Things to see and do in Thanet, September 12-14

Heritage Open Days

Every September, England’s architecture and culture is celebrated during Heritage Open Days, when many historical buildings open their doors to the public, giving you the chance to visit for free.

This year the Heritage Open Days festival running between Friday 12th – Sunday 21st September with the theme ‘Architecture’ – from buildings and bridges to beehives, exploring how we’ve designed and built the world around us.

In Thanet, venues across the isle are opening their doors for the event and there are also trails and talks.

Find the venues here

St John’s Church Margate special event to commemorate the Reverend David Railton MC

Friday 12th and Saturday 13th September 10am to 5pm and plaque unveiling September 14, 3pm,

Visit St John’s Church as it marks 975 years of worship on the site and join the event to remember former vicar, the Reverend David Railton MC.

The Reverend David Railton MC was vicar of St John’s from 1920 to 1925. After his experiences on the battlefields he proposed the idea for the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

St John’s is holding a special heritage event with a model replica of the tomb, a display of knitted and crocheted poppies and church artefacts. The church is open from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday.

Gifted organist David Lammler will play organ interludes.

Enjoy coffee, cakes and savouries in the pop-up cafe.

Free craft activity suitable for children to make a display of peace doves and pray for peace.

There is also a special welcome for all those taking part in the Kent Churches Trust Ride and Stride event on Saturday.

In addition to the open days there is a special Choral Evensong at 3pm on Sunday 14th September which will include the unveiling of a plaque in memory of the Reverend David Railton MC by his grandson David Railton KC.   This will be followed by an afternoon tea in the church.  All are welcome.

Ramsgate Festival of Sound

September 12th-14th, various venues in Ramsgate

Daily Noon – 4pm Sonic Trail: Acoustic Architecture – specially commissioned installations at various locations around the town, to coincide with English Heritage Open Days theme of ‘architecture’. Free.

Artists include Catrin Osborne, Michael Isaacs, Grenville Horner, Katherine Peddie and Howard Griffin. More to be added soon!

Special addition to the Sonic Trail will be ‘Listening Desk’ by Emily Peasgood at her studio.

Friday 12th September, 7pm-10pm ‘Afro Blue- Listening in Colour’ a celebration of the legacy of black music. Produced and performed by Sabina Desir alongside her band of some of the UK’S finest jazz musicians, featuring music that has been the soundtrack for so many people’s lives. It sold out at London Jazz Festival 2024 so it will be a hot ticket!

(Location: Chatham and Clarendon School, tickets via the website)

Saturday 13th September

Noon – 6pm Busk until  Dusk at pubs and venues around Ramsgate.

6pm-9pm Headliners at Winterstoke Gardens  The Anti-Gravity Groove Machine

Back by popular demand with their highly anticipated third instalment in The Future Psychedelics, the futures trilogy, get ready for The Anti-Gravity Groove Machine. Blending elements of futurism, psychedelia and raw hypnotic rhythm, the experience will leave the audience questioning the very fabric of space, time and the power of the groove itself…

Busk Until Dusk and the headlining performance are free to attend.

Sunday 14th September

11am – 2pm The Big Gospel Sing and Brunch with Sabina Desir and Jessica Lauren at St George’s Church. Come and enjoy a delicious brunch followed by a gospel singalong with Sabina and Jessica. Brunch will be ticketed but the gospel singing is free.

Other events over the weekend include:

Michael McEvoy returns to the festival with The Metanoisia Collective to perform ‘an immersive audiovisual meditation on the beauty of Ramsgate’s natural environment’.

This is a ticketed event and will take place at a stunning private residence.

Sunday afternoon at Slice – Andrew Dennis’ ‘Teenage Kicks’ initiative which will provide a showcase for emerging music talent for those in the 16 – 19 age range.

Film screening of the Peabody award winning The Jazz Ambassadors documentary, directed by Hugh Berkeley, scored by Mike McEvoy with a Q & A with director and composer. This will also take place at the private residence on Paragon.

Screening of the film ‘Little Ships in Concert’ is a one-time only event conceived by artist Aidan Gray and musical direction by Donna McKevitt, featuring a performance by 120 voices, brass and string quartet, tenor and soprano and almost 70 of the original Dunkirk Little Ships ringing their bells and sirens in unison!

