Sorrow and Rescue: Artworks by Bernadette Lourdes Lonestarr
A trio of works by Westgate-based artist Bernadette Lourdes Lonestarr are on show at Westgate Galleria until the end of this month, in a fund-raising exhibition for PETA.
Fine art prints of Bernadette’s paintings, beautifully produced by AG Studio in Margate, are available to purchase and to order.
Bernadette has also commissioned a small selection of unisex t-shirts produced by James Smith at Vektor, featuring the exhibition’s core artwork Sorrow and Rescue, also available to purchase and order at this exhibition, in a range of sizes.
Information on supporting PETA’s campaign is available at the exhibition, and visitors are invited to donate too, in exchange for stickers and mini glow-in-the-dark crocodiles.
All proceeds from the exhibition’s sales and donations, will go to PETA’s campaign to act against the extreme cruelty inflicted on crocodiles and alligators.
Westgate Galleria is open Mondays to Saturdays, 10am to 5pm, including Bank Holiday Monday.
The Kent Tribute Festival
22nd May – 24th May, Quex Park Birchington
Three days of world-class live music, entertainment, and unforgettable
festival vibes.
Festival-goers can expect:
• Tributes to rock, pop, soul, and dance legends.
• Two live music stages delivering back-to-back anthems all weekend.
• Street food & licensed bars offering global flavours.
• Family-friendly entertainment including kids’ tribute shows, inflatables,
fairground rides, and attractions.
• Motorhome & camping community under Kent skies, creating the ultimate
festival escape.
Margate Mod & 60s Weekend: The Small Fakers
22nd May, 9pm, Olby’s Soul Cafe
Plan your summer fun for the 11th edition of this special May event with a fantastic program over the Whitsun bank holiday weekend at Olby’s Soul Cafe in Margate
Small Fakers are the UK’s No.1 tribute to the Small Faces. Expect to hear all the Decca and Immediate classics.
All evening events take place at the Olby’s and daytimes outside on King Street.
Click here for the full programme
18+ Event
Pre-event Soul Cafe Menu available on the night (tables not reserved in event space.) If you would like to dine, you will need to book a table separately. Click here to book a table
Tickets £18 plus booking fee (weekend tickets also available from £45) Book now
Hannah Wicklund
22nd May, 7.30pm, Ramsgate Music Hall
Hannah Wicklund is a young and talented musician who has made a significant impact in the music industry.
Wicklund’s music is characterized by her guitar skills and her strong influence from classic rock artists like Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, and Jimi Hendrix.
All ages show (under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult)
Tickets £20.50 Book now
Luther Live & Velvet Voices
22nd May, 7.30pm, The Granville Theatre
Step into a world of soul, romance, and unforgettable grooves with Luther Live & Velvet Voices
Introducing the sensational vocal talents of Gamal John (Britain’s Got Talent gold buzzer rule breaker)
From £33 plus £2.50 booking fee Book now
ChopChop + Tony & The Abominations + Bellyfull
22nd May, 7pm, Where Else? Margate
Live music at WhereElse? Margate!
ChopChop (Experimental / Performance Art)
Tony & The Abominations (Soul/Funk)
Bellyfull (Trip-Hop)
Free Book now
Adults Shell Decoupage class
22nd May, 7pm, Little Ravens Ramsgate
Learn the process of Decoupage… A decorative art technique where you apply layers of decorative paper to give an object new meaning and value.
A relaxing process with great added value not only to the object itself but to the moment in time to achieve.
Tickets are limited so please book to avoid disappointment.
Age 15+
Tickets £32 plus booking fee Book now
Jonny Woo’s Best Bits
22nd May – 23rd May, from 7pm both night, The Alley Bar Ramsgate
A selection of Jonny’s best bits for two shows of hi-jinx, sing-a-longs, nonsense and some wigs that really are way to big for the venue, at Ramsgate’s Alley Bar
Tickets £20.50 Book now
Wash Over Me – The Social Singing Choir
22nd May, 7.30pm, The Drill Shed, Lido Cliftoville
Margate’s Social Singing Choir will be heading to The Drill Shed to launch the release of ‘Wash Over Me’.
