Things to see and do in Thanet, August 15-17

Oval Bandstand and Lawns cinema

SANTUS CIRCUS le cirque de France

Ramsgate (just off Lord of the Manor) Now until August 25

The French family run circus is set up on land off Lord of the Manor roundabout/Hengist Way and has a variety of exciting acts on offer.

​From Portugal, the Nare family, thrill the audiences with the extremely dangerous Globe of Death.

Also returning from Portugal, with the “Wheel of Death” and  the amazing, scary talents with their crossbows, are the Silva Family!

There are also aerial and juggling acts .

Friday 15th:           5pm ONLY

Saturday 16th:      2pm and 5pm

Sunday 17th:         2pm and 5pm

​Prices and booking: https://www.santuscircus.com/information-and-prices

Proud 2 Create Summer Exhibition

13th August – 30th August, The Margate School, 11am to 4pm each day

Art4All will be showcasing over 180 original paintings from artists of all genres at The Margate School.

Art 4 All is back at The Margate School after the success of previous years, bringing the joy of art to the public once again. Previous exhibitions had an incredible turn out with a steady stream of curious people making their way through the doors. The response from the public has been an overwhelmingly positive one, with kids and adults alike being drawn in by the colourful display and expressing their joy at seeing the work.

The art on display is all made by children and young people who are Deaf, have communication difficulties, additional needs, and a wide range of abilities and learning needs. All the art is for sale and the proceeds go towards the artists, minus material costs.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – Cliftonville Outdoor Cinema

15th August, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns Cliftonville

Open 7.30pm – 10.30pm (film starts at 8.30pm)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a classic teen comedy that follows charismatic high schooler Ferris Bueller as he fakes an illness to skip school and embark on the ultimate day of adventure in Chicago. Alongside his best friend and girlfriend, Ferris outsmarts authority figures, embraces spontaneity, and reminds us all to enjoy life while we can. With sharp humour, unforgettable moments, and a carefree spirit, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a joyful celebration of rebellion and living in the moment.

The Oval Bar will be onsite serving a wide selection of drinks including beer, prosecco, wines, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks. Hot drinks, cold drinks, popcorn and cinema treats will be available at The Oval Kiosk and Bar. They accept card payments, which is their preferred method of payment.

Please note that all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

From £13 + booking fee Book now

Ramsgate Blitz Walks with Bob

15th August, 7pm, meet outside Ramsgate Library

A guided tour of wartime Ramsgate, telling the stories of the heaviest-bombed seaside town of WW2

Free, but please book in advance

Donations welcome

01843 599755

Superman 12A

Palace Cinema Broadstairs

James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad), brings us a new Superman, plunging the original superhero into a singularly colourful world of epic action, humour and heart.

15 August to 19 August. Details here

Broadstairs Bandstand

16/08/2025Saturday2-4pmFreak90
17/08/2025Sunday2-4pmCity of Canterbury Band

Mrs Fox’s Skulduggery Tour of Ramsgate

15th August, 7pm, meet at the Maritime Museum

Join Mrs Fox on a thrilling and mischievous tour of Ramsgate, filled with secrets and surprises!

Get ready to explore the dark and mysterious side of Ramsgate with the intrepid Mrs Fox as your guide.

You’ll hear tales of scandal and intrigue, with a dollop of the town’s social history, as we follow in the footsteps of smugglers, murderers and smack boys – keep your wits about you for footpads and phantoms!

Tickets can be bought on the day, cash-only payment of £9, unless tour is already full.

Well-behaved dogs welcome. Book now

VJ Day 80th Anniversary

15th August – 17th August

Ramsgate Tunnels, 9.30am – 4pm

Small display within Ramsgate Tunnels museum commemorating Ken Almond.

Ken Almond was a local man from Ramsgate who served with the 14th Army in Burma (Myanmar) and was declared missing in action in 1944.

Joe Ellwood from the HMS Relentless Association will be bringing his pop-up display to the Tunnels. He will be on hand to share the story of HMS Relentless, a frigate that served in the South East Asia during the Second World War, covering her history and life on board.

The HMS Relentless Association will be in Ramsgate Tunnels from Friday 15 August until Sunday 17th August with a model of the ship and personal stories of life on board during the campaign in the Far East. You will also find a wealth of other information about RELENTLESS: incidents from WW2, the 1945 Mutiny, and the 1954 collision with HMS VIGILANT. What was a Bahamas, or a Beira Patrol like, and why did we do them?

Wine Tasting & Walking Tour of Margate

15th August, 3pm, meet at Pomus Margate

Sip your way through the town’s best wine spots on this walking tour with a difference!

