Things to see and do in Thanet, May 29-31

Monkton Nature Reserve

Friday 29th May:

11am – Slugs and Snails
What’s the difference between a slug and a snail?
Discover the benefits of these slimy gastropods. Learn how to label the parts of a snail and make your own paper snail with a curly shell. How many types of slugs and snails can you identify on the reserve?

​1pm – Big Bug Hunt

Bug pot in hand and ID chart at the ready. It’s time to search for some of the reserve’s smallest residents. All that wiggles, creeps, scuttles, crawls and flutters can be closely observed and identified.

Members £3 / Non Members £5

Website: https://monkton-reserve.org/

Jesus Christ Superstar

May 29-30, Holy Trinity Church Margate

MOS Productions bring Jesus Christ Superstar to the stage.

This rock musical is packed with incredible music, gripping drama, and a story that will leave you speechless. Whether you’re a long-time fan or seeing it for the first time, this is a show you do not want to miss!

Book now: https://www.ticketsource.com/Mos-productions

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. Details here

Tableau Vivant on The Parade

Friday, 29^thMay, noon to 3pm,, enacting a Tableau Vivant on The Parade, by The Rendezvous, Margate, opposite Turner.

Raising awareness of the contents of the UK-Israel Road Map for bilateral relations.

Kids Go For £1

29th May, 10am-3.30pm, The WonderWorks by Hornby Hobbies

As a special treat to round off the school holidays, on 29th May, children aged 5-15 can enjoy admission for just £1, in addition to the ongoing offer of free entry for children under 5 when accompanied by a paying adult.

Adult £5.00 / Child (5-15) £1 / Concession (60+) £2.50 / Student £2.50 / Family (2 adults & up to 4 children) £12.50

Kid’s Author-Illustrator Event: Em Cosh’s Pride Warm-Up Craft Fun (Ages 2+)

29th May, 10.30am, The Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop

A joyful and creative Pride Month warm-up craft event with the creator of the wonderful picture books Kip and the Squiggledoodle and The Magic Scarf

Perfect for children aged 2+, this colourful family craft session will invite children to design and create their very own special flag representing their family, identity, imagination or the people they love most – ready to wave proudly at Pride celebrations or display at home afterwards.

Known for their warm, inclusive storytelling and dreamy illustrations filled with kindness and creativity, Em will help guide families through a relaxed and welcoming morning of art, self-expression and joyful making together.

And every child takes home their own copy of one of Em Cosh’s brilliant picture books 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 £7.99) Book now

Ramsgate Great Eggcase and Scavenger Hunt with BeachArt

29th May, 2pm-3.30pm.

Join the hunt looking for clues of our marine life along the shore, and look out for shark and ray egg cases, on this activity that includes sand/beach art at the end!

You will need to wear suitable footwear and clothing for the beach, sand art and the weather conditions on the day.

All equipment is provided by the Thanet Coast Project – although you are welcome to bring your own spades! This event is run with the help of Volunteer Coastal Wardens.

These events are suitable for families and especially children aged 4-11. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout. Please book a ticket for the children in your group. (Up to 4 children per ticket, for a family group)

The event is free, but donations are welcome (suggest £2.50 per adult & child present) Book now

Sing and Sign baby signing classes

29th May, 1pm-2pm, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns

Concessions open from 12 noon

A special outdoor Sing and Sign session with  Hannah from Sing and Sign East Kent.

Sing and Sign’s award-winning baby signing and communication classes have supported families across East Kent, including Whitstable, Herne Bay, Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Sandwich and Deal. Through simple signs, music and play, babies and toddlers learn to communicate before speech, creating those magical moments when your little one can tell you what they need.

This is a FREE event and open to all.

They’ll be collecting optional cash donations on the day (pay what you can), with every penny supporting the local baby bank charity Mama to Mama. Book now

Charlie the Wonderdog PG

May 29-31, Carlton Cinema Westgate

When Danny’s loyal, four-legged best friend is mysteriously abducted by aliens, Charlie returns home with incredible new abilities and a mission to protect the people he loves. As his nemesis, neighbourhood cat Puddy sets out to take over the world, it’s up to Charlie the Wonderdog to discover the true meaning of heroism and save the day! Details here

Broadstairs Bandstand

May 29, 1pm-4pm, Nick Kelly

May 30, 2pm-4pm, Robbo

May 31, 2pm-4pm, Doug Hudson Band

The Big Quiz

29th May, doors open 6pm, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns

A fun and challenging trivia night where you can test your knowledge and win outside at Cliftonville’s Oval Bandstand

Max team size: 6 people, £2 per person to enter, 50% of the entry pot goes to the winning team’s Jackpot Prize!