An original charity single created in partnership with the ocean conservation charity Whale Wise. A choral piece born from a love of the sea, performed by the choir members who helped to write it.
Live performance from The Social Singing Choir
Premiere of the accompanying short film by award-winning wildlife photographer Rebecca Douglas
Presale of the charity single goes live
All proceeds from the single go directly to Whale Wise, supporting research and advocacy for whale habitats across the North East Atlantic. The single features a humpback whale song recorded in Finnafjörður, Northeast Iceland, a near-pristine fjord and potentially crucial seasonal habitat for migratory whales.
Award-winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker Rebecca Douglas and President of the Board of Trustees for Whale Wise, has created a short film to accompany the release. #
8th June – ‘Wash Over Me’ releases worldwide on World Ocean Day.
Tickets £11 Book now
Blase #1
22nd May, Margate Arts Club, 6pm – 2am (free entry before 8pm)
An open-format approach to the music where the guest DJs take you on a journey with them… creating a dancefloor for the ‘body movers’.
Elliott Chambers and Jemma Cullen join Margate Arts Club for the first one… their vibe and sound are immaculate!
Resident blasé DJs Shirley Ottou & Tim Garratt will also be sharing their selection.
Tickets £5 plus booking fee Book now
A Night of Jazz & Swing
22nd May, 8pm, The Old Kent Market
Colby Gaffney performs classics from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Andy Williams, Bobby Darin and more.
Food and drinks available.
Pet and family friendly.
DEPTH Sessions.001
22nd May, 7pm, Hoffs Margate
A house music gathering built on vibe, feeling and community at Hoffs, Margate.
Sessions.001 brings together a selection of DJs who share a deep love for house music and creating the right atmosphere on the dancefloor.
The evening begins upstairs at Hoffs as the sun sets across the sea, with warm and soulful sounds welcoming people into the space. As the night unfolds, the energy moves downstairs where the music shifts deeper and the dancefloor comes alive.
Free – reserve a spot Book now
Still Life in Clay Workshop
22nd May, 5pm, On A Whim Margate
Join Daisy Tortuga for a playful two-part ceramics workshop inspired by still life and natural forms
You’ll explore sculpting and glazing from a collection of fruits, vegetables, and organic shapes.
This is a hands-on, gently guided class where you’ll learn fundamental ceramic techniques, from hand-building to glazing, while creating your own unique piece. All materials are included and your piece will be fired and returned to you a few weeks after the workshop. Expect a warm, creative atmosphere rather than a strict class
Group size: Up to 8 people
When: Two evening sessions, 5–8pm
Session 1: 22nd May 2026, Sculpting
Session 2: 5th June 2026, Glazing
Tickets £90 per person (covers both sessions and all materials) Book now
Operation Dynamo: Little Ships return to Ramsgate
22nd May – 25th May, Ramsgate Royal Harbour
Dunkirk Little Ships return to Ramsgate for four days of fun!
Following 2025’s Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo, the Little Ships return to Ramsgate for a 4-day extravaganza, including military vehicle displays, parades, workshops and more…
See over 25 of the original Dunkirk Little Ships in Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour from 15th – 25th May
See 338 Standing With Giants silhouettes around the Harbour from 15th May – 28th June
Daily Events All Weekend:
Live music at the Queen’s Head, Harbourside
Children’s Funfair & Giant Ferris Wheel
Children’s Little Ships Trail
Replica Spitfire & 1940s vehicles on display
Visit the Little Ships – book tickets via Ramsgate Tunnels
Ramsgate Tunnels, RNLI displays & special Operation Dynamo exhibits
Drew McGuinness (lefthandrawn)
22nd May – 25th May, Hold Creative Spaces Ramsgate
Artist Drew McGuinness presents three exhibitions over three days…
Under the title of My Own Devices, artist Drew McGuinness (lefthandrawn) presents
Three exhibitions, one weekend, one artist, one chance to see…culminating in a sale of the artist’s work on the Bank Holiday Monday.
22nd: Icon
23rd: I’ll Stand for the Anthem When the Anthem Stands for Me
24th: Love is a Skill
25th: Artwork & Print Sale
Candle-making workshop
22nd May, 6.30pm, Foliage Broadstairs
Discover the joy of creating your own beautifully scented candles at this relaxed and welcoming workshop.
