Margate Mod & Sixties Weekender
May 24-26, Olby’s Soul Café
GBMC have put together a program that will be sure to thrill you over the Whitsun weekend at Olby’s Soul Cafe
This annual Whitsun event started in 2015 under the Great British Music Culture banner.
After a decade or more in decline, the fortunes of Margate were starting to turn around thanks to people like Eli Thompson from the Westcoast CIC/Olby’s who teamed up with renowned Modernist promoters the New Untouchables to deliver this exciting event. The old town is where the weekend’s festivities take place.
Like Brighton, Margate has a long association with the Mod scene starting way before the headline grabbing days of the 60s. Continuing into and beyond the end of the last century thanks to the Mod revival of the late seventies and early eighties Margate has a strong local scene with clubs and scooter runs. Local shops Thanet Area scooters and Rat Race clothing service the local scene.
Over three evenings and two daytime events there is a stellar program of live acts, DJ’s, scooter run and show, market & record fair.
The welcome DJ party MARGATE GOT SOUL kicks off the weekend on Friday night.
Saturday night features GALILEO 7 from Medway including Allan Crockford from The Prisoners who will perform tracks from new album YOU, ME & REALITY.
The Baron Four will also perform songs from their brand-new album OUTLYING late afternoon.
Sunday’s all-dayer features Medway legend WILD BILLY CHILDISH & CTMF with his son’s band THE SHADRACKS supporting.
A DJ team from all over the UK will be spinning the hottest Mod and Sixties club sounds on original 45’s for your dancing pleasure.
All events are at Olby’s Music Room.
Olby’s kitchen is open all weekend
For the full program and tickets click here
Palace Cinema Broadstairs
IF PG
A young girl discovers that she can see everyone’s discarded imaginary friends (the IFs of the title!) and embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their childhood pals.
Friday 24 May to Sunday 2 June. Details here
Blessing of the Sea
May 24, 4.30pm. Meet by the Royal Harbour Obelisk
Part of St Augustines Week, with Bishop Paul Hendricks and the Mayor of Ramsgate
Maddy Vian Open Evening
May 24, 5pm-8pm, Margate based illustrator opens a month long show at High Tide Social, 235 Northdown Road
First exhibition of Maddy Vian’s cartoon & illustration work.
After graduating from art school, she has worked on a wide range of creative projects, from animated music videos to storybook apps. Her illustrations are often thoughtful and nostalgic, and she enjoys using every colour under the sun.
Real Sounds presents…
May 24, 7pm, Margate Leisure Centre, 66 Edgar Road, Cliftonville
Ned Ashcroft, George Pelham, We Found The Wreck, Luke J Dorman, Petrichor Park & Delicia
Ned Ashcroft is a London-based singer-songwriter, rapper, multi-instrumentalist. George Pelham is a British/American singer/songwriter with a distinctively emotive, soulful voice. We Found The Wreck… an acoustic driven energetic rock band from Kent who perform original songs generally about dealing with the pressures of everyday life. Luke J Dorman – a cross between David Gray meets Stereophonics. Petrichor Park are Amelie and Giorgio, a vocal and guitar duo, heavily influenced by artists such as Radiohead and Taylor Swift and Delicia are an indie pop rock band from the south of England.
Tickets £9 – £15 Book now
Channel One Sound
May 24, 9.30pm, Ramsgate Music Hall
The mighty Channel One Sound will be joining Ramsgate Music Hall for a special extended!
Entry Requirements: 18+
Channel One Sound System is one of the UK’s best known and most loved reggae sound systems. Having taken over the running of their father’s sound in 1979, Mikey Dread and his brother Jah T took the sound to local blues parties and dances. Mikey took the name Channel One as homage to the legendary Channel One studio in Jamaica. In 1982, Channel One started playing at Notting Hill Carnival, they have played at Carnival every year since.
For the past 5 years they have held a residency at London’s Village Underground which sell out every party and they have been travelling the world taking their sound system to the finest festivals and DJing at the best clubs across the globe.
This will be the first time Channel One have performed in the area.
Tickets £25.50 Book now
It’s Just Garage: Matt Jam Lamont, Scott Garcia + Friends
May 24, 9pm, Faith In Strangers, Ethelbert Crescent, Cliftonville
It’s Just Garage, makes its debut at Margate’s Faith In Strangers this spring time.
