manston’s popular monthly boot fair will now be expanded to include autojumble and a local farmers market.
The market will be on Saturday 4th May.
The local produce & craft market will be hosted by Kent Food Hubs CIC.
The museum and NAAFI Café will be open as usual if you plan to enjoy the whole day with us.
Parking at the event is £1 per car.
Open to the public from 9am to 1pm.
Northdown Park quiz trail
May 4, 10am to noon, meet at play area by library in Northdown Park (Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Cliftonville)
Learn about the park’s history and wildlife during the fun trail organised by Northdown Community Project,
Nest with Thomas Langley
4 May – 29 June, Main Space, Liminal Gallery, 34 Fort Hill, Margate, CT9 1HD
Through the lens of painting and drawing, Thomas Langley’s practice is deeply concerned with the fundamental mechanics of image creation, manifesting in pulsating rhythmic compositions. The foundation of this body of work lies in traps, nests, and vessels, serving as anchors for concepts of place, home and travel. Langley imparts permanence to these temporal structures through a sculpted and almost drawn approach to painting, with thick impasto application.
All are welcome to celebrate the opening of ‘Nest’ on Saturday 4 May at Liminal Gallery’s. Main Space, 5-8pm.
Live Music at Broadstairs Bandstand – Samantha Dean
May 4, Broadstairs Bandstand, 2pm – 4pm
Colourful Reflections
May 4-25, 9am-5pm, Lovelys, 248 Northdown Road, Cliftonville
An exhibition of original paintings by Nicola Taylor inspired by the dynamic Thanet coastline and its dramatic skies, Nicola paints bold, vibrant canvases of the local area. She captures the ever-changing seas and skies through her use of vivid colours and shapes. Come on a colourful exploration of our local coast, in her latest exhibition Colourful Reflections.
Percy’s World Trip – Japan!
May 4-6, Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House And Gardens
Join the Powell Cotton Museum for three days of beautiful live Japanese music and creative family-friendly activities.
Open 11am-4pm
Join the Powell-Cotton Museum to discover their Japanese collection and beautiful gardens, showing the prettiest signs of Spring, plus live Japanese music and creative family-friendly activities including fan decorating and a trail.
In 1891 Percy Powell-Cotton visited Japan as part of his big world trip. Whilst there he bought many beautiful ‘souvenirs’, some of which are on display in the museum today. Join us on the late May bank holiday to discover our Japanese collection and our beautiful gardens, showing the prettiest signs of Spring.
Musicians
Back by popular demand, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th will feature Aki Kitagawa playing Koto and Clementine Blue on synthesisers (Sunday only).
Monday 6th features Hibiki Ichikawa on Shamisen accompanied by Akari Mochizuki on vocals.
Together, these traditional and experimental performers will immerse you in the sounds of Japan.
All performances will take place throughout the day, from 11.30am – 3.30pm with time between musical pieces for questions and interactions.
Activities
Experience LIVE Japanese music from amazing musicians
Follow the Sakura blossom trail and solve the puzzle
Fan decorating
Unveil your Netsuke alias
Discover Spring in Quex GardensMember: Free, Adult: £4.00, Concession: £3.50, Child: £3.00, Infant (age 0-3 years): Free. Small charge for craft
activity. Book now
Spring Open Day
May 4, noon to 3pm, Garden Gate Project, Northdown Park, Margate
Everyone is welcome to the Garden Gate Project’s first open day of the year.
There’ll be teas, cakes, coffee, wood fired pizzas, nettle soup, crafts and plant stall.
Dogs on leads welcome.
The Garden Gate is an independent registered charity community garden based in Northdown Park.
Waste Will Save Us (store launch party)
May 4, noon to 4pm, UPMargate, The Centre
Workshop, drinks, music and DJs at this new store in The Centre, Margate
Create your own custom clothing, accessories and gifts.
Bring your own garments or choose some in store at The Centre to personalise.
Access collection of fabric swatches, paints, stencils, badges and Moroccan trims.
Birchington Model Railway Exhibition
Powering its way into town once more will be the Birchington Model Railway Exhibition to be held at The Centre in Alpha Road, on Saturday 4 May between 10am and 4pm.