Perfect for beginners, this hands-on experience will guide you through the basics of working with natural wax, blending your own unique fragrances, and pouring two 30cl candles to take home.
All materials are included—just bring your creativity!
£40pp, All materials included Book here
Storytime Fridays
22nd May, 1pm, Kinder Collective Broadstairs
Storytime with Rebecca is back at Kinder Collective, and they can’t wait to welcome you for stories, chat and a snack for the minis.
Free, drop-in, all ages and caregivers welcome
OAYSIS
23rd May, 7.30pm, Ramsgate Music Hall
OAYSIS perform tunes such as Supersonic, Don’t Look Back In Anger, Wonderwall and more with absolute accuracy. This is the closet thing to seeing OASIS live, check their videos.
Entry Requirements: 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Tickets £25.20 Book now
A Hans Zimmer Candlelight Experience
22nd May, Holy Trinity Church Broadstairs
Surrounded by hundreds of candles, a trio of string players will perform instrumental arrangements of Hans Zimmer at Holy Trinity Church in Broadstairs.
2 Sittings – 1st Sitting: 5pm-6pm & 2nd Sitting: 7pm-8pm
Entry: 1st Sitting: Doors open at 4.15pm | 2nd Sitting: Doors open at 6.30pm
Lumos brings you enchanting concert experiences paying homage to world famous artists. They’ve partnered with spectacular locations & churches across the UK to deliver a concert experience that is nothing short of magical.
A donation is made to a different charity each month!
Seating is First Come First Serve to your allocated tiered zones (In Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze)
This event is for 8yrs +
From £20 + booking fee Book now
The Smyths
23rd May, 7pm, The Drill Shed Cliftonville
The UK’s most celebrated Smiths tribute… not karaoke – proper musicianship, proper emotion, proper singalong at The Drill Shed at Cliftonville’s Lido
This is an 18+ (with ID) event
Tickets £20 plus booking fee Book now
The Ramsgate Air Raid Experience
23rd May, 6.30pm, Ramsgate Tunnels
Step into August 1940… A powerful immersive experience featuring living‑history reenactors at Ramsgate Tunnels
Ramsgate is under daily air raids. The sirens sound. You and your family rush for safety in the tunnels — but how long will you be down there? What will you do while the raid rages above? And when it’s over… will your home still be standing? Will life ever feel the same?
Join this powerful immersive experience featuring living‑history reenactors and discover what it was really like to shelter in the tunnels during the Second World War.
Experienced hosts will guide you through the air‑raid shelters, sharing the vital role they played in protecting the people of Ramsgate during one of the town’s darkest chapters.
Physical fitness and mobility are essential / The experience lasts approximately 2 hours
Due to the uneven and occasionally rough nature of the tunnel floor, sensible shoes should be worn for the air raid experience with warm clothing strongly encouraged as the temperature remains at a constant 11ºc. You will be required to climb multiple sets of stairs, ascending and descend a 2.5 metre secure steel ladder during the experience.
The tour is only suitable for those aged 7 and above / Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
There are flickering lights and loud sounds throughout the Air Raid Experience.
Adult/senior £15, Child £12, Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £45 Book now
The Dinosaur That Pooped – A Rock Show
23rd May, The Granville Theatre
Shows at 12.30pm and 3.30pm
When Danny and Dino’s favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy save the day?
From £18.70 plus £2.50 booking fee Book now
Palace Cinema Broadstairs
The Magic Faraway Tree U
23 May to 30 May
This beloved British children’s classic gets a wonderful film treatment as it follows Polly (Claire Foy), Tim (Andrew Garfield) and their children, relocating from the city to the remote English countryside where they encounter a magic tree which transports the family to spectacular and fantastical lands.
Sunday Silent: Charlie Chaplin Comedy Triple! U
May 24, 1.45pm
This month’s Sunday Silent (with a slightly earlier start than usual) brings us three two-reelers of the finest silent comedy from Charlie Chaplin’s early years in Hollywood, with live piano accompaniment by Lillian Henley.