Leviathans of UKG Matt Jam Lamont [KISSTORY] and Scott ‘ Its a London thing’ Garcia [KISSTORY], alongside Hyperactive Mc, are in attendance with support from The Fraudster and DJ TBX.
From the old skool to the new, and everything in between.
18+ Tickets £14 Book now
Mozart Estate
May 24, 7pm, Where Else? The Centre, Margate
The return of Lawrence; enigmatic lead singer of the much-loved bands Felt, Denim, Go Kart Mozart and now Mozart Estate.
Tickets £20.02 Book now
Margate Fringe Festival
Now until May 27, various shows and venues
Shows include Rob Auton – The Eyes Open and Shut Show (WIP) at the Tom Thumb Theatre on May 24;
List of festival events at https://linktr.ee/margatefringefestival
Kent Strut fly-in to Manston and fun weekend
A fly-in of ‘hundreds’ of light aircraft will take place at Manston this weekend.
The Kent Strut event from May 24-26 is in aid of the Martha Trust charity, Brain Tumour Research and The RAF Manston History Museum,
The Kent Strut branch of the Light Aircraft Association says the site is ideal as it has a 3km long hard runway, large grass parking and monster taxiways.
Polar Helicopters will handle radio ops on the day.
The event, which runs from 10am to 4pm each day, will also have vehicles on display, aircraft on the taxi way and a chance to meet the pilots, charity stalls, plane spotting games for youngsters and escorted tours from the museum (£5pp).
In the evening on May 24th and 25th there is a tribute and talk – The life and death of Amy Johnson- taking place at the museum. Doors open at 6.30pm, talk 7pm, tickets £5pp. Booking is essential, payment on the day, contact [email protected]
Entry to the museum is adults £5.50, concession £4.50, children aged 5 and above £2.50.
RAF Manston History Museum and neighbouring Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum are on Manston Road, Ramsgate.
Colourful Reflections
“Colourful Reflections” is an exhibition of original paintings by Nicola Taylor currently showing at Lovelys until Saturday, May 25. Inspired by the Thanet coastline and its dramatic skies, Nicola paints bold, vibrant canvases of the area.
Further planned workshops include a Carandache demo with Amy Moss, collaging with Megan Metcalf in August and botanical watercolour with Billy Showell in September.
Workshop details can be found at www.lovelysgallery.co.uk/workshops-at-lovelys
Margate Old Town Market
May 25-26, 11am to 4pm
Stalls from local makers and crafters.
Got The Love Festival
May 25, noon until 10pm, Quex Park, Birchington
90’s & 00’s acts including: Blue, Diversity, Basshunter, DJ Sash!, Ultrabeat, Phats & Small, Vengaboys, Eve & James Morrison
Secret cinema, Retro & Vintage stalls, Festival gourmet food, VR gaming, Fun for all the family
Tickets from £50pp Book now
Ed Clark
May 25-September 1, Turner Contemporary
First exhibition outside of the United States devoted to Ed Clark (1926–2019)
Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm (plus Bank Holidays)
Born in New Orleans and schooled at the Art Institute of Chicago and Académie de la Grande Chaumière, Paris, Clark emerged in the 1950s as a pioneering, yet under-recognised figure in the New York School.
The exhibition will unite over 20 paintings and works on paper inspired by his travels around the world – many of which have never been seen outside of the US.
The Oval Swing Fest
May 25, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns Cliftonville. Event noon until 9pm
Get ready for a day filled with sizzling swing, jive, rhythm & blues, and rock ‘n’ roll, with a dash of boogie woogie thrown in for good measure!
The lineup features The Jive Aces, alongside Miss Holiday and the Swingtones, and Lew Lewis and His Allstar Trio, hosted by dance duo JiveSwing and tunes from DJ Pat da Kat.
£8 – £20 + booking fee Book now
Broadstairs May Fair
May 25-27. Open daily 11am until late…
Traditional May Fair celebrations with craft and gift stalls in Victoria Gardens and along the promenade. Enjoy live music on the Bandstand and a funfair.
VISION·S
May 25-June 22, 13-14 Churchfield Place Margate – opening event May 25th, 5pm-8pm, then open Thursday-Sunday, 1pm to 5pm
Ten international artists bringing their own creative version of a UK seaside town, Margate.
