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.
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.
The WonderWorks at Hornby
Beat the Boss Challenger Challenge
May 28
Morning session: 11am – noon
Afternoon session: 1pm – 2pm
The manager of The WonderWorks took 8 minutes to build the QuickBuild Challenger kit – can you do it any faster?
This half term, visit the WonderWorks for a Beat the Boss Challenger Challenge… lots of fun and a chance of winning the daily prize – a £20 WonderWorks gift voucher to spend in store.
Call 01843 233524 or visit The WonderWorks to purchase tickets.
Spaces are limited booking in advance is advised to avoid disappointment on the day.
Suitable for ages 6+
£7.50 per person – everyone who enters gets to keep the kit (RRP £14.99)
Scalextric Hot Laps Demo and New Car Releases
May 29 11am – 12 noon
Meet the @Scalextric Designers and have a demo of the brand new Puma Rally Hot Laps months before it is in the shops!
Scalextric Hot Laps brings back the thrill of retro rally arcade racing games with an interactive lap counter and checkpoint racing app, combining the best bits from the world of slot racing and arcade gaming to create an exciting slot racing experience for the home.
Hot Laps amps up the racing fun, without the need for extra hardware, so it is fully compatible with existing tracks and cars. Simply place your smart device onto the cardboard race gantry included and select your preferred race mode. The camera on the device uses motion detection so when the car zooms under the gantry the app counts a lap – super easy and tons of fun!
The team will also have new car releases on show, so this is a great opportunity to get to see and get your hands on new Scalextric products.
Meet a Hornby Product Designer and see the latest samples
May 30. 11am – 12 noon
Get along to The WonderWorks for your chance to meet a Hornby Product Designer and get to see the following samples up close.
– Flying Scotsman Steam Generator
– Locomotion Running Sample
– Class 755 Decoration Sample
– Coronation coaches
– TT Class 66
Northdown Primary School community fun day
MAY 29, 11am start
– Live entertainment by Two’s Company
– Bouncy Castle
– Face painting
– Football arena
– Refreshments
– info and advice
– stall holders
And more….
Seashore Safaris
Join one of the series of Safaris touring different Thanet Coast Bays, exploring the chalk reef and rockpools to see what shore life you can find. These events are run with the help of Thanet Coast volunteers.
All events last for up to 2 hours and are suitable for ALL the family, but particularly 4-11s.
Children must be always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Suggested donation of £2.50 per person.
Western Undercliff Seashore Safari -May 28 Starts at 11am. FULLY BOOKED but check for cancellations here
Walpole Bay Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt – May 29 11am – 12.30pm
Meet: On the beach at Walpole Bay, Cliftonville, Margate (CT9 3HF). Book now
Botany Bay Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt – May 30, 11am – 12.30pm
Meet: On the beach at Botany Bay, Broadstairs (CT10 3LG) Book now
Ramsgate Main Sands Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt – May 31, 11am to 12.30pm
Meet: By the ‘Needle’ or Obelisk (outside Wetherspoons) Book now
Ella Bella charity match
Date for your diaries. Saturday 1st of June.
The Ella Bella charity match at Ramsgate FC returns for a second year and Jim Ward will be trying to win the cup back after histeams 2023 defeat.
Last year Jim and Danny Ward organised a legends tournament that raised £3,000 for six -year-old Ella Gonzalez-Bello who has White-Sutton syndrome.
Ella is non-verbal, non-mobile and has issues with sight, hearing, eating and development. Ella also has epilepsy.
This has a huge impact on her loving family, parents Samantha and Christopher and big sister Mia. They require specialist home improvements and equipment and while some of the cost is covered by grants, there is a £40,000 shortfall which family are seeking to fundraise.
This year’s match on June 1st kicks off at 3pm. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
Players will include Sean Welford, TJ Jadama, Warren Schultz, Alfie Paxman and Rams manager Ben Smith.
Find Ella’s fundraiser here
Family Trade Fair
May 28, The Millmead Children’s Centre,10am until 2pm
Located in the large hall and garden area, stalls include amazing gift ideas, books for children and adults, skincare, further education, food and drink, jewellery, home items, face painting, art and many more.
Area in the garden for games to play and indoor soft play bus available free of charge to children.
Entrance is free, no need to book, just turn up. Bring the family and your friends!
MOS Showtime
MOS Showtime makes its way to Ramsgate with performances at the newly refurbished Granville Theatre in Ramsgate.