Palace Cinema: https://thepalacecinema.co.uk/films/
Playground Festival
23rd May – 30th May, ARK – Cliftonville Cultural Space
A new early years festival celebrating the creativity of babies, young children and their families at ARK, Cliftonville’s Cultural Space
Painting, ceramics, prints, photography, glass, sculpture, collage & more. Donated by local & international artists plus a few surprises.
Saturday 23 May – 10.30am – Baby Playground
Free sessions exploring music, light, textures, movement and smells – the perfect opportunity for families to engage with new experiences, sensations and connect with each other. (For children 0-18 months and their parents and carers)
Saturday 23 May – 1.30pm – Family Playground
Free creative sessions exploring different creative forms and themes. Family Playground empowers families to connect with each other in new, fun and creative ways. (For children under 5 and their families)
Broadstairs May Fair
23rd May – 25th May at Victoria Gardens
From 10am daily
Thanet Virtual High Street & Thanet Stalls Directory have once again joined forces with Sylvia Scorey and her brilliant family funfair to bring you The Broadstairs May Fair!
Expect a bustling promenade packed with fantastic local stalls, family rides in Victoria Gardens, and live entertainment at the Broadstairs Bandstand each afternoon.
Free Kids Sand Art Session
23rd May, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns. 1pm – 2pm
Sand art is a gentle creative activity where children sprinkle and layer colourful sand to make a picture or bottle.
Calm hands. Careful pouring. Bright colours.
No rushing. No mess. No pressure.
-Mess-contained (sand stays in trays)
-No glue or glitter
-SEN-aware and inclusive
-Children work at their own pace
This session is especially lovely for children who enjoy:
• choosing their own colours
• predictable, step-by-step activities
• quiet, focused play
If your child prefers calm creativity over loud or high-energy activities, this is for them.
Booking in advance is essential to secure your child’s space. For ages 3 -10
Free Book now
Stretchy Turtle Sand
23rd May, 11am, Little Ravens, High St, Ramsgate
Fun turtle session drawing and naming our own turtles then making the best fluffy slime sand!
You will be learning turtle facts, and make sensory kinetic fluffy sand from scratch!
Finish by making turtle eggs and baby turtles sculptures in the sand.
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
Scalextric Racing
23rd May – 25th May, 10am to 2pm, The WonderWorks by Hornby Hobbies
Ready, Set, Race! Will you be crowned champion of The WonderWorks Scalextric Race Event?
Be in with the chance of winning a Scalextric set worth £159.99, with more prizes for 2nd and 3rd places.
Tickets £3 per person
Pro Wrestling Colossus presents: Crustaceous
23rd May, 4pm, at St John’s Church and Community Centre, Margate
With a line-up that will include Beau Belles, Buck Garcia, Pulley Adams, Sha Samuels and a special guest in the main event!
Light food and drink refreshments will be available from the bar
Adults £12 Child £6 (group ticket discounts are available too) Plus booking fee Book now
Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop – Kid’s Book Club: The Ice Cream Crocodile (3+)
23rd May, 9.30am, The Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop Broadstairs
Join Nicci this May half term for a joyful picture book celebration inspired by The Ice Cream Crocodile by Mariesa Dulak
Perfect for young children and families, this special holiday book club will include a shared storytime, chatting together about friendship, confidence and discovering your own special talents, plus themed creative activities inspired by this fabulous circus adventure. Expect imagination, laughter and plenty of bookish fun in the bookshop!
Elvis the crocodile absolutely LOVES circus life – the excitement, the crowds, the treats and the dazzling performances. But there’s one problem… the ringmaster Sidney only allows fluffy and feathery animals centre stage. Surely a crocodile could never be a star performer?
Children will sit for the reading, then move to a play/craft table for activities. All materials are provided and age-appropriate.
Adults may stay for the event (limited seating available) or relax with a coffee and pastry downstairs in Staple.
Tickets £5 per child Book now
Ramsgate Lit Fest at The Book Hotel- The Falstaff- Ramsgate
Mrs H Sings — A Family Music Show
May 23, 4pm, in The Waterloo Room
Join Mrs H and her band as they whisk you away on a musical journey with their infectious songs. Part theatre, part comedy, with a huge sprinkling of mischief — bring your voices, your silly dances, and don’t hold back from joining in!