There will be an exhibition of photos and oral histories collected by The Love Booth and these will be on display in The Crane Shed in Ramsgate Harbour during the festival

More details and Festival Fringe on Ramsgate Festival of Sound’s website and social media

Sabina Desir Presents Afro Blue- Listening in Colour

September 12, 7pm, Chatham House Grammar School Ramsgate

Vocalist and producer of Afro Blue, Sabina Desir, in house on Friday the 12th of September for a powerful and soul raising performance at Chatham House Grammar School. Get ready to immerse yourself in a joyful expression of the visionary and cathartic legacy lead by one of the UK Jazz scene’s foremost vocalists.

Jessica Lauren – Keys, Musical Director

Tamar ‘Collocutor’ Osborn: saxophonist and multi-woodwind player

.Drummer Shane Forbes and Bassist Jason Simpson

Tickets £17.50 at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ramsgatefestivalofsound1/1785909

Burn It Clean

11th September – 15th September, 11am – 5pm daily

, Pie Factory Margate

Burn It Clean presents seven artists – Maxine Allan, Billy Chainsaw, Girl Shit, Ian Helliwell, Gavin Jay, James F Johnston, Rob Rinn – working in paint, print, collage and sound installation.

Overground Underground Tour

13th September, 11.30am-2pm, Ramsgate Tunnels

A guided walk above and below ground, following the route of Ramsgate’s famous wartime tunnels at the Ramsgate Tunnels

Hidden entrances and features of interest above ground will be pointed out along the way, and below ground, you will follow in the footsteps of those who rushed for cover during the Second World War, descending into the Tunnels via an original public entrance.

The Tour starts outside The Sailors Church, Military Road, Royal Harbour, Ramsgate CT11 9LG and finishes at the entrance to Ramsgate Tunnels, Marina Esplanade, CT11 8FH, and lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

You will be required to climb multiple sets of stairs and descend a 2.5 metre secure steel ladder during the tour. Physical fitness and mobility is essential.

The tour is only suitable for those aged 12 and above. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Make sure to dress for the prevailing weather conditions, the tour will continue if it is raining, and make sure to bring warm clothing for inside the Tunnels – it is a constant temperature of 11 c.

Tickets £15 Book now

Sorry, Baby -15

Palace Cinema Broadstairs

Garnering rave reviews, black comedy Sorry, Baby marks the arrival of an exciting new talent in writer-director-actor Eva Victor. When a beloved friend visits on the brink of a major milestone, Agnes starts to realise just how stuck she’s been, and begins to work through how to move forward.

12 September to 16 September. Details here

Uptown Girl: The Billy Joel Collection

12th September, 7.30pm, The Granville Theatre

Drawing from six decades of smash-hits and more than 160 million records sold worldwide, Uptown Girl-The Billy Joel Collection celebrates the legacy of one of the greatest American musicians of all time.

This roof-raising two hour staged concert features non-stop hits including: ‘My Life’, ‘Just The Way You Are’, ‘The Longest Time’, ‘An Innocent Man’, ‘New York State of Mind’, ‘She’s Always A Woman’, ‘Tell Her About It’, ‘Piano Man’, ‘Uptown Girl’ and many more

From £30.80 + £2.50 booking fee Book now

Frnt of House

11th September – 14th September, Joseph Wales Studios, Dane Hill, Margate

Open Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th: 11am – 5pm

Open House for fellow front of house workers: Fri 12 Sept 11am – 1pm

An exhibition of postcard sized works that say a lot more than wish you were here. Frnt of house celebrates the artistic practice of front of house workers. A collective committed to building an accessible and inclusive art world. Founded not on trust funds and connections but talent, drive, ideas and a genuine love of the craft.

Botanical Ink Making Retreat Weekend with Flora Wallace

12th September – 14th September, Kindred House Margate

Join Flora Wallacet for a botanical ink making workshop, working closely with nature at Kindred House in Margate

The workshop runs from 11am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday and attendance on both days is required

During this retreat weekend you will explore creating natural inks from plants, berries, minerals and metals. You will talk about colour and look into where particular pigments have come from historically. You will also discuss water, mordants and binders and the different effect they have on the outcome, as well as exploring different methods of extraction.

There will also be a chance to go foraging beside the sea and gather bits to bring back to make an ink from.

It will be a fun, playful and experimental weekend open to everyone and all abilities.

