Ramsgate Winter Festival is being extended with more artworks, more lights, and more events, helping to keep spirits up during these chilly January days.
The Light Up Ramsgate trail will see the addition of four new artworks thanks to funding from Arts Council England.
Event Horizon (sponsored by Vattenfall) at the Sailors Church
An immersive installation by artist Balint Bolygo and sound designer Jude Greenaway, that explores our relationship with the sea. Using a slowly undulating laser “horizon line” and a carefully composed ambient soundscape, the work creates a heightened sensory experience that invites visitors to pause, look outward, and reflect on the forces that shape coastal life.
Familiar Faces, Forgotten Places (supported by funding from RTC)
Projected above 24 Harbour Street, this video work by Howard Griffin will provide a brief insight into the hidden heritage that exists in the fabric of the shops and buildings in the town, demonstrating that each of us leaves a trace of ourselves in the places and spaces we inhabit, a trace that lasts long after we have departed.
Unconditional by Jas Dhillon at Ramsgate Space
Through the warm pink glow of a neon light, an almost shrine-like representation of the divine feminine form is presented. Inviting a moment of reflection; a space to contemplate the abundant and unconditional love of Mother Nature, and our capacity to reciprocate it.
Under The Same Stars at Wetherspoons
A giant inflatable illuminated constellation of stars, created by members of the community including local faith groups and Open Arms at Pie Factory, led by Carson Parkin-Fairley. The piece is a celebration of togetherness. It invites us to remember: no matter where we are from or what we believe, we all live under the same stars. (30 Jan – 1 Feb only).
The new works will launch on January 23 and continue with the rest of the trail until February 1.
Jessica Hudsley, Producer, Light Up Ramsgate, said: “In a time of funding uncertainty it’s such a privilege to have support from Arts Council England to be able to add even more quality light works to the trail. Enabling us to include co-created community artworks alongside prestigious artists is what Light Up Ramsgate is all about! For free. In the public realm. It’s so exciting!”
Across the seven weeks of Light Up Ramsgate, a total of 15 artworks of different scales and types have been showcased – some co-created by the community, some by locally established artists and some from invited internationally acclaimed artists, attracting people to the town during the Christmas season and beyond.
From the impressive beating of Felicity Jones’ 3m Mechanical Heart sculpture, to the more gentle glow of Caroline List’s sunset-inspired light boxes in Optical Window, the trail has continuously illuminated the high streets and brought joy to the town centre. The full listing of all 15 artists/artworks is available on the Ramsgate Winter Festival website.
The final Light Up Lates evening will be at Radford House on January 30th, with CRUX transforming the venue into an evening of live audio visual performance.
Screaming Alley’s cosy Alley Bar will be hosting Jonny Woo, legendary alt-drag and cabaret icon, with his acclaimed solo show Suburbia for a special matinee performance on January 24.
The Festival is slowing things down with a wellbeing programme including meditation, sound baths and yoga. Floating Frequencies returns with two sound baths at St George’s Church on February 1 at 2pm and 4pm – booking essential.
Sign up for a Laughter Yoga session to banish the blues at Hold Creative Spaces on 19 January and 5 February. Or join Mindful Thanet for a candlelit meditation at Gather & on January 19th.
For families, Ramsgate’s much loved Discovery Planet returns with a free STEM workshop, Good Vibrations on January 31st at Arts In Ramsgate, exploring movement, sound, music, science, nutrition and social connection. These are drop in sessions, with no booking required. Open for all ages; come alone or in a group, join in or just observe – everyone is welcome
The Festival finale will be in February and will be announced shortly. As part of the festival’s closing celebrations, the Ramsgate Winter Festival is hosting a handover event developed in collaboration with the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board.
Funded through Thanet council’s Pride in Place capacity funding, this moment brings together community-created artworks and stories to reflect on the festival’s activity and formally launch the next stage of Ramsgate’s “Revive and Thrive” journey.
Ramsgate Winter Festival is being made possible thanks to core support from Ramsgate Town Council, the Canterbury Diocese via the ‘Project 200’ regeneration project at St George’s Church, and Vattenfall, marking 20 years of offshore wind farming in Thanet.
The extended Light Up Ramsgate trail is being funded by Arts Council England.
Ramsgate Winter Festival
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