Expect guitar, banjo, double bass, accordion, vocals, props and puppets. Ages 2 and up — adults will love it too.
Accessibility: The Waterloo Room is not wheelchair accessible — there are two short flights of stairs.
Everyone needs their own ticket — children and grown-ups alike. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All the more fun together!
Ramsgate Handmade & Vintage Fair
23rd May – 25th May, 11am to 4pm, Harbour Parade
Ramsgate’s regular maker’s market with locally-produced and made goodies galore
Saturday Kids Clay Club
23rd May, 9qam, Clayspace Cliftonville
Drop the kids off… to release their inner potter for a creative session working with real clay at Clayspace in Cliftonville, Margate!
These classes offer an exciting opportunity for children to explore and develop their own creative ideas through the medium of clay in a professional studio space with inspiring tutors. The sessions will include hand building, sculpting and throwing on the potters wheel, as well as an exploration into decorative techniques.
These 1.5 hr pottery sessions are suitable for 6-11 year olds. These sessions are limited to small groups so that everyone gets lots of attention and can work at their own pace.
Fee includes materials and firings (i.e. a “reasonable” amount of clay and glazes – if your child really wants to build a life size dinosaur they may have to charge a little extra.)
This is a kids only session, no adults please.
Example costs: £45 for 3 x 1.5 hour sessions per term / £90 for 6 x 1.5 hour sessions per term Book now
Chris Ray, The Texan
23rd May, 5pm, Legends Live Lounge
From Austin, Texas, born and raised in the honky-tonks and bars, Chris Ray is a true Texas Country singer.
From Johnny Cash to Luke Combs. Requests for favourite song.
An evening of Words & Music with Anthony Toner & Rosie Johnston
23rd May, 7.30pm, The Old Curiosity Shop Broadstairs
Anthony Toner is one of Ireland’s finest singer songwriters, steadily growing an audience across the UK for both his solo shows and his regular appearances with folk legend Barbara Dickson on her acoustic tours over the past decade.
Joined for this show by Kent based poet Rosie Johnston. Rosie’s fifth book of poetry, ‘Safe Ground’, was published by Mica Press in spring 2025.
Tickets £10
Can’t Stop! (Club Night)
23rd May, 9pm, Where Else? Margate
Emo, Metal, Rock, Pop-Punk & more at Where Else? in Margate!
Banger After Banger! DJ Orlandimus bringing an onslaught of anthems
18+. ID must be shown on the day.
Tickets £4.99 Book now
Recessland
23rd May – 24th May, Dreamland Margate
Recess returns again for the May Bank Holiday for another two day takeover at Dreamland in Margate
Scenic Stage (Outdoor Event Space)
This event is classified as 21+ (ID Required)
Day tickets from £75.30 / Weekend from £128.20 plus booking fee Book now
Violet’s Craft Fair
23rd May, 10am, Violets High St, St Lawrence
Knitted and crochet gifts, cards, Macrame and Jewellery.
Dabke Night
23rd May, 6pm, Cliftonville Community Centre
An evening of food, crafts and a dabke dance workshop from Juzour Dance Co, raising funds for Friends of Manar.
Juzour Dance Co coming together to raise vital funds for Manar in Gaza – through dance, food, craft, music, and connection.
First…
Dabke Dance Workshop with @juzourdanceco Please arrive from 6pm, the workshop timings are 6.15 -7pm. Limited tickets available – book here or buy your ticket on the door (if they haven’t sold out!)
Then from 7pm (unticketed)
DJs @steeplespeoples @___e11e___
Crafts by @weeniegifts @cecilialmwee @amyexton
Homemade food @kkailou.world
Open to all — bring your friends
Donations welcome on the day
Tickets £12 dance workshop / free from 7pm Book now
Afro Latino Weekender
23rd May – 25th May, from noon, The Space Margate
Find joy in this immersive journey through rhythm, story and taste from Solta Sound and Afro Latino Experience UK. Book now
WW2-era Tea Dance
23rd May, 11am to 4pm, San Clu Bar & Brasserie Ramsgate
As part of Ramsgate’s Operation Dynamo commemorations, this 1940s-style tea dance feature live music from Tara James & Laura May, as well as delicious homemade cakes, teas and coffees, and a raffle, with proceeds going to support the marvellous Standing with Giants installations around the Harbour.