This year’s showtime brings you a night at the musicals with numbers from the ultra-new shows such as Everybody’s Talking About Jamie; Waitress; The Prom and Dear Evan Hansen, through to Six and Hamilton to Moulin Rouge; Jesus Christ Superstar and We Will Rock You.
Performances are Wednesday 29 May to Saturday 1 June nightly at 7:30 pm with matinee Saturday at 3pm
Tickets are only available direct from MOS through ticket source at www.ticketsource.co.uk/mos-productions
Prices £16 and £14 concession with group bookings available by contacting MOS box office at [email protected]
MOS Facebook page: www.facebook.com/productionsmos
CMK Connect Programme
The CMK Connect Programme is delivered in partnership with organisations across Thanet.
The programme offers young people aged 13-17 years the opportunity to take part in various free or low cost activities linked to their interests or to try something new, and collect points as they go using a CMK Connect Card.
These points can then be exchanged for rewards through CMK, a community interest company dedicated to supporting people to improve their wellbeing and live happier, healthier lives.
Activities include:
Teen Geekery Workshop on May 28, 2pm to 4pm at Margate Library
Natural skincare workshop, May 30, 3pm to 5pm Create Happy, 176 High Street, Margate
The Rockstar Experience, May 31, 2pm to 4pm, Quarterdeck, Zion Place, Cliftonville
Dance workshop, May 31, 2pm-3pm, Quarterdeck
Boxing fitness, May 31, 2pm-3pm, Quarterdeck
Bike maintenance, June 1, 11am to 1pm, Newington Community Centre, Ramsgate
Find more details, check availability and book via: https://www.cmk-cic.org/cmk-connect-programme
Print Sessions
May 28 and May 30, 10am to noon, Shell Grotto, Grotto Hill, Margate
Get creative with artist Dawn Cole this half term at the Shell Grotto in Margate
Create your own vintage mermaid postcard using a vintage press and printing block!
Included free with entry
Normal entry fees apply: Adult £4.50 / Child (4-16) £2 / Concession £4 / Infant: Free / Family (2x adults 2x kids) £10
https://www.shellgrotto.co.uk/
Children’s Seaweed Pressing Workshop
May 28, at Kinder Collective, 8 Nelson Place in Broadstairs.
Sessions: 3pm & 4pm
Gemila, The Driftweed Artist, will guide your little artists through a hands-on 30 minute workshop where they will be able to explore a variety of locally-foraged seaweed samples and choose their favourites to create their own unique pieces of ocean art.
Like flower-pressing, seaweed pressing requires a bit of patience and takes time to complete. Therefore, once the children have completed their works Gemila will take each piece of art home to finalise. This could be up to three weeks but they will keep you updated on the progress and let you know when it is ready to be reunited with the artist!
Places are limited to six children aged four and above with an accompanying adult (one ticket admits one child, adults do not need to book a ticket). They will supply all equipment and materials and just ask that you come feeling creative and have fun!
To book, DM @kinder_collective on Instagram or book here
May Half Term at Monkton Nature Reserve
Tuesday 28th May
11am Big Bug Hunt – Discover the many minibeasts that call the reserve their home
Thursday 30th May
1pm Minibeast Makers and the Matchbox Challenge – Craft your favourite minibeasts and join in on the matchbox scavenger hunt challenge
Friday 31st May
11am Marble Snails in Their Pails – Build you own super snazzy snails out of marble and clay: then decorate a jam jar home for them complete with stones, twigs and leaves from the reserves grounds
1pm Big Bug Hunt – Discover the many minibeasts that call the reserve their home
http://www.monkton-reserve.org/
Natelle Quek ‘Once Upon a Storytime’
May 31,The Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop in Broadstairs, 10am – 10.30am or 11.30am – 12 noon
Nia loves stories about dragons and unicorns, brave princesses and faraway lands. Every night, Mum tucks her into bed, and they lose themselves in another wonderful adventure. But what if, Nia asks, she gets kidnapped by a wicked witch? Or locked up by a terrible beast in a tower? Or stuck at the top of a beanstalk with a grouchy giant? Would Mum come and rescue her? The answer to that is … ‘Yes, always.’
Ticket price includes a copy of the book (usually £7.99), available to pick up on the day after the event, which Natelle will sign for you at the end of the session – additional copies and copies of all other books illustrated by Natelle will be available to purchase as well.
Seating information: children will sit on cushions and will be provided with equipment including washable colouring pencils/crayons depending on their age and ability. There are a couple of seats for adults who wish to attend with their children, otherwise adults will be expected to stand and watch from the main shop area, or enjoy a lovely coffee and pastry downstairs in Staple.