No Cheating Please – No phones or outside help during the quiz – keep it fair and fun!

On the Night… Arrive early to grab a great spot, this is an outdoor event – dress warmly and bring blankets!

Licensed bar will be open all evening. Sorry – no outside food or drink allowed

Plus… plenty of surprise games and bonus rounds to keep you guessing!

Tickets £2 Book now

Show and Tell

28th May – 1st June, noon to 6pm, Joseph Wales Studios Margate

A new 35mm slide installation by Kat Cutler-MacKenzie and photo series by Ben Caro.

In the exhibition the artists draw inspiration from visual and performative tools used to transmit knowledge in classrooms and museums.

NULLState #2

29th May, 7pm, Where Else? Margate

With Distraxi, She The Throne, Pale World and New Flesh.

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

Tickets £10   Book now

Bob Sumners

29th May, 7.30pm, Ramsgate Music Hall

Singer-songwriter Bob Sumner cites the musically progressive sensibilities of his heroes when talking about the spirit of his new album, Some Place to Rest Easy, out now via Fluff& Gravy (worldwide) and North Country Collective(Canada).

All ages show (under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult)

Tickets £15 Book now

The Show Must Go On: The Granville Theatre Documentary Premiere Screening

29th May, 7.30pm, The Granville Theatre

Step onto the red carpet for an premiere event and be among the very first to witness the  journey behind the Granville Theatre’s transformation!

This exclusive screening reveals never-before-seen footage from the team’s renovation diaries; capturing every moment from bold first ideas to the dazzling gala opening night.

Go behind the scenes of one of Kent’s most ambitious creative projects, where a forgotten, derelict building was brought back to life as a thriving, vibrant theatre in under nine months.

Tickets £10.45 plus booking fee Book now

Book Launch ‘Up All Night’

29th May, 7pm, Margate Arts Club

The Margate Bookshop presents party historian Imogen Willetts new book at Margate Arts Club

The book is a guided tour of history’s wildest nights out – piecing together tantalising ephemera and foggy reminiscences from shogunate Japan to noughties Hollywood, and every iconic scene in between.

Up All Night is the story of the good times and the great ones. Who invented jazz? What did 18th century Londoners do for entertainment? Why was Detroit the birthplace of techno? Who built Las Vegas? And of course she talks about Margate Arts Club.

16+

Free (booking advised though) Book now

Drag Bingo Night

29th May, 7pm, Riparo Westwood

Get ready for a night of laughs, glam, and just the right amount of drama with Sophia Stardust hosting Drag Bingo. Expect big hair, bigger personalities, and bingo calls you’ve definitely never heard before.

Tickets £15

Margate Bat Walk

29th May, 9.15pm, Dane Valley Woods

Bat detectors will be provided to tune into ultrasonic calls and assist with location of any bats within the vicinity… many, especially children, delight in hearing these monitors when activated!

Many are unaware that these fascinating creatures live in the local community.

This is a gentle 45 minute stroll suitable for all ages.

Free (donations welcome) Book now

Hold’s 5th Birthday Show!

29th May – 31st May, Hold Creative Spaces, Albert Street, Ramsgate

Friday 29 May 2pm – 6pm, Saturday 30 May 11am – 9pm, Sunday 31 May midday – 6pm

After an awesome response to their birthday call out Hold have announced that they will be showing 50 artists at their  birthday show.

Studio artists will be opening up their studios too so you can see their works and how they work and chat to them too.

Alley Bar Games Night

29th May, 7pm, The Alley Bar Ramsgate

If you are looking to roll some dice and grab a pint in the area, The Alley Bar in Ramsgate hosts its’ very own games night!

The Alley Bar is a staple for cozy board game sessions, bring your own favorites or play solo.

Free

Justine’s Launch Party

29th May, 7pm, Justines Margate

Expect live music from AL Strange, The Velvet Hands, and Lulu, plus a DJ set from venue owners Carl Barât and Edie Langley.

Tickets £10 Book now

Saturday Family Friendly Session

30th May, 11am, Clayspace Cliftonville

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

RC Race and Display

30th May – 31st May, 10am to 4pm,  RAF Manston History Museum

Are you a fan of anything and everything to do with RC vehicles?

If so, then you are invited to the RC Race and Display event taking place on the Upper Field for a weekend of RC mayhem with a wide variety of vehicles, including planes, cars and buses.

