Skateboarding: Past, Present, Future exhibition raising funds for town’s new skatepark

Westgate photographer Sarah Wyld is exhibiting a powerful visual journey through decades of skateboarding culture, community, and fundraising for the town’s skatepark build at the Lymington Road play area.

The exhibition runs until  April 30, so there’s still time to visit it.

Spanning 1978 to 2025, Sarah’s artwork captures iconic moments and locations: from Election Day in Battersea (on the day Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister); to Clapham Common; the legendary Southbank Undercroft Skatepark; and right here in Thanet – photos taken of Skorcha Skate School sessions in the final days of Westgate’s old skatepark and during a community fundraiser event at Christmas supporting its rebuild.

The exhibition at Westgate Galleria is part of a wider community-led fundraiser to support the new Westgate Skatepark build – a collaboration between Nic Powley (Skate Pharm CIC), Westgate-on-Sea Town Council, the family of local Olympic-hopeful Tay Cunningham, and grassroots fundraising by residents and traders in the town.

Phase one was the opening of a new – larger – concrete ramp, and phase two will extend the facilities further to create a permanent space for skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

The aim is to create a safe, inclusive community hub where young people can stay active and healthy, learn new skills, join coaching sessions, events, and competitions, and build friendships and confidence.

Plans for the next stage of the park’s development include a Vert ramp funded by the Cunningham family’s fundraising efforts.

You can support Sarah’s fundraiser with purchases of individual prints from the portfolio that is accompanying her photomontage, at a suggested minimum price of £10. They are all one-offs, once sold they will not be available at the lower prices again.

You can also buy a Wonderful Westgate poster or greetings card, the profits from which are going to the Skatepark Community Fundraiser. Or a Marvel poster that’s been kindly donated by another resident – £5. Information about the project is available to take-away too.

Sarah Wyld has been documenting people, places, and social history since the 1970s.

Westgate Galleria & Studio is at 29 Station Road, CT88RB, open 10am to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays.