Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
There is still a chance to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Granville Theatre, Ramsgate today {November 29} and Saturday 30 November.
MOS Productions bring to life this scrumdiddlyumtious production of the musical based on the children’s favourite book celebrating its 60th Birthday this year.
Come on a journey of Pure Imagination as we find Charlie living in his downtrodden home yearning to win a Golden Ticket & take that tour of the wonderous Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory.
Evening performances 7:00 pm Saturday Matinee 2:00 pm
Adult Ticket £21.00 * Concessions (65+) £19.00 Children (Under 16’s) £17.00 or a Family Ticket £70.00 which Admits 4 (2 Adults and 2 Children)
Tickets only available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/mos-productions
‘Foreshore – the land margining a body of water, betwixt high and low tide’
Karen King will be bringing paintings, prints and pretty things to her solo exhibition at The Turner Rowe Arts Centre, Harbour Street, Ramsgate, 24th Nov – 14th Dec.
Her exhibition entitled ‘Foreshore – the land margining a body of water, betwixt high and low tide’ will feature her unique original acrylic and gouache paintings that have gained a following of over 160,000 followers on TIKTOK.
Showcasing several new works with Ramsgate as her muse and a new series of works based upon aerial views of beaches and our beautiful local landscapes, Karen will be at the arts centre to meet visitors during the exhibition and broadcasting live on Instagram and TIKTOK. (check online for further details) www.karenkingartist.com
Christmas Wreath Workshop
29th November, 7pm-9pm, Community Creative Studios, Continental Approach, Margate
This workshop at Community Creative Studios will have all your traditional fruits and pine cones etc.. but also an added extra of dried materials too including some classic Christmas sparkle!
Get in touch with your creative side and make your own Christmas wreath (with some help and guidance along the way).
The English Rose Flowers will be there teaching you some key skills and techniques they have gained along their floristry career.
All wreaths will be made on a standard door size wreath base of 12″ using a mix of fresh foliage including, pine, eucalyptus, rosemary, bay and with an added selection of dried products to give your wreath that extra wow factor!
Tickets £45 Book now
Winter Market
29th November – 1st December, Kindred House, 7 Grotto Hill, Margate
Shop a curation of unique wares from local Kent makers in Margate
Friday 29th – 10am-8pm
Saturday 30th – 10am-6pm
Sunday 1st – 10am-4pm
Visitors are invited to the open-house style event, set over 3 floors to browse the selection of offerings for festive shopping.
Open all weekend, come down & get involved. All are welcome!
Margate Christmas event
Saturday, 30th November from 11am to 5:30pm in Margate High Street and The Centre
Local stalls – Perfect for Christmas shopping and supporting local businesses.
Entertainment on the community stage – Enjoy live performances throughout the day.
Free Christmas Grotto with Mummy Christmas in Portman Smile Clinic Margate.
Teen Market – Find unique gifts created by young entrepreneurs and lots more.
No official light switch-on but lights will be illuminated throughout the event.
Margate Old Town Christmas Fayre
November 30, all day market, live music, mulled wine, late night shopping, hot chocolate.
Social Singing Choir, Margate mayor and Christmas tree lighting at 5.45pm.
Broadstairs Christmas Market
Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council will be hosting a Christmas market on Saturday 30 November at Pierremont Hall.
The event will include music, food, children’s fairground rides and a free meet and greet with Mr and Mrs Claus from 11am – 4pm.
The market will be open to the public from 11am until 5pm and will have more than 40 stalls selling everything from jewellery to crafts, cheese to chocolate and plants to artwork.
Musical performances from St Mildred’s Primary Infant School and Bromstone Primary School choirs and from local favourites, Swing that Thing, Nylon Tigers and Brad Pittance and the Pirates will take place on the portico overlooking the park throughout the day.
At 4.30pm the Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Garner and Inspiration Creative will round off the event by leading community carol singing.
The Christmas tree lights will be on for throughout the event.
Children of the Wicker Man {15} + Q&A
Palace Cinema, Saturday 30 November
Part of the Broadscares Season. An extraordinary glimpse behind the curtain at the reckless, maverick brilliance of Robin Hardy making folk horror classic The Wicker Man, as told by his sons. The directors are at the Palace for an in-person Q&A. Details here
The Tales of Timmy and his Magic Toe Beans
Manston author Carol M. Salter and illustrator Danny Ireton launch new book, The Tales of Timmy and his Magic Toe Beans on November 30, 10am to 3pm, at Monty’s in Station Road, Birchington.
Copies will be available to buy from Carol on launch day, or afterwards from Monty’s, Westgate Galleria & Taddy’s Barn (as well as online from Waterstones & Amazon)
Ramsgate Northern Soul
30th November, 7.30pm, Small Boat Owners Association
For the love of Northern Soul, Ramsgate Northern Soul bring you DJs spinning vinyl
Held in a small club environment in central Ramsgate, close to transport, accommodation, and Restaurants, with a great atmosphere and vibe!
Cash bar at 1980’s prices
Tickets £7.50 Book now
Pudding Pandemonium at Discovery Planet
On Saturday 30th November, Discovery Planet need some helpers to save them from Pudding Pandemonium!
Drop in to Discovery Planet HQ any time between 10am and 3pm for loads of Xmas Science fun.
47 High Street Ramsgate, CT11 9AG. It’s FREE and there’s no need to book.
The project is supported by UK Government.
Lino Print Your Own Christmas Cards
30th November with Judith Westrup at Lovelys Gallery in Cliftonville
Sessions: 9am – 12.30pm and 1pm – 4.30pm
Work with Judith on a 10×10 cm festive card design using beautiful metallic inks.
You will be given 6 square card blanks and envelopes as part of the session.
Refreshments and all materials provided. Book now
Peter & Co.
A printmaking exhibition celebrating Peter Firmin
Now – Saturday 4th January 2025, Lovelys Gallery, Cliftonville
Peter Firmin (1928-2018), co-creator of Bagpuss & The Clangers (to name a few of the iconic children’s programs he created), was also prolific printmaker and craftsman. ‘
Peter’s prints, made using an ancient Albion press, are incredibly detailed, as well charming and nostalgic. Many of the original linocuts in the exhibition were created by Peter for an illustrated, reissued edition of The Land & The Garden poem book by V.Sackville-West (1862-1962).
This enchanting and festive selection of Peter’s original linocuts will be on sale in the Annex gallery until Saturday 4th January.
Tree walks
Walks will guided by tree expert Peter Hasted, Find out more and book your place on the website HERE or sign up HERE to be sent Thanet Urban Forest news directly to your email inbox
Tree Walks when and where:
Sat 30 Nov, 2pm: Sunken Garden, Westbrook
Sun 1 Dec, 10am: Hartsdown & Tivoli Parks
Sun 1 Dec: 2pm: Quex Park & Gardens
Something About Etna
November 30-January 18, Liminal Gallery, Fort Hill Margate.
Exhibition by London-based artist Fipsi Seilern who explores her fascination with volcanic landscapes, cowboys with disembodied limbs, alongside an underlying fear of crowds.
Using colour pencils to draw directly onto untreated wood panels, the compositions oscillate between solitude and chaos: some figures sit isolated with skulls and miniature pigs, while others charge on horseback, guns drawn, with an imminent sense of eruption.
Drawing inspiration from mediaeval tapestries, Middle Eastern miniatures, and Japanese woodblock prints, her new body of work reflects a shift from her previous work blending Old Master copies and graffiti (under the pseudonym Pang Artworks), revealing a more introspective and instinctive approach. This new series offers a meditation on personal and collective anxieties through a distinct, surreal and unique visual language.
All are welcome to join the opening of ‘Something About Etna’ by Fipsi Seilern on Saturday 30 November 5pm-8pm.
Liminal Gallery is open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays 11am-4pm or outside of these times by appointment.
Alice Gold
30th November, 7.30pm, Ramsgate Music Hall
Following on from her critically-acclaimed album ‘Seven Rainbows’, songwriter Alice Gold showcases new material with a full band (of treasured Deal-based musicians), playing her unique blend of soulful psychedelic pop.
One of only a handful of shows this year – expect venom flecked vocals, pensive blues and off-kilter darkness. Supported by Clusters of Eyes.
Tickets £12.50 Book now
Christmas Shortbread Decorating
30th November – 1st December, 10am to 2pm The WonderWorks by Hornby Hobbies
Get ready for Christmas by decorating delicious shortbread cookies.
A perfect activity to get you into the festive mood and just £3 per person.
Tickets £3
Winter garden open days
30th November – 1st December, 11am to 3pm, Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens
Opening Quex Gardens for selected dates over the winter season.
Grab a delicious hot drink from Felicity’s cafe to enjoy as you wander along the woodland walk, spotting nature as you go.
Enjoy the walled gardens with the friendly hens and succulent glasshouse.
