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

The Notebook’ – Cliftonville Outdoor Cinema

15th May. The Oval Bandstand and Lawns

7:30pm Doors open (drinks and snacks available) with film starting at 8.50pm and finishing at 10:53pm

The Cliftonville Outdoor Cinema bring the community together to laugh, cry, eat popcorn, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of an outdoor movie experience at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns.

The Notebook tells the sweeping love story of Noah Calhoun, a passionate young man from humble beginnings, and Allie Hamilton, a spirited young woman from a wealthy family. Despite being from very different worlds, they fall deeply in love one summer, forging a connection that changes their lives forever.

The movie is rated 12A.

Deckchair seating is included in all tickets

The GRASS Bar will be onsite serving a full selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

Popcorn and selection of treats are available from our concession stall

From £9 Book now

Suzanne Baker: Time to Look

Now – 18th May, Pie Factory Margate

Open: 11am – 6pm daily (2pm – 6pm 14th May)

More than 60 paintings by Suzanne Baker, dating from 1998 to the present. She paints narratives in oils in a loose, intuitive way, working frequently from personal memories. Other paintings in this show have mythological subjects including a series about Callisto and Arcas, based on Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

Country Roads – One Night of Country Classics

15th May, 7.30pm, The Granville Theatre

Enjoy the very biggest country songs of all time; 9 to 5, The Gambler, Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, King of the Road, Crazy, Rhinestone Cowboy, Jolene, Dance the Night Away, Walkin’ after Midnight and many, many more.

Tickets from £34.65 plus £2.50 transaction fee Book now

Paint and Prosecco: Birth of a Queen

15th May, 8pm, The Shell Grotto Margate

Inspired by the Birth of Venus, paint an iconic reimagining of Botticelli’s masterpiece with our dazzling resident drag queen and total work of art, Shelly Grotto, emerging as Venus from her clam. It’s giving Renaissance realness meets modern drag excellence. Venus wishes she looked that good! No experience necessary. Come for the prosecco, stay for the drama, leave a maestro.

Bottle of prosecco each plus all materials included. 18+. Booking required.

Tickets £40 + booking fee Book now

Colours of Time -15

Now until May 19, Palace Cinema Broadstairs

United by the unexpected inheritance of a house in present-day Normandy, four estranged cousins discover their family’s history. As they explore the house, left untouched since the 1940s, they delve into the life of their ancestor, Adèle Vermillard, taking us to 1895 Paris, with the City of Light on the brink of an industrial and cultural revolution. Details here

Sunshine Cafe Sunset Dinner Series

15th May – 16th May, 6.30pm, Dreamland Margate

The Sunshine Cafe opens its doors to host a dinner party to remember at Dreamland, Margate.

Ryan Jacovides is a hospitality veteran with over 25 years in the industry. He used to run multiple restaurant groups & was a founding partner of Pasture restaurant group. He now has his own independent group, Pomus. A wine bar & restaurant focused on hyper seasonal cooking & warm hospitality. Based across the Kent coastline in all the locations he used to holiday as a kid.

Please note:
· Unfortunately, the building is not wheelchair accessible and has uneven flooring.
· Toilets are located in another building approximately a 3-minute outdoor walk away.
· This is an 18+ event

Click here to view the menu

Tickets are available in two ways, options one is on the AXS platform via a link, tickets will be £100pp (+ booking fee).

Alternatively, you can head to one of these Margate venues to purchase your tickets in person for £100pp. Tickets will be available in person at: Cinque Ports, Pomus & The Food Court bar at Dreamland during amusement park open days.
Please check the websites for each establishment for their opening times.

Book now

Kent Whisky Explorers Night

15th May, 7pm, Little Swift Margate

Join Little Swift for the 10th instalment of the Kent Whisky Explorers nights, and raising money for charity too!

Celebrate with some lovely English Whisky at the Kent Whisky Explorers Charity Night – trying some diverse drams from all over England having fun, and raising funds.