All artists in this exhibition have been drawing inspiration from past/present stories & places
All welcome, kids are also invited to come & collect a colouring page created by one of the artists.
Head, Heart, Hands Compost
May 25, 12.30pm-3pm, Windmill Community Gardens, Dane Valley Road, Margate
Composting workshop run by Heart and Soil Community.
Begin by engaging the heart, exploring the manifold reasons why composting is great for the earth, our community and ourselves.
Then engage the head by diving into the basics of composting science and exploring ingredients through an interactive game.
Finally, set to work engaging our hands, doing some composting together to construct a well balanced heap.
No previous experience is necessary for the engaging and interactive workshop.
Organ Recital by David Newsholme
May 25, 7pm, St Augustine’s & Pugin: Shrine & Visitor Centre, Ramsgate
Part of the St Augustine Week 2024 celebrations, presented by the Director of Music at Canterbury Cathedral at the Shrine of St Augustine & National Pugin Centre
Programme…
J. S. Bach (1685–1750) Prelude in E flat, BWV 552i, Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr (‘Alone to God in the highest be glory’), BWV 662
Edward Elgar (1857–1934) Vesper Voluntaries, Op. 14
(interval)
Jean Langlais (1907–1991)Hymne d’action de Grace Te Deum
Bach Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr, BWV 663, Fugue in E flat, BWV 552ii
The 50-minute recital will be followed by refreshments.
All welcome. Entry is free.
RHS Big Seed Sow
May 25, 10am, Sunken Garden Westbrook
Grow With It is an annual programme designed to support school and community gardeners to get growing, connect with each other and share knowledge and resources.
Kicking off a year of water-wise growing, the Big Seed Sow takes place over May
https://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/grow-with-it
Pride in Ramsgate ribbon workshop
May 25, 2pm-4pm, Sugar Rush (old WHSmith in Ramsgate High Street)
Suitable for all ages
Ramsgate Creatives Karen Vost and Alvaro Cea Alvarez will be hosting this fun, free drop-in workshop at the new Sugar Rush in the main High St.
Come along and make Pride Ribbon Dancer Wands to wave during Ramsgate’s first Pride March, then keep them shaking at the family rave or the late night after party!
Pete Gerrard at York Street Gallery
Peter Garrard exhibits pen and wash drawings, paintings and his unique and quirky 3D abstract pieces at York Street Gallery in Ramsgate.
Celebrate Peter’s birthday at the gallery on Saturday 25th May 2pm-4pm
Open Tues-Sat 10.30am to 4pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm.
Live Music at Broadstairs Bandstand
Saturday 25th- Ozzy and the Uglies
Sunday 26th- Samantha Dean
Monday 27th- The 68s
All 2pm-4pm
Weekend entertainment brought to you by Broadstairs & St. Peters Town Council
Board at Home 3rd birthday
May 25, 4pm-10pm, Board at Home 107a High Street Ramsgate
Free evening of board games and good times as we welcome the community to come together and celebrate not only the shop, but the community itself!
We will be providing food and drink but donations are always welcome, especially if there is something specific you would like to bring (our snacks and drinks will still be available for anyone who wishes to buy those).
Booking is essential for this date so please get in touch asap to book to avoid disappointment!
01843 316281 or [email protected]
Night For Weird Folk: Folky and Fabulous!
May 25, 7pm-1am, Lido Margate
Hosted by Bower Street Morris, Margate’s very own Morris side at Margate’s Lido, 1 Ethelbert Terrace, Cliftonville
Find your most fabulous outfit, accessorise to the max, and then put one more thing on, for the next Night For Weird Folk!
Expect the usual host of amazing things: morris dancing, a ceilidh with the most fabulous caller Aeryn, music, crafting, pole performers, tarot readings, best outfit prize, and banging DJ sets.
Tickets £5 in advance, £10 on the door Book now
Margaret Corcoran Sailing to Byzantium
May 23-June 8, The Lido Stores 2 Ethelbert Terrace.
Private view drinks reception for Sailing to Byzantium, a solo exhibition of paintings by Margaret Corcoran, on Saturday, 25 May, 7pm-9pm. The exhibition will be opened on the 25th by Catherine Heaney, director of the estate of Irish poet Seamus Heaney.