Tickets £5 Book now
Mergate – Margate Mermaid Parade
June 1
The second Margate Mermaid Parade – celebrating seaside life and uplifting voices that protect our beaches
Did you know that Dreamland here in Margate was inspired by the Dreamland of Coney Island, Brooklyn where they’ve had a Mermaid Parade since 1983?
The purpose of Mergate is to bring the Margate community together: those who have been here for generations, those who have been lucky enough to move here, and all the visitors. We all share the sea, so let’s celebrate it and preserve it!
What to expect:
THE PARADE – 2pm gathering outside Palm Bay Cafe (CT9 3DH)
You are invited to dress in a sea-inspired outfit and walk together alongside our promenade in celebration of seaside life.
After the Parade, the event will include performances from some of Margate’s finest, you will find market stalls, hear environmental speakers, drink, eat and be MER-ry!
Mergate Venues:
10m to noon free facepainting at Guesthouse 42
11am to 1pm Mergate takeover of Old Town Market
Faith In Strangers -3pm – 6pm: Market stalls including crafts, art, fashion jewellery, home decor, books & beauty. There will also be information tables from Kent Wildlife Trust & Orbit Group.
Margate Leisure Centre: Music & performances from 3pm Tickets required for entry.
DJ begins at 3pm Performances 4pm – 5.30pm Hosted by Amber Topaz
Bugsy’s:Bowling & arcades 3pm – 6pm
Fish bowl with Shelly Grotto 3pm – 4pm
Sweet Caroline’s: Storytelling of Zandi’s Song 3:15pm
Colouring and children’s activities until 6pm
Mergate Ball info here – 9pm-3am Faith in Strangers
Shelly Grotto Meet & Greet at The Shell Grotto 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Heading to the parade as well? Join Shelly on her journey seaward, starting from the Shell Grotto at 1.30pm
Normal entry fees apply: Adult £4.50 / Child (4-16) £2 / Concession £4 / Infant: Free / Family (2x adults 2x kids) £10
Model Railway Exhibition
June 1-2, 10am to 4pm,Crampton Tower Museum, Broadstairs
Various model railway layouts and sales stalls for modelling enthusiasts and collectors at Crampton Tower Museum in Broadstairs
Admission charges as for normal entry to Museum
Eight visiting layouts will join the permanent 8 working museum layouts.
Children’s train rides (extra charge)
Public car park off St Peters Park Road (free on Saturdays)
Tickets Adults: £4 / Children £2 / Family (2+2) £10
Ramsgate Tunnels Free Open Day
Celebrating the Tunnels 10th anniversary as a visitor attraction at a free open day! The event will run from 10 am to 4:30 pm and will feature free activities throughout the day. Enjoy taster tours, displays, and the opportunity to ask the Tunnel Rats questions. Explore artefacts from the archives and much more! Additionally, there will be living history displays, an appearance by Miss Ramsgate and the Ramsgate Police Cadets, vintage and jam stalls, and a visit from a respected local historian.
Price: Free
Sugar Rush Pride Party
June 1
Ramsgate will fly the Pride flag on the Eastcliff Flag Pole to acknowledge Pride Month
There will be a mini march through the High Street and family friendly activities and events during the day at Sugar Rush and around the town.
The evening will end with a huge party featuring drag acts, cabaret and disco at Sugar Rush.
Various other venues in town will be hosting events on the day- including art exhibitions, poetry, comedy, workshops, activities and more…..
Times
March in the High Street 11am
Picnic at Albion Gardens noon
Family festival Sugar Rush (former WHSmith in the High Street) from 1pm
Half Term at the Caves- Storytelling Festival
25th May to 2nd June
Create your own story this Half Term at the Caves with our “build your own story” trail. Travel around the Caves and bring your own story to life.
Free with admission to the Caves- normal admission applies.
Join story themed crafts with the return of Messy Mondays- Monday 27th May- £1.50 per child
On Tuesday 28th celebrate some family favourite Fairytales with fabulous crafts- Tuesday 28th May- £1.50 per child
Saturday we’re creating treasure or fantasy maps- Saturday 1st June- £2 per person
All craft activities take place in the community rooms, no Cave entry needed, normal admission applies if you choose to visit the Caves.
Open Daily to 2nd June 10am-5pm Last admission 4.30pm.
Adult £5, Concession £4, Child £2.50, Family £12
1 Northdown Road, Margate, Plan a visit
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
Brighter Days Market
June 1, 11am to 3pm, Pierremont Hall in Broadstairs.