Throughout your journey, your guide will share stories, winemaking secrets, and tips on tasting like a pro. Each bar has been handpicked for it’s vibe and wine selection, giving you a taste of the city’s finest spots…

Included in the price:
– A curated tasting experience across three distinctive wine bars.
– A selection of 7+ wines in total!
– Expert wine guidance and tasting tips throughout.
– A crash course in wine tasting and pairing basics.
– Local insider tips on the city’s must-visit spots for wine lovers.
– Blind tasting game with a chance to win a prize.

Book your place

Top 16

15th August – 16th August, 7.30pm, Tom Thumb Theatre

Funny, tender one-person show about friendship, disconnection, and the unexpected moments that help us make sense of who we’ve become… at the Tom Thumb Theatre in Margate

From £15.50 Book now

Gary Dadd: Handwritten!

14th August – 18th August, Pie Factory Margate. Open 10am to 5.30pm daily

Handwritten! Writing becomes drawing in this retrospective of Gary Dadd’s genre-bending art.

Artworks of iconic figures from pop culture created by writing their words while simultaneously creating a graphic, striking and memorable portraits.

This exhibition will feature a mixture of new works and prints dating back to the first Handwritten! artwork in 2016, and includes artworks of icons from music, film and popular culture.

Shapeshifters: 3‑Hour Set

15th August, Faith In Strangers

Dis­co pow­er­house The Shapeshifters bring a spe­cial 3‑hour set to Faith In Strangers in Margate, joined by local selec­tor Jon­ny Hen­fry on warm-up duties

Bar/Restaurant open for food & drinks from 6pm – doors for event 9.30pm

Book for food here

18+

From £18 Book now

The Fantastic Four: First Steps- 12A

Carlton Cinema Westgate

Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.

Now until August 21. Details here

I’m Not Kara-okay “Come As You Are”

15th August, 8pm, Where Else? Margate

Scream it loud at INKO, Margate’s cult karaoke night for punks, emos, and misfits. Expect everything from Paramore to Slipknot, Blink-182 to Bring Me The Horizon.

This is an 18+ event

From £10 Book now

Supermodern Romance II

A solo exhibition of Narisara Jirojananukun at Joseph Wales Studios in Margate.

Open from 16 August to 25 August, Ramsgate-based Thai artist Narisara Jirojananukun presents new and existing works blending illustration, fine art and photography. In Supermodern Romance II, she continues the quiet, heartfelt journey that began with her first show in London.

Through photography, painting, etching, photo etching and lithography, she captures and slows down fleeting moments of connection in transient and public spaces. Reproducing digital images with a physical touch, her romantic methodology weaves a loose web of vignettes: scenes that feel both familiar and just out of reach.

The exhibition private view is this Saturday, 16th August, 5 PM – 8 PM.

Free to attend including public programming.

Walpole Bay – Summer Seashore Safari

16th August, 10.30am

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife, with help on hand to identify your finds!

Events last for up to 2 hours and are suitable for ALL the family, but particularly 4-14 yrs.

Children must be always be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Suggested donation of £2.50 per person Book now

Westgate Art and Craft exhibition

August 16-25. Mon to Sat 10am to 4pm and Sun 1pm to 4pm

At St Saviour’s Parish Church, Westgate Bay Avenue, Westgate

Work by the Westgate Art and Craft Group

The group meets every Tuesday, 1.30pm to 4pm at Westgate Community Centre

Chali 2na

16th August, from 6.30pm, Olby’s Soul Cafe

A rare and intimate headline show at Olby’s in Margate!

Hip-hop royalty Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) lands in Margate for a rare and intimate headline show for one night only at the iconic Olby’s Soul Café, playing Jurassic 5 classics and solo bangers.

18+

Tickets £22 plus booking fee  Book now

Kids Author Event: James Sellick ‘Flamekraken and the Forest Fire’ (Ages 4+)

16th August, The Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop at Staple in St Peters

11am – 11.45am

Join author James Sellick for an inspiring session as he shares his brand-new picture book Flamekraken and the Forest Fire — the latest adventure in The Green Machines series, created in association with Greenpeace.

Children will enjoy a live reading of this exciting and empowering environmental story, followed by themed activities that spark curiosity and creativity about nature, fire safety, and protecting our forests.

Published by Ivy Kids Eco / Quarto and out on 7th August, Flamekraken and the Forest Fire is a must-read for young planet-protectors, vehicle fanatics and story-lovers alike!

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.

Booking essential – online or in store (spaces are limited)

Ticket price is £5 per child (includes a paperback copy of the book, usually £9.99) Book now

Saturday Boot Fair & Market at the Oval

16th August, 8.30am-3pm, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns

Saturday market

Margate Sampler Launch Party

16th August, 7pm, Where Else? Margate

A compilation and live music showcase, celebrating Margate’s fertile music community at Where Else? in Margate

Fruit Band

JOLT

BIG WOES

Debdepan

From £6.44 Book now

Coastal Clash 2

16th August, St John’s Church and Community Centre, Margate

Doors open: 3pm

Show starts: 3.30pm

Finish time: 6pm

Expect an action packed card from Pro Wrestling Colossus and some special birthday surprises too!