Test your knowledge: 1940s History Quiz
May 25-June 2, The Wonderworks By Hornby Hobbies
Half term fun with a quiz at The WonderWorks by Hornby Hobbies
Pick up your quiz when visiting throughout the week from 25th May – 2nd June
Test your knowledge and learn key facts about Hornby Hobbies products related to World War II.
Included in exhibition ticket: £2.50 child, £5.00 adult
Cliftonville Farmers’ Market
Monthly farmers’ market on the Walpole Bay Lawns, Cliftonville, from 10am – 1pm.
The market is run by Cliftonville Residents Association members, who give their time for free.
There are 42 stalls booked in selling, seasonal veg, fresh fish. shellfish, salmon, smoked salmon, prawns, free range meats, wild game, olives, oils, vinegars, Kentish cheeses, apple juice, pies, speciality breads, tiramisu, vegan cheezes, vegan bakes, sea salts, sausages, bacon, preserves, chutneys, jams, plants, fresh flowers, dried flowers, Cypriot bakes, baklava, Kombucha, speciality teas, pizzas, doughnuts, pork pies, Kimchi, African non alcoholic drinks, hand made pasta, lasagne, hand made pasta sauces, beers, spirits, vegan alcoholic drinks, cider, locally grown mushrooms, charcuterie, hand made chocolates, free range eggs, Kentish honey, indoor plants, hand made wooden items, coffee, breakfast baps, Russian dishes, seasonal fruit, crumbles, strawberries, dog coats, dog treats and more.
The vegetables and fruit are grown by the producer. All baked goods are produced by the stallholder.
Sams Sharpening will be with us to sharpen your garden tools, knives, scissors whilst you shop.
You will be able to buy lovely hot drinks & breakfast baps.
Ramsgate & Dunkirk Talk – ‘Little Ships, Large Loaves’
May 26, 2.30pm, Ramsgate Tunnels
Ramsgate Tunnels welcome their very own Historian Isaac Naylor, on the anniversary of the Dunkirk Evacuations, to deliver a talk about Ramsgate’s role in this historic event
Between the 26th of May and the 4th of June, Ramsgate found itself at the centre of one of the ‘epics’ of the Second World War: the evacuation of Dunkirk.
This fully illustrated talk tells the story, built around the testimony of those present, of how service personnel and civilians worked side by side to bring about the safe return and care of some 41,327 Allied soldiers who returned to safety at Ramsgate, ready to fight another day. From the tireless efforts of harbour mechanics to those whose hands blistered from cutting bread to make sandwiches to help feed the weary, the town appeared inspired by the occasion, everyone keen to play their part.
The selfless actions and heroism of those involved embodied the spirit of resilience and collective effort in the face of adversity, which gave the nation a renewed sense of purpose to fight on. They would also cement the legacy of Dunkirk into Britain’s national consciousness as we continue to explore and remember events 84 years into the future.
The Tunnel’s café will also be open, serving a variety of refreshments, light snacks, and delectable cakes. The talk is free.
Youth Club 90s/00s daytime disco and Simply Red Tribute
Margate Lido, Ethelbert Terrace, Cliftonville, on Sunday, May 26 from 2pm until late.
Brought to by the guys who gave you Zig A Zig Ah! Youth Club is a new daytime disco for kids of all ages at The Lido
DJs will be playing the best in 90s/00s with a set by Red Mick, the UKs best Simply Red tribute act.
Show the youngsters how it is done by doing The Macarena, Saturday Night, Stop! and dancing like mad to Cotton Eyed Joe and B*Witched.
The event will be start off with jams from Lisa Loeb, Brownstone, En Vogue, Aaron Soul, Ace Of Base, 112, Jagged Edge, Aaliyah, Blur, Big Mountain, Shaggy, TQ and lots more.
There will also be a special tuck shop featuring some of the best in retro sweets and Mario Kart on the N64 for some parent vs kid action!
Later on in the evening A Simply Red Tribute from Red Mick will take to the stage.
All ages are welcome.
Limited tickets at £5 now and then at £10. (Plus booking fee)
Go to: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Margate/Margate-Lido/Youth-Club-90s-00s-Daytime-Disco/38193988/
Rumble Wrestling
May 26, The Oval Bandstand And Lawns
Rumble Wrestling returns to The Oval Bandstand in Cliftonville for an afternoon of top action.