From £240 Book now

Brian Bilston & The Catenary Wires

12th September, 7.30pm, Ramsgate Music Hall

The inimitable Brian Bilston – dubbed the “Poet Laureate of Twitter” and a viral sensation for his witty, whip-smart verse – is teaming up with cult indie-pop legends The Catenary Wires for the FIRST ever show as a band.

Tickets £12.50 Book now

Margate Electronics

12th September, from 8pm, Margate Arts Club

Margate Electronics is a quarterly curated event, with a musical direction that explores the space between club music and experimental electronic sound. Hardware-focused, concept-driven performances that push creative sonic boundaries.

The autumn edition is about repetitive rhythms, acid basslines, electro, live synths and drum machines. Dance floor focused live sets. As always, expect the experimental, the adventurous, and the innovative.

Over 18s only

Low income £8 / General £10 Book now

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale – PG

Carlton Cinema Westgate

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE follows the Crawley family as they navigate personal and financial challenges in the 1930s, culminating in a heartfelt farewell to the beloved series.

In this final instalment of the DOWNTON ABBEY saga, the story unfolds as the Crawley family faces significant turmoil. Mary Crawley finds herself at the centre of a public scandal that threatens the family’s reputation, while the entire household grapples with financial difficulties. The looming threat of social disgrace forces the Crawleys to confront their past and embrace change as they prepare for a new chapter in their lives

Now until September 18. Details here

The Magic Collective

12th September, from 8pm, Tom Thumb Theatre Cliftonville

Members of The Magic Circle, newly discovered talent, and legends from the underground magic scene.

Tickets £15 plus £1.10 booking fee Book now

Sunset Stroll

12th September, 6pm, Meet at St Mildreds Bay Car Park, Westgate

Stroll along the seafront from Westgate to Margate to raise funds for the charity Oasis.

Join Oasis for a walk along the seafront from Westgate to Margate ending at Louie on Sea for drinks and DJ.

Raise funds for survivors of domestic abuse and spread the message that ‘Love Shouldn’t Hurt’

Entry includes a tote bag designed for Oasis by local artist Lisa Illustrations.

Tickets: Walk, Tote Bag & Drink at Louie on Sea £30 / Walk & Tote Bag £20 Book now

Love Booth Exhibition

12th September – 14th September, Crane Shed, Ramsgate harbour

Explore over 400 portraits celebrating love, memory, and connection at the Love Booth exhibition at The Crane Hall in Ramsgate

Opening event – Friday 12th September, 6pm – 9pm

Main Event – Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September, 11am – 4pm

Special Event Q&A with Strange Tourist – Sunday 14th September, 2pm

Celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the analogue photobooth.

The Love Booth, an analogue photobooth installation came to Ramsgate and created an opportunity for people to learn about the booths history and have their pictures taken with friends and loved ones.

Created through an original analogue photo booth workshops, events, and community portrait sessions at the Queen’s Head pub, the Love Booth project captured 1,339 portraits in Ramsgate and recorded sounds, stories, and comments to create an immersive soundscape for visitors to experience.

This is the culmination of this project, bringing together over 400 images taken and a soundscape of these experiences past and present.

Expect a large scale installation with the community as the artists.

This event is part of the Ramsgate Festival of Sound Sonic Trail.

Bangers Comedy Club

12th September, 7pm, Olby’s Soul Café Margate

Featuring a stellar line-up of award-winning comedians and TV favourites, this Margate edition promises big energy, big talent and big laughs.

FULL LINEUP: Meryl O’Rourke / Phil Dinsdale / Prince Abdi / Karen Bayley

Pre-event Soul Cafe Menu Available – Book a table here

Tickets £12 – £20 plus booking fee Book now

Margate Collectors Fair

13th September, 10am – 3pm, Union Church, Union Crescent, Margate

Margate Collectors Fair is run bi-monthly, together with Margate’s United Church, and is a great opportunity to browse, buy and sell:

Stamps – Postcards – Playing Cards – Militaria – Coins – Phone Cards – Cigarette Cards

Books – Breweriana – Ephemera – Antiques and Small Collectables

Free admission

Margate High Street and St John’s Church Walk

13th September 2025

Walk starts at 2pm, meet outside the Visitor Information Centre (Droit House) next to Turner Contemporary.

Robin Colyer leads a local history walk on behalf of Margate Civic Society

There is a suggested donation of at least £5 for the walk, which lasts approximately an hour and a half.

All funds are donated to Margate Civic Society and St John’s Church.