Join KWE host Paul Vig – coming together raising money for Movember (which runs all year) and there’s also a decent charity raffle too.

There will be a welcome whisky cocktail on arrival, FIVE great drams, a charity dram on offer, and all in aid of raising money for a great cause.

Tickets £30 + booking fee Book now

Infinite Bisous

15th May, 5pm, Where Else? Margate

Archivists of Charnwood Music, TASTY MORSELS present an assortment of projects at Whereelse including LIVE MUSIC, MORSELS SHOP with vinyl, cassettes art prints, T-Shirts etc. And a RADIO BROADCAST via Margate Radio.

Tickets £13.85 Book now

Pat’s Karablokey

15th May, from 7pm, The Alley Bar Ramsgate

Come with a song in mind or, if you’re brave enough, bring a duet you’ve always wanted to sing with Pat.

Doors 7pm, Happy Hour until 8pm, Karaoke 9pm – 10.30pm

Bar open to everyone until 1am

From £5 to £7.50 plus booking fee Book now

Summer Rolls Workshop

15th May, 6.30pm, Thao Thao in King Street, Margate

A hands-on experience where you’ll learn to make your own fresh Summer Rolls and of course, eat plenty of them in a relaxed and friendly setting.

All ingredients are provided, including hand-picked wild flowers from the Windmill Community Gardens to make your rolls as beautiful as they are delicious.

Unlimited summer rolls (meat + vegan options)

Limited spots

Tickets £30 per person Book now

DJ Smiley

15th May, 9pm, Legends Live Lounge

DJ Smiley plays with the usual mix of R&B, Reggae, Soul, Rap, Hip hop, Soul House, at Legends Live Lounge in Broadstairs.

Branco Stoysin in a recital for Nikola Tesla

16th May, 7.30pm, Sarah Thorne Theatre

Guitarist/composer Branco Stoysin, life-long aficionado of Nikola Tesla, performs his poignant tribute to Serbian born genius of electricity, marking 170 years since the birth of Nikola Tesla and 130 years since the birth of modern civilisation with the implementation of Tesla’s Polyphase AC System on The Niagara Falls in 1896.

He’ll also play the tunes from his ninth CD album, Whispers From The Sun, and special three music/video projects about natural world.

Tickets £15 in advance, £17 on the door Book now

Margate Community Picnic

Saturday 16th May, from 2-5pm, residents are hosting a community picnic in Marine Gardens Margate

Organiser Sara Fox said: “All over the country, people are creating Acts of Hope this weekend. Small moments of connection, kindness and community that help bring people together. Here in Margate, we wanted to be part of that by creating a space where everyone feels welcome.

“The Margate Community Picnic is bringing together local groups, organisations, businesses and friends for an afternoon in the park filled with conversation, music, Morris dancing and children’s activities. It’s a chance to catch up with old friends, meet new people and celebrate the community spirit that makes Margate so special.

“If you’re free, bring a blanket and a picnic and come and join us.”

Emma, from A million Acts of Hope, added: “At a time where we see so much division on the news, it’s important to remember that most people don’t feel that way. We care about kindness, looking after each other, and helping communities thrive.

“A Million Acts Of Hope is a national campaign that puts the spotlight back on what we have in common, and the groups and people who help us every day.”

St John’s Margate – Monthly Pop-up Charity Shop

Saturday 16th May 10am to 12 noon, St John’s Community Centre (CT9 1LN)

Raising funds to keep the Community Centre running.

Browse pre-loved clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children.

Stalls selling handcrafted items and craft materials, jewellery, bric a brac, vintage, household items and lots and lots of good quality pre-loved children’s toys and books.

Meet up with friends and family or make new friends – enjoy a cup of tea with a sweet or savoury treat from the popular cake stall in the cafe space.

Raffle drawn at 11.50am.

A warm welcome for all.