Call to book your tickets, £10pp – 01843 592345
ABBA Tribute Night
23rd May, from 9pm, Grosvenor Casino Thanet
Enjoy all your favourite ABBA hits, including Dancing Queen, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, Mamma Mia and many more…
Tickets include a glass of bubbly, and a £25 Lucky Roulette voucher.
Meal packages also available.
18+ only
£15pp Booking essential – call 01843 579999
Nature Loops: Artist-led workshop by Rosie Carr
23rd May, 5pm-7pm, Turner Contemporary
Immerse yourself in this hands-on workshop exploring experimental instrument-making using natural and reclaimed materials, led by Ramsgate-based artist Rosie Carr at Turner Contemporary in Margate
Using natural and reclaimed materials collected from local beaches, woods and gardens, Rosie will show you how to create handmade percussive and experimental instruments. Sounds, instruments, and materials will build throughout the workshop, evolving into an immersive sound environment, layered with ambient field recordings and gentle synth textures.
Spaces for instrument making are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, but visitors are welcome to watch the workshop and evolving soundscape unfold throughout the night.
Note: This workshop is suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult when using hand tools. Amplified sound elements may not be suitable for visitors sensitive to noise.
Opening Day: Hulda Guzmán: ‘Please awake – asked Nature kindly
23rd May, from 2pm, Turner Contemporary
Join Turner Contemporary in Margate as they reopen for the summer season with an afternoon and evening of music, workshops, and celebration marking the opening of the new exhibition.
2–7pm Explore the exhibition.
2–7pm Discover The Drawing Studio
2–5.30pm Music and cocktails in the Sunley Gallery
5–7pm Nature Loops workshop with Rosie Carr in the Foyle Rooms
From 5pm until late Terraza on the Terrace with DJs Ricky Cox and Dean Thatcher, plus food from The Adobros at Louie On Sea
Everyone is welcome. Drop in throughout the afternoon and stay into the evening.
Nightmares on Wax
24th May, 4pm, The Drill Shed
A rare 3-hour set… an extended afternoon journey with one of UK electronic music’s true architects at The Drill Shed in Margate
This is an 18+ event
From £20 plus booking fee Book now
Resonant Coast #4
24th May, doors open 5pm, Staple Stores in Ramsgate’s York Street
Richard Pike launches his next LP ‘Redemption Suite I-IX: For Piano & Textures’. 90s-inspired dub-glitch and tape loops, against slow piano improv created as a partial homage to Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Snacks and drinks will be served. Space is limited.
Tickets £7 Book now
Slow Sundays: Dissolve with Eleanor Yankah
24th May, 4pm, Turner Contemporary
Yoga nidra and sound bath… releasing the top layer of tension and mental noise at Margate’s Turner Contemporary
Foyle Rooms
Sound therapist and multidisciplinary practitioner Eleanor Yankah leads the first of three immersive experiences using the science of resonance, harmonic entrainment and sustained frequency to guide participants into progressively deeper states of rest.
Each session pairs a live sound bath – Himalayan singing bowls, crystal quartz bowls, gong, chimes, drone instruments, shruti, vocals and more – with a complementary approach delivered by guest facilitators.
Tickets £30 Book now
Bands on the Sands – Leslie P George
24th May, from 3pm, The Pavilion Broadstairs
Leslie P George will be taking to the outdoors stage this Sunday afternoon.
Different Directions
24th May, 7pm, Margate Arts Club
Music policy: eclectic sounds from across the spectrum of soul-focused music, DJs open to explore and delve.
Atmosphere: Relaxed, community-focused, for the dancers, chatters and music lovers.
DJS: Yuri Suzuki / Triangulator / DJ Lujoso
18+
Tickets £5 plus booking fee Book now
Where The Wild Things Are
24th May, ARK – Cliftonville Cultural Space
The Enchanted Cinema presents Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are
12 noon – 1pm & 2pm – 3pm
An interactive, enchanted cinema experience for wild things of all ages.
Before the lights dim, we return to the moment this story was born — when Maurice Sendak transformed childhood mischief and big feelings into a book that changed how we see children forever.