For further details, please phone 07878 537448 (private group tours are also available – please contact for more information).

No Prep 1/8th Mile Drag Racing – Locked & Loaded plus Velocity Vintage Drags

13th September – 14th September, Manston Raceway Park

The penultimate No Prep Heads Up 1/8th mile event of the season, which also sees the return of the Velocity Vintage Drags Pre 1950 race cars, a taste of California in the sun, from where it all started.

This event also features RWYB. Yes you can run your own car in test and tune, you do not have to enter competition, and yes we do have timing equipment, so you will get a timeslip.

Spectators… Day tickets £20 (in advance) or £25 on the day / Weekend tickets £40 (in advance) or £50 on the day.

Children under 10 free / Children 10-16 years £10 Book now

Thank You For The Music

13th September, 7.30pm The Granville Theatre Ramsgate

This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other.

All the hits, including Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Mamma Mia, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, The Winner Takes It All and many many more!

From £34.65 plus £2.50 booking fee Book now

Renaissance Faire UK

13th September – 14th September, 9am to 10.30pm, Quex Park

An immersive fantasy and theatrical experience centred around improvisational narrative you can participate in.

The enchanting wedding of Prince Andal, son of Oberon and Titania of the Fae. And Princess Syldari, daughter of King Shael and Queen Nae of the Elven Kingdom. A beautiful symbol of unity between realms previously at war. Witness ‘The Crossing of Worlds’, where the magical branches of the World Tree bring together beings from diverse realms, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures and stories… a union meant to unite two ancient realms once divided by war. The world is dynamic, attendees can interact with actors, choose sides, and influence the fate of the realm through quests and challenges.

See website for all prices (day/weekend/camping) Book now

Meister & The SuperMicks

September 13, Red Lion Ramsgate, music from 9pm

Free entry – everyone welcome

Smash & Glam: The Ultimate Ladies Night

13th September, Rage Remedy Margate, 4pm – 7pm

Rage Remedy x Le Keux Vintage Kent Present… Smash & Glam: The Ultimate Ladies’ Night

30-minute Rage Room experience – Release the rage with 10–15 throwable items (plates, glasses, etc.) and 10–15 smashable items (old kettles, toasters, DVD players – the works!).

Vintage Hair & Make-Up Styling by Le Keux Vintage Kent – After the destruction comes the transformation.

Enjoy a full vintage makeover with retro waves, classic liner, and bold lips.

Butler in the Buff – The cheeky butler will be on hand to serve you a glass of prosecco and delicious canapés, all with a healthy dose of banter and charm.

Pop-Up Photobooth – Strike a pose and snap some memories of your night of mayhem and makeovers.

Spaces are limited and expected to sell fast

Tickets £49 + £1 booking fee / Limited Availability Book now

The Roses – 15

Vue Cinema Westwood

Ivy and Theo, the picture-perfect couple who have successful careers, great kids, and an enviable sex life. But underneath the façade of the perfect family is a tinderbox

Now until September 18. Details here

Bob Log III

13th September, 7pm, Where Else? Margate

Bob Long III with a Southern blues swagger and an outlandish sense of humour. Donning a uniform including a stuntman jumpsuit and a crash helmet wired with a telephone microphone, the enigmatic one-man band juggles slide guitar, percussion and a laundary list of on-stage antics.

This is an all ages event

Tickets £18.64 Book now

Wings & Wheels Weekend

13th September – 14th September, 10am to 4pm, RAF Manston History Museum

* Climb in the Cockpits * Loads of Vehicles * Fire Engine Rides * Tank Rides * Museum entry * Refreshments *

Expect to see many aircraft cockpits open in the Museum and many different vehicles on the taxiway to view on your way to the Museum.

Weather permitting, tank and fire engine rides will be available (at a small additional cost)

Take-away and sit-down catering facilities will be available all day from the popular NAAFI café.

Usual admission prices apply – ride admission is separate.

No need to book

Adult: £6:50
Child: £3:50 under 5’s Free
Concession: £5:50
Carer: £3:50
Family (2 adults & up to 4 children): £20:00

Margate’s 21st Century Disco

13th September, 8pm, The Space Margate

DJs Leon & Nick D present a night of past and present, eclectic and banging floor fillers.