Carol Creasey book launch

May 16, 10am to 5pm, Westgate Galleria

Book lovers and local readers are invited to a special as acclaimed local author Carol M. Creasey celebrates the launch of her latest book, the fifth in her Alan Clarke crime series, Murder at Canterbury Cathedral at Westgate Galleria.

On Christmas Eve, a body is found lying in the snow outside the gates of Canterbury Cathedral. At first, it appears to be a tragic accident, but when forensic evidence reveals a fatal blow to the back of the head, the truth emerges: Jon West has been murdered – and DCI Alan Clarke has a crime to solve during the festive period.

Come along to meet Carol in person and enjoy a glass of fizz and a chat about her work, inspiration, and writing journey.

Signed copies of the new book will be available to purchase on the day.

Peter and The Test Tube Babies + Surgery Without Research

16th May, 7.30pm, Ramsgate Music Hall

Peter and The Test Tube Babies + Surgery Without Research will be performing live at Ramsgate Music Hall!

Tickets £20 Book now

Sophie Mak Schram

16th May, 2pm, ARK – Cliftonville Cultural Space

This workshop explores listening as a critical and performative practice through Tina Campt’s Listening to Images (2017.)

Using lecture par arpentage – a reading method developed in workers’ circles for collective education – they will approach the text collaboratively, fragmenting and sharing its ideas through group discussion and vocal interpretation.

Drawing on this shared reading, you will then work together to create a recorded sonic lecture, experimenting with voice, sound, and collective listening.

This event is part of Towards the Edges, Open School East’s Public Programme 2026.

Free Book now

Adam Morrison Jones – Moves: Work-in-Progress

16th May, 7.30pm, Salt Broadstairs

A night of live comedy with Adam Morrison Jones at Salt in Broadstairs.

Tickets £11.92 Book Tickets

Sabina Desir & Jessica Lauren present TEN

16th May, 7.30pm, ARK – Cliftonville Cultural Space

A special live performance celebrating a decade of artistic collaboration

For the past 10 years, Sabina Desir and Jessica Lauren have built a powerful musical partnership rooted in storytelling, legacy, soul and Black musical expression.

Together they have created a rich body of work through projects including Freedom Road Reimagined, Dear Nina Love Ray, Banned, and Afro Blue – Listening In Colour. Each show is shaped by a shared love of deep musical narrative, live performance and cultural memory.

Featuring: Sabina Desir – vocals / Jessica Lauren – musical director & keys / Tamar Osborn – woodwinds / Andy Waterworth – bass / Drums TBC

Tickets £16.50 (concessions £10) plus booking fee Book now

Saturday Family Friendly Session

16th May, 11am, Clayspace Cliftonville

Release your inner potters as you make the pots or sculptures of your dreams in a professional studio space

These classes offer an exciting opportunity for adults and children to have a creative session together working with real clay!

These 2 hour sessions are suitable for all ages and abilities and give everyone plenty of time to make something by hand, and also to have a go on the potter’s wheel.

There’s a zero waste policy in the studio, and any pots you don’t want to keep can be completely recycled and the clay will be used again, so you can just choose your best masterpieces for firing at the end of the session.

There is a small charge for all work you wish to be fired which is calculated by weight or volume to cover the cost of clay, glazes and firing.

No unaccompanied children in this session please.

Tickets and Pricing £26 for 1 Adult + 1 child / £32 for 1 Adult + 2 children Book now

Balearic Boutique at The Sun Deck

16th May, from 2pm, The Sun Deck Margate

The Balearic Boutique presents Justin Deighton & Ricky Cox

Monthly residency running through to August, with visiting DJs including Justin Deighton, Nancy Noise, Terry Farley and Jo Mills.

United Friendship Disco

16th May, 7pm, Margate Arts Club

Headliner will be Eglo Records boss and eclectic mega-selector Alex Nut

Arrive nice and early for a drink in the garden and to catch support sets from Robbie and Inky.

