Sense of Presence: Rogier Maaskant
May 30-June 4,11am to 4pm daily, The Margate School (former Woolworth building)
An exhibition of photography at The Margate School
Photographs showing coexisting worlds with aesthetics that are characteristic for the beauty and unpredictability of nature.
Insects play a vital role in our lives but their important role often remains underexposed. How often do they not escape our attention, especially the nocturnal ones? However understandable this is, as in our modern lives inconspicuousness is not a highly valued quality, for a whole range of species it is of utmost importance.
The images show a coexisting world with aesthetics that are characteristic for the beauty and unpredictability of nature.
Private View on Friday 31st May, 6pm to 8pm
Death and the Carpenter Reborn
May 31, 8pm, ARK, Albion Road, Cliftonville
A new production from Parrot Theatre Company, featuring puppetry, story-telling and live music performed at ARK, Cliftonville
Death plays the violin – perhaps you knew that? A young carpenter stumbles upon Death in the woods as he practises. The accident becomes a fatal encounter – he has seen Death but cannot die until the tune ends. In limbo, he strikes a bargain with Death. If Death can finish the song by sunset, he will claim the carpenter’s life for himself. If Death fails, the man will go free. Playing for time, the carpenter grapples with fate, free will and mortality as he gets drawn into a deadly game.
Journey into a macabre world where death has a voice you don’t want to hear. This production from Parrot Theatre Company is a new folk tale featuring stunning puppetry, storytelling and live music.
Families welcome but advise this piece of theatre is suitable for ages 10 and above
Tickets £11.55 standard (£10.46 concession) Book now
Paintings & Prints: Barbara Down
May 30-June 4, Pie Factory Gallery Margate
Exhibition by artist Barbara Down. Open 10am to 6pm daily (4 June until midday)
An exhibition of paintings and prints by Barbara Down (1931-2020).
Barbara Down’s career spanned several decades. Her work has been shown extensively and is held in many private collections.
Barbara’s bold and colourful compositions often draw on places where she had a strong personal connection.
She trained in fine art and printmaking respectively at Maidstone College of Art and Croydon College of Art in the late 70s and early 80s.
Ramsgate Main Sands Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt
May 31, 11am to 12.30pm Meet: By the ‘Needle’ or Obelisk (outside Wetherspoons)
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. Book now
Palace Cinema Broadstairs
CHALLENGERS 15
A punchy, sensationally watchable blend of romance, comedy, tennis and high drama, both on and off court directed by Oscar and Bafta nominee Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name) with Zendaya (Dune) and Josh O’ Connor (God’s Own Country).
Friday 31 May to Thursday 6 June. Details here
Transmission – The Sound Of Joy Division
May 31, 7pm, NOW MOVED TO OLBY’S MARGATE
Devoted to recreating the atmosphere of a live Joy Division gig, Transmission emulate the sound of one of the most inventive, evocative and influential groups of their era.
Joy Division were formed in the late 1970s and dissolved in May 1980 after the suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis. The remaining members went on to form New Order and have achieved much critical and commercial success.
18+ Tickets £12.50 plus booking fee Book now
WREN
May 31, 7,30pm, Ramsgate Music Hall
WREN is the artist alias for UK songwriter Kieran Newell. Stemming from Margate, WREN takes great inspiration from the 90’s Britpop scene, whilst providing a modern twist.
Shortly after the release of his first single ‘Too Many People’ in 2019, WREN had a two-night stint supporting Peter Doherty of The Libertines, shortly followed by a support slot for James as part of their ‘All The Colours of You’ UK tour in 2021.
Tickets £10 Book now
Hexed
May 31, 8pm, Margate Arts Club, 276 Northdown Road, Cliftonville,
The Filth Collective will be DJing throughout the night with a blend of goth, metal, punk and alternative music, along with a ghoulish host for the evening.
Back by popular demand will be a tarot reader for the earlier part of the evening!
This is strictly an 18+ event
Tickets £5 Book now
Meg Bird & Jacob Berry
May 31, 8pm, Tom Thumb Theatre, Eastern Esplanade, Margate
A double bill musical showcase at the Tom Thumb Theatre
Jacob is an experienced musician who is now working on his solo material for the first time in years.
Meg moved from London to Margate in 2023, and, in the slower pace of life, and tight knit community, she has found a style and sound that is uniquely hers.
Tickets £10 Book now
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.
Remaining performances are Friday, May 31 and 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
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 his teams 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.
Live Music at Broadstairs Bandstand – Jamie Moore
June 1, 2pm-4pm
Weekend entertainment brought to you by Broadstairs & St. Peters Town Council
Guitarist and singer with a very extensive repertoire which covers jazz, pop and classical styles.
Boot and craft fair
RAF Manston History Museum is holding its monthly market on Saturday, June 1. The boot fair now includes autojumble and a local farmers market.