You’ll find brilliant shopping from amazing makers, designers and artists. Discover and buy hand-crafted jewellery, homewares, clothing, prints, cards, ceramics and more at @brighterdaysmarkets event at
Birchington Centre and Quexpo
The Centre’s 50th anniversary celebrations get off to a musical start with a concert by Birchington Silver Band on Sunday 26 May from 2pm.
On Thursday 30 May from 7.30pm, Cllr Neville Hudson, who has long been connected with The Centre and Quexpo, gives a talk about the building’s history.
The evening of Friday 31 May sees the Birchington Guild of Players present a special show for the anniversary from 7.30pm.
During the afternoon of Saturday 1 June, there will be a performance of Rhythm Express performed in the main hall.
A new 32 page booklet by author Nick Evans Fifty Years At The Centre Of Village Life, will be on sale, priced £4 each, for the first time during an open coffee morning at The Centre on Saturday 1 June from 10.30am. Nick will be on hand to sign copies for anybody interested. Visitors will also be able to enjoy an exhibition of photos and memorabilia of The Centre and Quexpo, curated by Nick, at the same time.
The evening of Saturday 1 June sees a Quexpo round-up – a social evening where friends can meet and reminisce about their experiences of the Quexpo years. There will also be a five round quiz to test everyone’s knowledge of The Centre and Quexpo too!
St Peter’s Village Tour
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the popular award-winning guided costumed walks in and around the historic village of St Peter’s.
On this flagship walk meet costumed characters from past centuries along with surprises along the way. See a flint built church and the tower used in the Napoleonic wars, hear of workhouse conditions and the ancient seat of local government in the area.
Tours run 9th May – 19th September on Tuesdays and Thursdays (except 11th June and 7th September). WWI and WWII War Grave Tours (Once a month May – September and November). Churchyard Tours (Once a month May – August).
Children are welcome, suggested minimum age of 10 years to fully appreciate the experience.
At the end of the tour participants are invited to contribute towards costs which average £5 per adult. After the tour light lunches can be made available in the Red Lion, opposite the Church, by calling Kim on 01843 600895. Refreshments on the tour are optional at a cost of £2.
Bookings for the Village Tour can be made by phoning 07546 514948 or through Eventbrite.
Margate Crab Museum
Margate’s Crab Museum has reopened ready for visitors to explore all thing crustacean. The venue is headed by enthusiasts and brothers Ned and Bertie Suesat-Williams, from Margate, Chase Coley, from Canvey Island, and GRETL – the museums AI guide.
Find the Crab Museum at 9 Broad Street Margate
Saturday: 11am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Last entry 4.30pm
Or go online at www.crab.mu or find them on facebook here
Lillyputt Minigolf Broadstairs
Lillyputt is open every day during half term, 10am-4pm(ish)!
It has 12 championship holes and a lucky 13th hole.. The Garden Cafe is also open, serving a full menu of tasty treats, from classic toasties, rolls and tea cakes, to the amazing sweet and savoury crepes and their freshly ground coffee.
Entry, adults £6, Under 10s £4.80
https://www.minigolfbroadstairs.com/
Lost Island
Angry gods, chattering monkeys, a mineshaft that plunges downwards ‘forever’ and a host of interactive features can be found by players at the second Lost Island adventure golf course in Margate.
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 Find out more here
Active Ramsgate
If getting outdoors and keeping active is your pastime of choice, then Active Ramsgate features activities such as cycling routes, walking trails, birdwatching and kayaking.
Find scenic walking trails, family-friendly cycle routes and even kayak routes, all in downloadable, easy-to-use format.
The Spitfire and Hurricane Museum
Displaying the two iconic war planes, and also holding a host of objects and artefacts telling the story of life in and around Ramsgate during WWII. Central to the display are the iconic Spitfire Mk XVI and Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc.
Free entry. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Revolution skate park and climbing
Offering 3 huge warehouses, crammed full of all types of ramps for beginners and expert riders alike. Users can Skateboard, Scooter, Inline Skate and BMX, all in the safety of the state-of-the-art, immaculately maintained, indoor environment.
Alongside the Skatepark is a further warehouse, which houses the Climbing Centre, and is packed with a diverse range of colourful walls, suitable for all levels of climber.
Housed in between these facilities is a Skate & Surf & Climbing shop with everything you could ever need, along with a snack bar for refuelling between activities.
All staff are fully trained, friendly, passionate and happy to help every visitor have a great time.