Please arrive by 8pm if you can.

18+

Tickets £5 – £10 plus booking fee Book now

Broadstairs and St Peters Community Festival

16th May, 10am to 4pm, Pierremont Hall

Music, community stalls, guest speakers, market stalls, free bouncy castle, limited free ice cream

The event is to help raise awareness of the number of groups out there that can support residents.

Groups that can help educate and empower the community and to help residents get the best out of their town.

Alongside of this event, in the park, will be a Spring Market at Pierremont Hall where stalls offer a sustainable and positive impact on the environment.

This event is to be as plastic-free as possible and to promote well-being in the community, for all ages.

Brought to you by Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council.

Clay Bean Mosaic

16th May, 11am, Little Ravens, High Street Ramsgate

Get hands on with clay and make your very own homemade bean mosaic animal or flower.

You will also make a  hand shaped trinket bowl and then get creative adding pattern.

This is a great mix media session and a good starter to clay by using airdry.

Ages 5-11+ years

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Due to space restrictions they can only house one adult per family.

Tickets £16 plus booking fee Book now

Poetry Club

16th May, 6.30pm, Kent Talents Arts Centre Broadstairs

An evening of poetry with featured poets and open mic at Kent Talents Arts Centre in Broadstairs

Drinks and refreshments supplied.

£10 (pay on the door)

Eurovision Viewing Party

16th May, 6pm-midnight, outside The Queen’s Head, Ramsgate

A huge street party in Ramsgate to celebrate ‘Look Mum No Computer’, as he represents the UK in this year’s Eurovision!

With a giant screen outside The Queen’s Head and entertainment from DJ Nick Jones and the glamorous compere Shiv from 6pm

Cheer Sam on and send him all your support.

Eurovision inspired fancy dress is encouraged, with prizes for the best and most imaginative outfits, or why not adopt Sam’s trademark look of a boiler suit?

Families welcome and good vibes only

Dog Show

16th May, arrive from 1.30pm for 2pm start, Thanet Disabled Riding Centre in Broadstairs

What to expect:

12 fun dog classes you can take part in with your pooch

A great selection of animal-related stalls

In-house raffle & doggy lucky dip

Plant stall

Food & drink available

FREE entry to the open agility course with a class entry!

Also joining are local businesses including Pup Suds, Scruff & Co., and Apollo Animal Physio – so be sure to come and have a browse!

Parking available in the field next to the exit of Maurice House or along nearby roads.

Bring your dogs, your friends, and your family for a fun-filled day supporting the centre

Free entry / For classes: £2 per entry or £5 for 3 entries

Little Crafty Cove Event

16th May, 11,45am, St Peter’s Church Hall in Broadstairs.

A creative & messy session for little ones and their grown-ups. Perfect for ages 2–7, you’ll make fun, messy, and memorable crafts together.

All materials included.

Limited spots available!

Tickets £6.50 Book now

Ramsgate Tunnels: Local History Day

16th May, 10am to 4pm, Ramsgate Tunnels

Celebrate the rich history of Thanet and East Kent at this bumper event for Ramsgate and the Tunnels

A free, one-day event featuring displays from local museums and heritage sites across Thanet and East Kent, celebrating the area’s rich history, from flying aces to historic holy sites.

A selection of Ramsgate Archive papers, chronicling the town’s history over the past hundred years, will be on display. The team of passionate and friendly volunteers will be on hand to offer expert advice and inspire visitors in their own historical investigations.

The Tunnels’ popular Deep Tunnel Shelter Tours will operate as normal, throughout the day (normal ticket prices apply; pre-booking advised).

Step back in time to the build-up and outbreak of the Second World War and hear the story of how the town’s visionary Mayor and Borough Surveyor oversaw the construction and use of the UK’s largest purpose-built civilian shelter. Hear the stories of those who ended up living within the old Victorian railway tunnel.