With wrestling returning this summer to the iconic Oval Cliftonville after last year’s epic action, the anticipation amongst fans is at fever pitch and tickets are sure to be in high demand.
PROGRAMME
2pm – Doors open
3pm – Show starts*
5:15pm – Meet the Rumble Wrestling stars**
6pm – Doors close
The show includes a fifteen minute interval. Purchase required.
Maximum of four kids per adult
Free kids tickets must be secured online with adult ticket purchase
All kids must be accompanied by a responsible adult or guardian over 21
Special offer tickets do not include ringside seating
Book now
Margate Cultural Walking Tour
May 26, 1pm meet at The Shakespeare Pub near Margate railway station
This one hour walking tour, along Margate’s seafront into the Old Town, covers the town’s history from 45 BC, through it’s 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!
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. Book now
The New Awkward Vol 1: PVA, Faux Real and more
May 26, 5.30pm, Where Else? in Margate
Tickets £14.50 Book now
Bank Holiday Sunday Outdoor Boot Fair
May 26, 8am to noon, Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs
Fancy decluttering your home/wardrobe… or perhaps find some great hidden bargains at Broadstair’s Pierremont Hall
Free entry for buyers.
Stalls are £10 each – arrival from 7 am.
To book email [email protected] or call us on 01843 263609
In Conversation with Melanca Clark and Allie Biswas
May 26, Turner Contemporary
Join Turner Contemporary for a conversation about pioneering artist Ed Clark, his work and his legacy with his daughter Melanca Clark and writer and editor, Allie Biswas
Following the launch of the exhibition Ed Clark, the artist’s daughter, Melanca Clark and writer and editor, Allie Biswas, join us for an in conversation about the pioneering artist, his work and his legacy.
3pm – 3.15pm: Welcome
3.15pm – 3.55pm: In Conversation
3.55pm – 4.15pm: Q&A
The Ed Clark exhibition is on until Sunday 1 September 2024.
Tickets £8 Book now
Talk: Yoga and Trauma
May 26, 10.30am, Union Church, Union Crescent, Margate
Deb Cartwright is the former CE of Oasis, a Kent and Medway charity supporting families affected by domestic abuse. Hear about Deb’s experiences.
Prior to her time at Oasis, Deb worked in mental health services in London. Deb came to work in the social sector because of her own life experiences and as a young woman her doctor told her to use exercise as a tool for her mental wellbeing.
That led her to Yoga, and she later trained as a teacher. Deb’s talk explores the impact that Yoga teachings and practises had on her own journey of recovery from childhood trauma.
Free hot breakfast, banging tunes as always from the very finest local artists. Wonderful chat. Friendship. Always inclusive.
Rock’n’Roll Bar Boot
May 26, noon to 5pm, Bar Nothing, 17 Cliff Terrace, Cliftonville
The monthly Rock‘n’Roll Bar Boot is back at Bar Nothing
Makers • Vintage • Ceramics • Plants • Vinyl • Books • KnickKnacks
Tarot readings • Cocktails • Coffee • Beer • Wine • Cider
Mawis Kitchen
Margate Meltdown
The 14th annual Margate Meltdown coming to town on May 27, 60 years on from the “legendary seaside meetings of the Mods ‘n’ Rockers” in 1964.
Riders will leave Ace Café London in the morning and travel on the A406 – A13 – M25 – A2 – M2 – A299 to Margate seafront and harbour for the event which will feature motorcycles, scooters, stands and displays until 6pm.
There will be live entertainment from midday onwards with DJ Bill and George Guntrip, alongside three-piece band Bamboozle.
The Margate Meltdown is free to attend. The Royal British Legion Riders Branch (RBL RB) is the chosen charity for the event.
Last year thousands of bikers and scooterists attended the Meltdown.
Event organiser Ace Cafe asks attendees not to block the pavement, walkways or emergency pathways when parking.
Talk on St Augustine
May 27, 7pm, St Augustine’s & Pugin: Shrine & Visitor Centre, Ramsgate
Part of the St Augustine Week 2024 celebrations at the Shrine of St Augustine & National Pugin Centre. Presented by Fr Marcus Holden