RAF Manston History Museum
Planes, ejection seats, a 1940’s experience, photos, models, vehicles and more.
Museum admission
Adult: £5.50
Child: £2.50 under 5’s Free
Concessions: £4.50
Carer: £2.50
Family (2 adults and up to 4 children): £16
Find the museum at 821 Manston Road, Ramsgate or on facebook here
Micro Museum Ramsgate
The venue showcases owners Mike and Carol Deer’s private collection of hundreds of personal computers, games consoles and related technology.
Gathered over more than four decades, the displays span the period from the 1970s to the early 2000s.
Inside the micro museum there is something for everyone: for the curious wanting to learn a bit about how we arrived at our modern computer-reliant world, for those taking a trip down memory lane and rediscovering their old favourites, or for the dedicated games players who can play the classics on original machines.
The Micro Museum is at 11 Church Hill. It is seasonal, opening at weekends from Spring to Autumn with some additional openings at holiday times.
More details can be found on the website www.themicromuseum.org.
This Museum is (Not) Obsolete
5-7 Church Hill, Ramsgate, Open Saturday/Sundays
This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete was launched in 2020 by Sam Battle AKA Look Mum No Computer.
Sam is a Musician / Inventor and is the driving force behind the museums mission to keep the ‘obsolete’ alive and evolving for all to experience.
Details at: https://this-museum-is-not-obsolete.com/visit
Rascal Bay Adventure Golf
Manston Road, Ramsgate
Designed in Sweden, the adventure encounters pirates, cannons, an octopus, snakes, skulls, a cannibal’s cooking pot, a crashed jeep, rocks, a volcano, dinosaurs, waterfalls, dinosaur eggs, a treasure chest, crocodiles and two rafts that the whole family will love!
Also available for parties, corporate events and private hire.
Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat & Sun 9am-5pm
Little Seaside Town
High Street, Ramsgate
A centre for children and families, unlike traditional soft play centres, it promotes imaginative role play in a stimulating play “town” environment.
Each themed set is full of play props, costumes and toys to encourage children to explore and make believe. Everything at Little Seaside Town has been carefully designed to be as realistic as possible, so they can experience and act out real life scenarios.
Open 7 days per week 9.30am – 5.30pm Website
Kids Bright House
Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 10am-3pm; Wednesday & Friday 10am-5:30pm *
Kids Bright House is a family-run, indoor play area for kids from 0 – 11 years.
There is a baby area for babies under 2, and a host of other indoor fun for children over 2.
No need to book
Toddler group and Tortoise visit every Monday 10am-12pm & Thursday 12:30pm-2:30pm
For more information See Here.
Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve
Sandwich Road, Cliffsend
Of international importance for its bird population.
The site includes Pegwell Bay Country Park, a little gem with stunning sea views, a play area and picnic spot with mobile refreshments nearby – perfect for family fun in the fresh air
Alpaca Experience & Alpaca Trekking at Quex Park Estate, Birchington
Alpaca Trekking/Walking is great for those of you wishing to try an activity of a different nature that takes you away from the hectic hustle and bustle of urban life.
The team specially train Alpacas for Trekking, Experience days, Interaction visits for schools, clubs, societies, families and Special Needs groups.
Enjoy a carefree and leisurely couple of hours with the alpacas and take some alpaca memories home for free.
The meeting point is outside The Watering Hole Cafe.
Experiences from £8.50 per person. Friday – Sunday and Bank Holidays. Open daily during school holidays. Booking is essential
Tuesday 28th ~ 3 places
Wednesday 29th ~ Fully booked
Thursday 30th ~ 1 place
Friday 31st ~ 10 places available!
Full details are available here
Also May half-term 28 – 31 ~ pony care and goat walking.
Weekend: pony care sessions and pygmy goat walking.
All bookings at https://booking.bookinghound.com/fe/booking?og=ec97a945-e54b-4c29-8449-5eea22f034b5
Dreamland
The park is free to enter and open at weekends and holidays, throughout the season with rides operated on a pay per ride basis. Ride token bundles are available from the token booths at Dreamland.
New rides for younger family groups join the line up including the Pirate Ship, Noah’s Ark and Cups and Saucers. The new attractions sit alongside the Scenic Railway, the Rock n Roller, the Margate Express and the Big Wheel.
Park goers can enjoy the retro Roller Disco, arcade and amusements plus food and drink.
For details of what’s going on at Dreamland, opening times and more information please visit www.dreamland.co.uk
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