For those wishing to take a break, the Tunnels’ café will be open all day, offering a tempting selection of refreshments, light snacks, and cakes.

Free entry, pay for tours

Ramsgate Arts Club – Studio Ghibli

Sunday 17th May, from 2.30pm

Showing three films back to back from Studio Ghibli, established in Tokyo in 1885. The studio is one of the most admired animation studios in the world, known for its beautifully crafted films, imaginative storytelling, and emotional depth that appeal to children & adults alike. The films combine fantasy, emotion, and meaning in a way few studios can match. The third & final film (Spirited Away) won the 2001 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

3pm – Ponyo **

5pm – My Neighbour Totoro **

7pm – Spirited Away

(** = family friendly screenings)

First come, first served.

FREE ENTRY for all screenings.

No booking needed, just turn up.

Popcorn & snacks available to buy at the bar.

Oval Summer Sundays: The Dukes of Swing

17th May, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns, 1pm – 5pm

As part of the Summer Sunday Concerts, this five-piece band will transport you to the golden era of music, performing classics from the 40s, 50s, and 60s made famous by legends like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, and Tony Bennett.

Suggested donation £2 – £10

Spring Tea Dance

17th May, 2pm, Quex Park Birchington

A  collaboration between Lead & Follow and Weddings

An afternoon of fun social dancing including ballroom, latin & line dancing!

Food provided by Felicity’s Cafe at Quex.

This event will be limited so booking in advance essential please.

Just Dance £10 / Dance Tea & Scones £16.50 / Dance & Full Afternoon Tea £30 Book now

The Silence of Snow: The Life of Patrick Hamilton

17th May, 7.30pm, Tom Thumb Theatre

Mark Farrelly (Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope) presents his  kinetic solo show portraying one of the great English writers of the inter-war years. Patrick Hamilton was a dazzling success in his twenties, producing hit plays Rope (filmed by Hitchcock), Gaslight (which gave us the modern term ‘gaslighting’), and classic novels Hangover Square and The Slaves of Solitude. But Hamilton was also an alcoholic, whose wit darkened as his inner and outer worlds collapsed.

From £12 Book now

Chalk Flora & Bumblebees – Foreness Point

17th May, 10.30am with Thanet Coast Project

Discover the wildflowers and wildlife on this guided grassland walk with expert Simon Springate and friends

These walks are suitable for adults (& over 14 years of age)

The whole tour lasts 2 hours

Donation suggested £5 Book now

Botanical Baskets

17th May, Pierremont Hall Broadstairs

Choose from: 12 noon – 1.30pm, 2pm – 3.30pm or 4pm – 5.30pm

Choosing from four basket options, you’ll also be given planting advice, recipe and care information.

For an extra £5 you can also take part in a botanical cocktail making session.

Mocktails and cocktails will also be on sale at the bar.

This event is brought to you by Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council.

Tickets £15 per basket Book now

Marvellous Moths

17th May, 8.45am, Quex Park: Secret Garden Centre

There are around 2,500 species of moth in the UK! 2,182 of which have been caught in Kent.

Many moths are completely unknown to most people as they fly at night. However, they play an important part in pollinating plants.

Bob Dean and Bob Hinge have caught nearly 400 species in and around their suburban gardens. Most moths are attracted to light and identified (not always easily!) then released, unharmed.

Free (but please reserve a space)

Please reserve your space by emailing [email protected]

Bands on the Sands – Millie Mae Duo

17th May, 3pm, The Pavilion Broadstairs

The Pavilion Garden comes alive again with great live music, seaside atmosphere, and unforgettable afternoons by the coast.

Relaxing vibes, great performances, and the perfect setting by the sea.

The Millie Mae Duo will be taking to the outdoors stage

Cliftonville West Jewish History Walking Tours

17th May, 1.30pm, meeting point will be in confirmation email

A new walking tour invites locals and visitors alike to discover the rich, surprising, and often overlooked Jewish history of Cliftonville West.