Feel the thrill of speed, watch high-performance radio-controlled vehicles in action, enjoy stunning displays.  A great weekend out for all ages!

If you would be interested in displaying, please email [email protected] for more information.

Adults – £3, Children – £1.50

Rumble Wrestling

30th May, doors open 2pm, show from 3pm-5pm, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns

Special family offer – 2 kids (under 16) go FREE with every full-price adult ticket!

This summer, the electrifying spectacle of Rumble Wrestling is back at the iconic Oval Bandstand, promising an action-packed evening that will leave fans on the edge of their seats.

Watch your favourite Rumble Wrestling stars battle it out in jaw-dropping matches filled with high-flying moves, powerhouse slams, and plenty of drama.

Includes a fifteen-minute interval to catch your breath before the next round of epic clashes!

Meet the Stars – don’t miss your chance to meet the legends in person! Snap a photo, grab some autographs, and take home exclusive merchandise to commemorate this unforgettable evening (meet and greet access requires a purchase.)

Max two kids per adult ticket… kids’ tickets must be secured online when booking adult tickets.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult (aged 21+)… No admittance to unaccompanied minors… Offer excludes ringside seating

Tickets £10 – £15 Book now

Colourful Science

30th May, 11am, Little Ravens Ramsgate

Make colourful explosive oil lamps, magical coloured happy oat milk, test the different sweets and watch colour changing paper!

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

Broadstairs Children’s Literary Festival

30th May, 10am to 3pm, Havisham & Cratchit at Bleak House in Broadstairs.

There will be readings and fun, throughout the day along with an opportunity to meet the authors and grab some wonderful books.

10am – Peter Erlam and the Adventures of Ravi the Raven. Peter’s series is perfect for children 7+ or as an adventurous bed time story read by adults.

10.45am – John Condon take to the stage, with his brilliant new book, “We Are Dragons” and fantastically fun picture book, suitable for all ages.

11.30am – Nan Eshelby will be reading from her books Bombus the Bee, these beautiful books, are a great way to introduce children to the nature around us.

12.15pm – Julie Leonard the author of William The Caterpillar, sharing tales and poetry.

1pm – Sofia Haq, a wonderful young author will be reading from her books, these amazing stories are full of mystery and adventure.

Ian Humpheryes will be there at 1.45pm with his books, featuring creatures of every size.

Tea’s Coffees and light refreshments can be purchased throughout the event from Havisham & Cratchit.

Free entry

Chillie Kids Club upcycle workshops

30th May – 31st May, Turner Contemporary

11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm

Learn tips and techniques to transform unwanted garments into unique outfits.

Bring along your unwanted or worn-out clothing (or choose from our fabric stash), then have a rummage through the vintage and secondhand haberdashery bar for treasures to fuel your imagination before creating your very own designs to take home.

Suitable for ages 5 and over. Materials and use of equipment are included in the ticket price.

Drop off event or join in and do it with them!

The Chillie Kids Club is part of Turn the Tide – A family-friendly pop-up celebrating independent makers, creative kidswear, and sustainable design.

Tickets £20 Book now

The Meadow Market

30th May, 10am to 2pm,Bell Meadow Pavilion in St Nicholas At Wade

Featuring local makers, artisan treats and small businesses… including fresh bread/sourdough, fruits & vegetables and plants.
Handmade cakes, fudge, local honey and preserves.
Handmade soaps, natural dog treats and 3D printed items are often available.
Dog-friendly spaces and children’s activities such as sand art and funfair games.

Kid’s Book Club: Rewild this Book! Nature Craft Fun! (For ages 3+)

30th May, 9.30am, The Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop

Join Nicci this May half term for a wonderfully wild and creative nature-themed book club inspired by Rewild This Book by National Trust and Nosy Crow

Perfect for children who love the outdoors, crafting and getting gloriously messy, this playful holiday session will include nature-inspired creative activities, chatting about outdoor adventures and exploring imaginative ways to connect with the world around us. Expect sticking, drawing, making, and plenty of joyful bookshop fun together!

Rewild This Book is no ordinary activity book… it’s a book that invites children to take creativity OUTSIDE. You can dip it in puddles, roll it down hills, make art with twigs, turn mud into creatures and discover the fun of playful experimentation in nature!

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

Turn the Tide

30th May – 31st May, 10am to 4.30pm, Turner Contemporary

Curated by Broadstairs-based family store Kinder Collective, this two-day market brings together a thoughtful selection of ethical brands, artists and craft-makers, offering kindly made clothing, handmade and upcycled pieces, and design-led goods for children and families.