The Centre’s main hall will be bursting with 17 model railway exhibits set alongside half a dozen trade stands – offering visitors the chance to purchase secondhand items and spare parts for their own model railways.
Hosting the show, in aid of its funds, is the Whitstable based East Kent Model Railway Society.
EKMRS will be launching a limited edition OO scale model wagon in the imagined livery of Watson & Co, a coal merchant based in Birchington during the 1930s. Only 108 models have been made by Wales based Dapol.
Among the displays are a number created by EKMRS members as well as enthusiasts from Thanet, Herne Bay, Sittingbourne, Maidstone, Elham and even Alresford in Hampshire.
Adult admission to the exhibition is £5 while children under 16 years old are free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Parking can be found at the Alpha Road pay and display car park and along roads nearby. Birchington station is a three minute walk away and buses stop close by as well. Light refreshments will be on sale at The Centre during the event.
EKMRS hopes to recruit more members and details of how to join can be had by emailing [email protected]
Broadstairs History Walks
The all new Broadstairs History Walks begin this weekend, Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 May, and continue every weekend throughout the summer – weather permitting.
Meet your history walk leader at 2.00pm on the promenade behind the Royal Albion Hotel.
An approximate 75 minute walk full of fascinating facts, all within 300 metre radius.
More details-
https://www.facebook.com/share/ojjbKktHLqaVReVg/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Westgate-on-Sea Heritage Centre
The next Heritage Centre talk – West of the Brooks – is on Saturday 5th May. Robin Colyer will give a fascinating talk on the development of the Westbrook and Hartsdown areas. The photo shows Westbrook in the early 1920s, before the Westbrook estate was fully developed.
The event will be at Christ Church URC, Westgate Bay Avenue, Westgate-on-Sea. Doors open at 10am and the talk starts at 10.30am. Non-members are welcome and pay just £2 on the door. Heritage Centre publications will be on sale and teas, coffees and scones are available to buy.
Broadstairs Community Wellness Festival
May 5-6, 10am-5pm, Victoria Gardens & Promenade in Broadstairs
Discover a variety of local businesses and organisations showcasing their products and services, along with small local makers and craft stalls, and immerse yourself in live demonstrations from local groups including Pilates, Chi-ball, Yoga and Japanese drumming, in the community arena.
Bring the whole family and enjoy a few small rides, refreshments, and holistic experiences.
All proceeds raised will contribute towards staging the annual water gala.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to nourish your mind, body, and soul at the Broadstairs Community Wellness Festival!
Dreamland Dog Day
May 5, Dreamland, Gates Open: 11am Park Close: 6pm
Dreamland Margate are opening their doors to your four-legged friends for a one-off dog day special!
Dog Photography – 11am to 5pm (individual sessions will need to be booked below, and each slot is 5 minutes within a 20 minute window). Photographs will be available to download post-event.
Free Doggy Ice Cream: from noon – while Stocks Last
The entrance for Dreamland Dog Day will be via the Scenic Gate in the Belgrave Road Car Park. Dogs will not be permitted in undercover spaces or on rides. All dogs must be kept on short leads whilst at Dreamland.
Free to enter, you’ll be able to bring your furry friends to enjoy a doggy day out at Dreamland. There’ll be the opportunity to take part in agility courses (priced at £1.50 per pooch), watch a free film on the Scenic Screen and browse an array of gifts and treats from stall holders in the Food Court.
Gary Thatcher will be back in the VIP huts providing Dog Photography sessions, where you can have a professional photograph of you and your furry friend for just £18, plus bf. Tickets are on sale now, so fetch them quickly!
Photography sessions with Gary Thatcher – £22.16 Book now
Carlton Cinema Westgate
The Fall Guy 12A
After leaving the business one year earlier, battle-scarred stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) springs back into action when the star of a big studio movie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) suddenly disappears. As the mystery surrounding the missing actor deepens, Colt soon finds himself ensnared in a sinister plot that pushes him to the edge of a fall more dangerous than any stunt.