Hands, voices and instruments from around the world awaken as children and grown-ups become a living orchestra, creating the soundtrack live as the film unfolds. Forests rustle, monsters roar, oceans swell.
Featuring hand-crafted instruments made by young people from the Wilderwoods Education Initiative, alongside instruments from four continents, and led by professional musicians Celeste (trumpet) and Kieron (viola, keyboard).
For ages 5+. Please keep phones tucked away — this is a screen-free wild rumpus.
Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Tickets £7.50 adult, £5 child plus booking fee Book now
Polish Afternoon
24th May, 3pm, Nature’s Nook in Margate
Get a feel for Polish food with this afternoon making and eating traditional pierogi and homemade beetroot soup with Justina.
Limited to 10 people.
Tickets £20 Book now
Sunday Soul Party by Margate Soul Weekender
24th May – 25th May, from 7pm, The Pavilion Broadstairs
Margate Soul Weekender lands in Broadstairs for this Bank Holiday special…
18+
Expect big tunes, a buzzing dance floor, and the signature Margate Soul Weekender atmosphere…but in Broadstairs!
Tickets £10 + booking fee Book now
Messy Monday
25th May, 10am to 4pm, Margate Caves
It’s also World Bee Day on 20 May and the Caves favourite tiny residents, the little Yellow-Legged Mining Bees, have returned to their sunny garden in time to celebrate.
So take along your little buzzers for stripy, bee-tastic crafts at just £1.50 per child.
No need to book, just drop in and join the hive!
Messy Mondays are £1.50 per child at the till
Caves… Adult tickets £5 per person, Concessions £4 per person
Tiny Disco Club
25th May, 9am to 11am, Turner Contemporary
A joyful daytime rave for kids and parents — dance, play and move together without the late night.
Designed for all ages, this kids and parents rave combines uplifting house, disco, hip hop and party classics with a safe, open environment where children can roam and grown-ups can let loose.
Alongside the music, Zen Kitchen will offer a special breakfast menu, and guest DJs will join Tiny Disco Club residents for their Turner Contemporary debut, making the morning even more vibrant.
There’s no need to bring anything other than comfy clothes and a willingness to dance. A bouncy castle and face-painting will also be available for all to enjoy!
Babes in arms are free to attend–there is no need to purchase a ticket.
Please note that photography of any kind is not permitted during this event.
Adult £12-£15, Child £5-£7 Book now
Not the Margate Meltdown
May 25, 10am to 5pm, Margate
Ace Café may have cancelled their Meltdown event but scooter and motorbike riders are still expected to head to the town and put their vehicles on show.
Nelson Park
25th May – 28th May, Nelson Park Riding Centre in Birchington
Monday 25th: Stable Day (9.30am-4pm) / For ages 7+ / £68
Included Riding
Grooming
Looking after the horses
A day with the ponies
Cost £68, To book, contact [email protected] or 01843 822251
Africa Day
25th May, 11am to 4pm, Quex House and Gardens, Home to the Powell-Cotton Museum
Travel across Africa as you follow the giant map of the continent, stopping in Kenya, Namibia and the Republic of the Congo. Along the way, the curator will share enchanting stories inspired by each country and connected to objects from the museum’s collections.
This welcoming, hands-on day for families, children and visitors of all ages includes:
A guided story tour for children – a fun and engaging curator-led journey for young explorers and their families.
Adinkra printing activities – drop in and create your own design inspired by traditional Ghanian symbols.
African drumming sessions – enjoy the rhythm, movement and music.
Explore the African collections – discover the world-renowned animal dioramas alongside material culture objects from across Africa.
All activities are included with your standard admission ticket.
Standard Admission: Adult £9 / Concession £8 / Child £7 Book now
Kid’s Author-Illustrator Event: Ged Adamson ‘That Bird Can Draw!’ (Ages 2+)
25th May, 11am The Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop Broadstairs
A very special Bank Holiday Monday event with Ged Adamson celebrating his delightful new picture book ‘That Bird Can Draw!’
Perfect for children aged 2+, this joyful May half term event will include a lively interactive storytime with Ged himself, alongside drawing fun and creative activities inspired by the book’s charming characters. Expect giggles, imagination and plenty of artistic encouragement along the way!