Kent Food Hubs CIC will host the local produce and craft market.
The museum and NAAFI Café will be open as usual.
Parking at the event is £1 per car.
The CMK Connect Programme
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:
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
Monkton Nature Reserve
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 flagpole 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
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
Virtuoso Brass
June 1, 7pm, Sarah Thorne Theatre Broadstairs
The Medway Brass Band makes its debut performance at the Sarah Thorne Theatre, performing traditional brass band arrangements as well as Film, TV and classical transcriptions. Soloist, Lucie Hall, is a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and attends Chatham House & Clarendon, as well as the Guildhall School of Music in London. Lucie gained her Grade 8 in trumpet when she was just 10 years old. She is now 13 years old and has already established herself as one of the UK’s leading young brass musicians.
Tickets £12 + £1 Booking Fee in advance, £14 on the door. Book now
Tamo Junto
June 1, 9pm, Where Else? The Centre, Margate
Crate-digging duo Henry and Páula (Rinse FM, NTS) bring their blend of tropicália, samba, bossa nova, forró and funk back to Margate following a string of packed-out parties in Paris.
Free. Book now
Speakeasy featuring Swing Noir
June 1, 7.30pm, The Space, 39-41 High Street (top floor) Margate
The first live band for June… the duo Swing Noir will be special guests for the evening.
Poetry and great dance music with DJ Leon will be your backdrop throughout the night.
Entertainment from 8pm… Swing Noir performing from 9pm.
Bar & Speakeasy cocktails available.
Entry £15 + £1 booking fee… includes Speakeasy Cocktail or Mocktail Book now
St Laurence art show
St Laurence Church, Ramsgate
Among the work displayed will be art by seven-year-old Dylan Beattie and 15 other talented local artists.
Friday 31st May 6pm-8pm preview (drinks & nibbles) and Saturday 1st June 10am-4pm. Fundraising for the St Lawrence Clock Restoration Appeal.
Birchington Centre and Quexpo
The Centre’s 50th anniversary celebrations continue on Friday 31 May with the Birchington Guild of Players presenting 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!
Coastal Crafty Crew Handmade Craft Fair
June 2, 10am to 3pm, Quex Small Barn, Birchington
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 please email [email protected]
Special Choral Evensong at St John’s Church, Margate
June 2, 4pm
To mark Margate Civic Society’s unveiling of a plaque in memory of internationally acclaimed countertenor Alfred Deller
Choral evensong to celebrate Alfred Deller and his connections with the choir of St John’s.
With the support of Margate Civic Society, organist David Lammler and local singers, St John’s church are delighted to formally recognise their connection with Alfred Deller, a former member of St John’s choir who went on to have an international career in music as a countertenor.
Come along and enjoy the wonderful music, and a special guest who is a countertenor. This is a church service where there will be some participation from the congregation.
Free entry
The Great Bucket and Spade Run
June 2.
Classic and vintage vehicles leave Canterbury Garden Centre in Herne at 8.30am and arrive at Government Acre in Ramsgate from 10am.
There will be stalls and vehicles on display.
The annual event is organised by Ramsgate Old Motor and Motorcycle Club.
Ramsgate Handmade & Vintage Fair
June 2, 11am to 4pm, Harbour Parade
Ramsgate’s regular maker’s market with locally-produced and made goodies galore
If you’d like to book a stall, email: [email protected]
Live Music at Broadstairs Bandstand – The Peninsula Big Band
June 2, 2.30pm-4pm
Weekend entertainment brought to you by Broadstairs & St. Peters Town Council
The Peninsula Big Band is an 18 piece traditional big band formed in 2007 with a blend of professional and experienced regular players.
Decades Showband
June 2, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns, Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville
Doors, toilets and concessions open: 1pm – 5pm . Concert: 2pm – 4pm.
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.
Well behaved dogs are welcome, but they MUST be kept on a lead at all times whilst in the bandstand auditorium.
Ramsgate Blitz Walk
June 2, 10am to noon, meet by Ramsgate Library
Relive the dark days of the war in the heaviest bombed seaside town in the country
No need to book. Dogs and children welcome. Approx two hours easy walking.Free with donations welcome.
Drapers Mill
Drapers Mill opens up to the public at weekends during the Summer from this Sunday, June 2, 2pm-4pm.
The windmill’s sweeps will be turning and the 104 year old gas engine can be seen running. There will also be light refreshments and opportunities to buy souvenirs – including wholemeal stone ground flour produced in the mill.
Find Drapers Windmill at St Peter’s Footpath, Dane Valley, Margate CT9 2SP. Find out more on the Trust website here
KAALE
KAALE (Kent Action Against Live Exports) will be holding a rally this Sunday, June 2 from midday until 3pm to celebrate the live export ban. They will be at the Nethercourt roundabout in Ramsgate.
Members want to hold a celebration at the place where they used to video the animals before they headed down to the port.
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