May 3-9. Details here
Rhythm Express Performing Arts
May 5, The Centre Birchington
Two performances at 1:30pm and 5:30pm
A wealth of talent, and love of musical theatre amongst the young cast from Rhythm Express Performing Arts
Tickets are £13 each. 0-3 year olds go free. Pay on the door
Ramsgate Handmade & Vintage Fair
May 5, 11am – 4pm, Harbour Parade
Ramsgate’s regular maker’s market with locally-produced and made goodies galore
Coastal Crafty Crew Handmade Craft Fair
May 5, Quex Small Barn, Birchington, 10am – 3pm
The Coastal Crafty Crew hold a Handmade Craft Fair every month.
As well as being able to look through a beautiful selection of crafts made with love and care, there is also the opportunity to chat to other crafters, to exchange ideas, to get advice and maybe to learn something new.
Any profits from the tombola are donated to the Birchington Veterans Association
Free parking
If you are interested to have a stall or do a demonstration of a craft, email [email protected]
Live Music at Broadstairs Bandstand – Thanet Concert Band
May 5, 2pm – 4pm
Playing a diverse mix of music from musical and film themes to classical overtures ensures the band plays something for everyone.
Dukes of Swing
May 5, The Oval Bandstand And Lawns, Cliftonville
Doors, toilets and concessions open: 1pm – 5pm . Concert: 2pm – 4pm.
The Oval Bandstand & Lawns popular summer season of concerts is back.
A minimum £2 donation per adult on door (under 16’s no donation required). All persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
A fully licensed bar and food is available (alcohol and food is not to be brought into venue, bag searches are in operation). Fully accessible toilet facilities are available. All seating areas have step-free access.
Margate Cultural Walking Tour
May 5, starts at 1pm, starts at The Shakespeare pub, near Margate rail station
One hour walking tour, along Margate’s seafront into the Old Town, covers the town’s history from 45 BC, through its history as a holiday getaway, then as a haven for artists, lovers (and the occasional rock star) in more recent times… to the spot it is today.
Bowie, Marx, Doherty, Hawkwind, Peter Sellers, JMW Turner, Tracy Emin, Del Boy and even James Bond…all feature!
A fun tour whether you are a local or a visitor – starts at The Shakespeare pub, near Margate rail station, then a gentle stroll through the spots along the seafront that feature in these historical tales… to end in Margate’s old town (beside the Margate Museum for those who want to sample more of the town’s history). And those who stay on afterwards will have the option to taste some of the local wines, ales (and cheese!) together in the wine bar ‘Little Swift’.
Tickets £10.00 Book now
Cliftonville Dog Show
May 6, The Oval Bandstand & Lawns, Cliftonville
Arrive by noon to register, show starts at 1pm
This fun dog show with categories ranging from Best Fancy Dress to Waggiest Tail to the coveted Best in Show, all dogs are welcome – big, small, pedigree, mutt, young, and old! It’s Cliftonville’s celebration of the canine world!
Best in Show is open to all first prize rosette winners from each category.
Take along your pampered pooch, join in the fun and WIN some prizes!
Categories include:
Best Fancy Dress
Waggiest Tail
Best Trick
Best Behaved
Dog Most Like Its Owner
Best in Show
Don’t miss out! Register your dog online today and secure your spot in the spotlight! Or simply sign up on the day
Paw-some moments will be photographed on the day, so be ready to strike a pose with your furry friend!
Judges will be on the lookout for the most creative outfits and best dogs in each category.
Remember, the judges’ decision is final, and no discussions will be entered into… Let the tail-wagging festivities begin!
Entry fee is £2 per dog, and spectators can join the excitement for just £1 per adult (under 16’s enter free) Book now
Further afield
Sandwich Salutes the 40s
May 4-6
Reenactors, stalls on the Quay, music, and a bar at the Sandwich Medieval Centre
The P22 Gunship manned by a crew of 6 will moor on the River in Sandwich for the weekend. It will be the heart of a weekend of re-enacting the 40s with Desert Rats, RAF, Red Cross Nurses, Military Police, Home Guard, Land Army Girls and number 4 Commando Group reenactors.
Find out more at: https://sandwichevents.org.uk/sandwich-salutes-the-40s/