Grandad has a new pet bird and – wow – that bird can DRAW! His granddaughter loves making art too, but she can’t help comparing her own pictures to Vera’s incredible talent. Can Vera help show her that everyone has their own unique creativity, and that the most important thing is doing what makes you happy?
And every child takes home their own copy of That Bird Can Draw! to treasure!
During the session, the responsible adult(s) are very welcome to enjoy their favourite coffee and pastry downstairs at STAPLE or come and hang out upstairs in the bookshop!!
Children will sit for the reading, then move to a play/craft table for activities. All materials are provided and age-appropriate.
Booking is essential — spaces are limited!
Ticket price: £5 per child (includes a hardback copy of the book RRP £12.99) Book now
Kids’ Art Classes: Have Fun While You Learn
25th May – 29th May, 10am to noon, Silverland Studios Ramsgate
Half Term art classes for the little ones and older children
Ages 5 – 9
Children are born with a natural sense of colour and imagination. This painting week wants to feed and develop both: the enjoyment of painting as well as challenging creativity…
A story full of pictures, colours and moods will be told in sequences in the first four days, incorporating ideas that arise from painting. The last day we will explore selected works from art history and share our own paintings, while having cake with an ice cream chocolate shake.
£60 for 5 sessions (Mon – Fri)
Please bring:
An old, long shirt (to protect clothes)
Old shoes
7 small jars with screwtops ( for the paint provided)
Also Drawing and Painting Things as They Look
2pm – 4pm (Ages 9 – 13)
This second workshop is suitable for children who are at the beginning of perceiving figuration. They’ll learn more technical skills and paint objects from everyday life.
£60 for 5 sessions (Mon – Fri)
Call 01843 589275 to book
Tickets £60 for 5 sessions
Summertime Alchemy
Monday 25th May, 1.00pm – 4.00pm, Gather & Ramsgate harbour
Treat yourself to an afternoon of physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation while celebrating the Summertime and warmer months.
Summertime Alchemy will explore core values of health, wellness and personal achievement in a fun and educational micro-retreat featuring a range of activities including;
Potions Workshop where we will learn how to make some easy, health-enhancing supplements (may get a little bit messy!)
Qi Gong Yoga with guest host Sue Ellis from Simply Understanding Exercise
Manifestation Bootcamp where will give explore traditional methods of bringing about desired results along with the modern evidence that supports these techniques
Educational Talks covering areas such as Elemental Health Hacks and The Power of Mind Over Matter…
Meditation, breathwork, vocal exercises, games and more!
This event is aimed at providing an entertaining, educating and rejuvenating experience for both children and adults so is open to any participants aged 6 and over, although those aged under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are £15 per person, with group save deals available for groups of four or five
Vue cinema Westwood
Head back to a galaxy far, far away this May as The Mandalorian and Grogu blasts onto the big screen on 22 May, just in time for the break.
In the wake of a new era for the galaxy, the fledgling New Republic is hoping to protect everything that the Rebellion fought for, enlisting the help of legendary bounty hunter Din Djarin, aka The Mandalorian, and his adorable apprentice Grogu to take part in a daring rescue mission.
As well as the latest blockbusters, a selection family favourites and all-time classics are returning to the big screen this May, perfect for young film fans to enjoy. Marking 30 years since its release, the Looney Tunes team up with Michael Jordan for an out-of-this-world basketball brawl to save Toon Town in Space Jam. Meanwhile, fairy tales collide in comedic chaos in Shrek, as the ogre’s first adventure returns to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
For the opportunity to catch recent family favourites on the big screen for a very small price, Vue’s Mighty Mornings screenings will be showing every day across the break. Ideal for kids between four and 11, the recent animated adventure Goat leaps back into Vue, with prices from just £2.49 a ticket when booked online.
For younger audiences, Vue will also be bringing some of the most popular children’s characters back as part of its Big Shorts series. Aimed at younger children between one and four, the screenings are hosted in a relaxed environment with dimmed lighting. Younger viewers can look forward to a special bumper screening of Bluey at the Cinema: Playdates with Friends throughout the half term.
To find out more, visit www.myvue.com/family.