The Cliftonville West Jewish History Walking Tour offers a 2.5-hour guided stroll through the seaside streets of Margate, revealing stories of migration, resilience, faith, and food that helped shape the area over the past two centuries.

Led by a local researcher and storyteller, the tour explores everything from the Jewish pedlars who arrived with the Royal Navy, to the doctors who helped build Margate’s reputation as a health retreat. Participants will hear of the fierce boarding-house balabustas who escaped difficult lives to rebuild on the coast, the battle for kosher provisions, the establishment of synagogues and schools, the arrival of Kindertransport children, and how kosher margarine helped lay the foundations of Palm Bay.

Please note: This tour includes a visit inside Ark, the former Margate Hebrew Congregation Synagogue building, for tea and cake.

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. While the content is suitable for most ages, some topics – including the Holocaust and refugee experiences – may not be appropriate for children under 12, at the discretion of their guardians.

From £23 Book now

May Fayre at Ellington Park

17th May, 11.30am-6pm, Ellington Park Ramsgate

There will be a funfair, live music, classic cars… and the popular bookshop will be open, alongside a beer tent and the trains will be running.

Dog show – 11.30am – 2.30pm

The Ellington Park Café will be selling hot and cold food, drinks and snacks.

Psychic Fayre

17th May, 10am-4pm, RAF Manston History Museum

Would you like to join some of the regular Paranormal Teams who explore the history and artifacts within, gathering evidence to show how much Paranormal Activity there is at the RAF Manston History Museum!

What to expect:

Reiki

Healing

Tarot Reading

Mediumship

Food vendors

Craft stalls

-Limited accessibility via steep ramp
-Disabled toilet only available via main museum building (5 minute walk from event area)
-No dogs allowed due to paranormal activity

Free entry, book individual events Book now

If you are looking you will find it

17th May, 7pm, 101 Social Cliftonville

An open-format night of film, sound and collective curiosity at 101 Social

Italian sourdough pizza with vegan and gluten-free options… bar with beers, ciders, cocktails and Italian wines… teas and brews – all served till 10pm

Free entry, donations very welcome

Ceramic Cat Workshop

17th May, 2pm, Hand Made Margate

Spend two hours making a pair of charming ceramic cats with Potty Jane at Hand Made Margate

Whether you want to make them sleek and elegant, round and goofy, or inspired by a real cat you know and love, this workshop is all about creating two small sculptural companions to take pride of place on a shelf at home.

With step-by-step guidance from Potty Jane, you’ll learn how to shape and build your cats by hand from slabbed clay, adding expression, posture, ears, tails and all the little details that bring them to life.

Once your sculptures are made, you’ll paint both of them with colourful underglazes, adding markings, stripes, spots, faces and any extra decorative touches you like.

This session is suitable for confident beginners as well as those with a little more experience.

Tickets £42 Book now

Community Litter Pick

17th May, 11am, The Old Curiosity Shop Broadstairs

Join this monthly litter pick and help keep the beaches clean while meeting like minded people.

All helpers get free tea and biscuits at the shop afterwards as a bonus!

Just bring yourself and some gloves! All picks, bags and hoops kindly lent by Broadstairs Town Council.

Meet at The Old Curiosity Shop

Birchington Farmers Market

17th May, 10am to 2pm, Dog Acre

From rich savouries to sweet delights, plus discover vegan and gluten-free options bursting with taste.

Come along, explore and take home something delicious!

Stage outfit clearance

Sunday, 17th May, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Under 1 Roof, Pysons Road, Ramsgate

A variety of items perfect for performers, collectors, and fashion lovers:

Performance Ready: Full costume sets, dance troupe outfits, and Panto costumes.

One-of-a-Kind: “one-off” pieces and theatrical garments.

High-quality vintage and contemporary clothes that transition perfectly from the stage to the street.

First come, first served! Everything is priced cheaply to clear, so arrive early to grab the best items.