Featuring some of the UKs absolute top names like Chuck Mambo and TK Cooper aka Sunshine Machine! Recently returned from their excursion in Japan for Pro Wrestling NOAH Mark Trew & Kieron Lacey! As well as international guests it’s a star studded line up, quite possibly the best afternoon of wrestling Margate, Thanet or Kent will ever see!

Light food and drink refreshments will be available from the bar.

Adult: £10 / Child & Concession: £5 / Family of 3: £20 / Family of 4: £25 Book now

Eccentrics Dis­co on Sea

16th August, 9pm, Faith In Strangers

Expect warped elec­tron­ics, odd­ball dis­co, ana­logue warmth and the occa­sion­al surprise

Bar/Restaurant open for food & drinks from 6pm

Hugh Mane, Eccentrics Will and Mar­gate’s own Synth Sys­tem Sys­ters bring their left­field selec­tions to the Mar­gate coast!

Book for food here

This is an 18+ event

Tickets £10 Book now

Eli’s Soul Supper: Jamaican Independence Special

16th August, 7.30pm, Olby’s Soul Cafe

Celebrate Jamaican Independence with an evening of island vibes, soulful flavours and uplifting sounds.

Expect a menu full of Caribbean-inspired dishes, great company and a feel-good soundtrack curated by DJ Matt Martin, spinning reggae, rocksteady and classic Jamaican grooves all night long.

Entry is free, but tables fill up fast — book now to secure your spot and enjoy this special summer edition of Eli’s Soul Supper. 18+

Grooveschool Fundraiser Party

16th August, from 5pm, Bar Nothing

Grooveschool is raising funds to deliver inclusive music workshops for all ages and abilities.

To celebrate and support this campaign, attend the one-of-a-kind event with a weekend of live DJ sets, music-making sessions, community vibes and coastal creativity.  Book now

Queer Nature

16th August – 17th August, noon and 2.30pm, Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens

The Powell Cotton Museum presents a special tour and trail celebrating the diversity of the natural world, as part of Margate Pride

Join a guided tour created and led by Fenja Schultz to learn about animal homosexuality, trans and intersex animals and the many ways in which Nature transcends the categories imposed on it by humans.

Young Explorers can follow the all-ages self-guided trail to find out how animals express themselves and form families, encouraging curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

Tours included in the standard admission price.

For anyone who joins a Queer Nature tour, Quex will donate your admission to Margate Pride.

Adult: £7.50, Concession: £7, Child: £6.50, Member: Free, Infant (age 0-3 years): Free. Pre-booking advised Book now

Film Club

16th August, Justines in Margate, Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8.30pm

Alternative melodic rock/pop

Fragile DJ 10pm till late

18+ ID required

Tickets £5.60 Book now

Bon Volks: Art 4 x 4

16th August, 11am-4pm, Bon Volks Studio Margate

Free art show running over 4 Saturdays, showcasing 4 local artists each week…

This summer, Bon Volks Studio presents Art 4×4 – a vibrant series of single-day art events showcasing work from Bon Volks members, local artists, and visiting creatives. Every Saturday event is a fresh opportunity to explore new artistic expressions and discover inspiring works…

Each mini-show offers a unique blend of artists and disciplines, spanning painting, photography, sound, and sculpture. Every Saturday event is a fresh opportunity to explore new artistic expressions and discover inspiring works.

Free  https://www.bonvolks.com/art4x4

Abigail Cardwell & The Chris Kennedy Trio: Oval Summer Sundays

17th August, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns, 1pm – 5pm (concert 2pm – 4pm)

Experience the magic of live music this summer as Abigail Cardwell & The Chris Kennedy Trio take the stage at The Oval Bandstand for an unforgettable Summer Sunday.

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.

A minimum £2 donation per adult on door (under 16’s no donation required)

Margate Cultural Walking Tour

17th August, 1pm from the Shakespeare pub, Margate

This 1 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!

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. 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  Book now

Wellbeing Wells

17th August, 4pm-6pm, Pierremont Hall

Make a wish, say hello, and experience the magic of Wellbeing Wells… a refreshing way to care for your mental health, one conversation at a time at Pierremont Hall in Broadstairs

Step up to the Wellbeing Wells, where tradition meets innovation, and connection is just a wish away. Working Boys Club, creators of Serving Sounds and Noisy Noise Noise, have reimagined these timeless gathering places to foster positive mental health through playful communication.

Commissioned by Applause.

Organised and funded by Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council