Children aged 5+ can also take part in a series of hands-on creative workshops with Chillie Kids Club, exploring upcycling and reimagining clothing in a relaxed, playful setting.

Featuring The Design Dealership Dinky Circus Kinder Collective Kin + Cloth Kurma Collective Lulu’s Decor Lyttle Stór Mama to Mama Mini Carousel Mini Garms Gang OR Collective Studio Koter RoRo’s Ice Cream

Braid Social

30th May, noon, Building 1, 8 Harold Rd, Cliftonville

Think ‘sip and paint,’ but with braids! Join IVY WILD Academy for a fun event where you’ll braid, play games, swap tips, and make new friends, in Cliftonville!

A fun and interactive event where you can meet fellow braid enthusiasts, share tips and tricks, and show off your braiding skills! Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, everyone is welcome to join in the braid-tastic fun. This in-person event will be held in Margate, so mark your calendars and get ready for a day filled with braids, laughs, and new friends.

Tickets £35.50 Book now

Wilson’s Comedy Club

30th May, 7pm, The Queen’s Head Ramsgate

Headlining the night is Carey Marx. As sharp as joke writers come – He has performed on every continent, twice won Best International Show at the New Zealand Comedy Festival – making him the only act in the history of the festival to achieve that feat.

Opening the show is Aidan Jones. Winner of Show of the Year at the Edinburgh Fringe 2025.

Middle act for the night is Dimitri Bakanov. Half Russian, half Ukrainian, now based in the UK

Holding the whole night together – host Wilson Milton! South London born, as seen on Lad Bible, and the man who built this club from the ground up.

Then the live band takes over and the night just keeps going.

Tickets £15 Book now

Dawn Chorus Walk at Margate Cemetery

30th May, 5am, Margate Cemetery

Join Birdwise to experience the sights and sounds of the Dawn Chorus at Margate Cemetery.

Margate Cemetery is one of the best spots in Thanet for woodland and garden birds, so this is a great to chance to hear them in full voice!

You’ll be meeting at the cemetery gates on Manston Road – there is free parking on the roadside along Manston Road (please do not park in the crematorium car park).

Unfortunately there are no public toilets available on this site, so please do bear that in mind.

Make sure to wrap up warm and wear appropriate footwear, as some of this walk will be across unstable ground.

Free – reserve a space Book now

Caribbean BBQ & DJ Smiley

30th May, 3pm, Legends Live Lounge Broadstairs

DJ Smiley plays with the usual mix of R&B, Reggae, Soul, Rap, Hip hop, Soul House.

Minnie-Mae Studio – Opening Weekend

30th May – 31st May, 22 York Street, Ramsgate

Open Saturday 10 am – 4pm and Sunday 10am – 2pm

Thoughtfully designed, whimsical interior objects and ceramics.

Community Gardening Day and Celebration of Volunteers

30th May, 10am to noon, The Sunken Garden Westbrook

Volunteers’ Week runs from 1 to 7 June, so what better way to celebrate it early than with the Sunken Gardeners, come and discover what they do and join the friendly group.

No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome.

At 11am they will also be joined by the Maroon Adventures walkers, who will be dropping in to join a pruning workshop.

A Black Cloud Held Lightly

30th May – 28th June, The Lido Stores Cliftonville

A solo show featuring the work of Laura L Bell, winner of The Lido Open 2025 as selected by Sophie von Hellermann and Kristen Healy.

Open Thursday – Saturday 11am-4pm

The show features surreal, still-life paintings, featuring objects taken from the artist’s life and dreams set in twilight landscapes and white fogs. Inspired by the painting Brighton Pierrots by Walter Sickert, and her own memories of growing up in a seaside town

Nip Slip

30th May, 9pm, The Drill Shed at Cliftonville Lido

Festival season is hitting Margate, but the party doesn’t end when the main stage goes dark. They’re keeping the energy high and the tunes hot at the The Drill Shed for the ultimate unofficial after-party!

This is an 18+ event

From £12 plus booking fee Book now

Cliftonville Farmers Market

31st May, 10am to 1pm, Walpole Green

Cliftonville Farmers’ Market was established in 2001 by the Cliftonville Residents Association and is run entirely by volunteers.

Award-winning Farmers Market, now with 40+ stalls, where producers sell bread, cheese, honey, fruit & juices, vegetables, fresh meat & wild game, and much more.

Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing

31st May, 10.30am to 11.15am, Monkton Nature Reserve

TMW (Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing) is a specially developed sequence of movements which promotes physical, psychological, and emotional health and wellbeing. With origins in Tai Chi, Chi Kung and meditation, the TMW sequence distills elements of these arts into a simple series of beautiful movements, without complex forms to learn or difficult techniques to master.

* This ticket includes day entrance to the reserve for you and your family, or friends.
* Attendees should arrive at reception at 10:15 so Lesley can start promptly.
* Please wear appropriate clothing and note that the pathway to the dome might be muddy so sensible footwear (i.e. wellies/walking boots) is advised.

Tickets £10 Book now

Julian James and Beci Kate – UK Tour

31st May, 5.30pm, Tom Thumb Theatre

Award winning singer – songwriter Julian James with his wife and musical partner, Beci Kate.

From £12 Book now

Oval Summer Sundays:The Electronix Live ’80’s Synth-Pop & New Wave’

31st May, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns

Doors, toilets and concessions open 1pm – 5pm, Concert 2pm – 4pm

Tribute to Yazoo, Eurythmics & The Human League

Big synths, bigger hooks, pure 80s energy

Tickets £2 Book now

Canvey – The Promised Island (Film Screening)

31st May, 2pm, ARK – Cliftonville Cultural Space

L’Chaim screening of an extended version of the fascinating BBC documentary

Stamford Hill has been associated with its ultra-Orthodox Jewish residents since the 1800s but as properties have become increasingly out of reach, some families have decided it is time to move. A community has started to develop in Canvey Island, which in 2013 was voted the most English place in Britain.

This extended BBC documentary follows one family from London as they adjust to their new home and explores the challenges of integration awaiting both the newcomers and the existing, non-Jewish Canvey Islanders.

This event is part of L’Chaim!, a series of events celebrating the heritage of Ark’s building. Jewish Culture Month (16 May – 16 June) is a new national festival celebrating Jewish life in the UK.

Tickets £10 plus booking fee (£8 concessions) Book now

Food for Thought – Christians Against Poverty

31st May, 10.30am, Union Church, Margate

Food for Thought celebrates Margate’s richly diverse community by hosting a dynamic programme of speakers at Union Church

Ruth Millard joins Food for Thought to discuss the vital work Christians Against Poverty (CAP) undertake in supporting those living in poverty.

Sharing real life case studies, this inspiring talk offers hope in a crisis that affects us all.

Fully inclusive / Hot breakfast including GF and vegan options / local music / Kids & dogs welcome.

Free

Jolly Boys Tours of Margate

31st May, 10.15am – 5pm, meet at Margate railway station

Jolly Boys Outings are offering a whistlestop tour of the most famous filming locations from the  1989 Only Fools and Horses Christmas special.

In this episode from Britain’s favourite sitcom, the whole Only Fools and Horses gang journey from their South London home to Margate, with classic moments including Denzil’s ‘disease’, the exploding coach, and Del Boy being reunited with Raquel.

Tours are being led by Adrian Pegg, who was a production manager for the famous episode.

The day begins at Margate Railway Station, where a coach awaits, driven by aptly-named Del! Onboard the decorated coach participants can enjoy quizzes, spot prizes, exclusive video clips, and Adrian’s memories from the 1989 shoot.

Locations include the former Roman Galley site and the former Dumpton Greyhound Track, and the old Broadstairs Police Station (now the Thorley Taverns HQ). A Fish & Chip Lunch is provided at Olby’s Soul Cafe, with an appearance from one of the Only Fools cast, after which the Tour will visit the Main Sands, the Harbour Arm, Palm Bay – the scene where the coach blew up – and then into Dreamland (if open) before heading back to Margate Station.

There will be photo opportunities, gift bags and an inflatable dolphin – although it won’t be the one Trigger lost in the Christmas special!

Gifts will also include an 80-page Souvenir Programme packed with rare photos and a signed, annotated replica of Adrian’s original 1989 Filming Schedule.

Tickets £175pp Book now

Floating Frequencies at the Italianate Glasshouse

31st May, 11am, Italianate Glasshouse Ramsgate

Surrounded by nature and the quiet presence of this 19th-century architectural gem, this outdoor session invites you to slow down, rest, and come back to yourself.

Guided by Eleanor, a multi-disciplinary wellness practitioner, the sound bath weaves together crystal quartz bowls, a gong, shruti, frame drums, chimes, and a range of percussion and meditative instruments to settle the nervous system and quiet the mind.

No experience needed – this session is open to all / Cushioned mats and eye pillows are provided.

Tickets £25 plus booking fee Book now