Bar/Snacks/Cocktails available

Entry £8 + £1 booking fee (£10 on the door) Book now

Margate Radio Block Party

13th September, The Centre Margate, noon to 5pm

Margate Radio and friends and community at the Centre in Margate

Reggy Brown, host of ‘The Spin’ on Margate Radio and founder of Disco Psicodélico, draws inspiration from her LA Chicana upbringing. Showcasing root driven genres; cumbia, surf psych, and classic Mexican rancheras.

Free

Coastal Crafty Crew fair

September 14, 10am to 3pm, Quex Small Barn

Stalls with handmade goods and crafts

Free admission, free parking, tombola supporting Guide Dogs for the Blind

The Dreamland Margate Wedding Fair

14th September, 11am to 3pm, Dreamland Margate

Showcasing top-tier suppliers

From bridal fashion that breaks the mould to creative exhibitors offering fresh ideas.

Bridal catwalk shows at noon and 1pm

All ages welcome. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult (18+)

Please sign up in advance to secure your place. There will be limited walk-in slots on the day,

Free Book now

BSL Tour

14th September, Turner, noon-1pm

Join Jason Tennant for a free British Sign Language tour through Anna Boghiguian’s ‘The Sunken Boat’ exhibition at the Turner

Explore key artworks and deepen your understanding of the work and themes in a tour for d/Deaf and BSL speakers and learners.

Starting in the Sunley Gallery, this free tour is delivered in British Sign Language by Jason Tennant without an interpreter or a voiceover.

You can access audio guides and content for the exhibition via the Bloomberg Connects app.

Free (booking advised) Book now

Thanet Rocks

A new live music festival, Thanet Rocks, will take place at the Broadstairs Pavilion on Sunday, September 14, in aid of Pilgrims Hospices.

The free-to-attend event is organised by isle band Neon Rush, who have brought together some of the area’s top acts for an afternoon and evening of live music by the sea.

The line-up includes Ruby Valentine, Breed, Ozzie and the Uglies, Wren, The Rock Choir and headliners Neon Rush. Each band is performing to raise funds for end-of-life care services provided by Pilgrims Hospices across East Kent.

The charity festival is part of a year-long fundraising campaign by Neon Rush, which has already raised more than £5,000 through quiz nights, raffles, and frontman Dane’s Three Peaks Challenge, so far raising £600.

A highlight of the event will be the Neon Rush Experience Golden Ticket raffle, offering one lucky winner the chance to have the band perform at their private event or venue.

Support from the community has been key, with Academy FM’s Phil Dilly and Dave O’Callahan taking part on the day, Debbie Day acting as stage manager, DB Rising providing sound engineering, Monster Graphics creating a custom stage backdrop, and The Works at Westwood Cross selling handmade crafts with all proceeds going to Pilgrims Hospices.

The festival will run from 2pm with food, drinks, and fundraising activities throughout the day.

For more details, visit www.thanetrocks.com or follow Thanet Rocks on Facebook.

Broadstairs Farmers Market

14th September, 10am to 1pm, Bleak House Broadstairs

Support local, shop fresh, meet your makers at Bleak House Gardens, with 25 stalls from pies to bakeries and local vineyards to rolled ice cream.

Poetry Room in Margate

14th September, 7pm, Margate Arts Club

Writing Our Legacy CIC are delighted to bring their popular cabaret night Poetry Room to Margate Arts Club this September

Featuring two special acts: a live performance extract from Akila Richards’ Mango Ritual show and a guest appearance by poet and visual artist Kareem Parkins-Brown. His work concerns grime, grief and humour. His debut poetry pamphlet Oi You Lot is out now with Little Betty.

Plus DJ Fever2Ray (African Night Fever) and MC Akila M. Richards.

Tickets £5 – £6 advance / £8 – £10 on the door Book now

Dr Forager’s Foraging Walk

14th September, 10am to 2.15pm, starting by the Red Bus Cafe near Margate Train Station and finishing near Westgate-On-Sea Train Station

Join Dr Forager for a 2-hour coastal foraging walk between Margate and Westgate-on-Sea, followed by indoor foraged food prep and light lunch.

Learn about edible seaweeds and coastal plants, followed by a foraged plant preparation workshop and lunch.

The lunch is made from the goodies foraged that day, which could include pan fried wild spinach and nuts, seaweed snacks and crispy seaweed, mallow leaf crisps, sea purslane pesto on sourdough bread or a delicious foraged soup (vegan/vegetarian)

£49 per person . Text Hannah (Dr Forager) to book: 07411 815157