Adults £4
Concession £3.50
Child £3
Infant (0-3 yrs) Free
Sure Start Cards accepted, £1 entry, Under 5s free
Festive Weekends at Dickens House Museum
30th November – 1st December, Dickens House Museum Broadstairs
1pm – 4.30pm with last entry 4pm
Dickens House Museum celebrates Charles Dickens’ long connection with Broadstairs (1837-1851). It is housed in the cottage that was Charles Dickens’ inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield.
The Dickens Fellowship Declaimers and dedicated volunteers bring timeless tales to life with captivating performances of classics like A Christmas Carol.
Enjoy festive activities for all ages, from children’s Christmas crafts to enchanting tours led by costumed characters. With Christmas Carols being sung in the garden.
Stroll through the museum, soak in the Christmas spirit and find unique gifts for loved ones in our Christmas shop.
Tickets for the tour are £4.50 for adults and £2 for children
Free entry for shopping!
Wicked PG
Now- Dec 5 at the Carlton Cinema Westgate
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event.
TKE Christmas Bazaar
30th November, 2pm-6pm,TKE Studios Margate
A day filled with artist stalls, entertainment and festive food and drink provided by A Perfect Place to Grow.
Participating artists include: Tracey Emin, Lindsey Mendick, Gabriela Max, Mercedes Lucy, Vincent Hawkins, Elissa Cray, Jack Hirons, Ted Rogers, Laura Footes, Bianca Raffaella, Joline Kwakkenbos, Dom Watson, Layla Andrews, Darcy Brenna and Ziah Ziah.
Festive screening of The Polar Express
30th November, Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens
Arrival 12.30 pm, Film starts 1pm (no ads or trailers)
Each ticket includes a steaming cup of hot chocolate, just like the one served on the train to the North Pole, and a delightful selection of snacks to enjoy during the movie. Whether you’ve received your ticket in the mail or are simply following your “believe” compass, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. Will you hear the bell ring?
Adult: £15
Concession: £13
Child: £12
Under 3: Free
Powell-Cotton Members receive 10% discount
Santa at the Museum
30th November – 1st December, 10am to 4pm, RAF Manston History Museum
Will you be on Father Christmas’s naughty or nice list? RAF Manston is hosting a Christmas packed weekend!
Normal museum entrance fees apply (Adult £6, Child £3, under 5’s Free, Concession £5, Carer £3, Family (2 adults & up to 4 children) £18)
Santa’s Grotto with gift £3 additional charge. No need to book (subject to change and queue times may vary)
Little Cracker Launch – GADDS’ Brewery Christmas Party
30th November, noon to 5pm, Gadds’ The Ramsgate Brewery, Pyson’s Rd estate
It’s time to raise a glass of GADDS’ Christmas ruby ale, Little Cracker, to ring in the festive season
Barrel tapping at 12:30pm
Live Yuletide music from GADDZUKES, warming food from Jolly’s and plenty of free mince pies to nibble on.
Beer-y Christmas gifts to peruse, too!
No ticket required.
Studio J1H Open Day
30th November, 10am to 6pm, Studio J1H, Channel Rd, Westwood Industrial Estate Margate
Pick up original art, prints, ceramics and other unique items direct from the creators. This is also the home of the Lightkeeper (ex of Margate Old Town) for new and vintage light fittings and lamps.
Food noon – 2pm from Steph’s Sandwich Shop and a free beer courtesy of Northdown Brewery
Christmas Market at The George & Heart House
30th November, 11am-4pm, The George & Heart Margate
In the front and back gardens… mulled wine, festive food and plenty of shopping
Gold Panda
30th November, 9pm, Faith In Strangers Cliftonville
This live set promises a fusion of past influences and new perspectives.
Celebrated for his immersive, richly layered soundscapes, Gold Panda weaves influences from his journeys through Japan and his roots in Essex, creating a live experience that merges electronic precision with deep emotional resonance.
This is an 18+ event
Tickets £15.84 Book now
Pop-Up Scrap Store at Zoe Murphy Studios
30th November – 1st December, 11am to 5pm, Zoe Murphy Studios, Margate Old Town
Sale of fabric & haberdashery scraps for all your crafty needs!
Sunken Garden Community Gardening Day
30th November, 10am to noon and 2pm-4pm, Sunken Garden Westbrook
Tree Walk, Bulb Planting and Wreath Making this Saturday at Sunken Gardens in Westbrook, Margate!
10am to noon – Community bulb planting will take place across the Garden with 1000s of spring bulbs going into the Sunken Garden to bring a bright and colourful display whilst increasing the foraging for all the early emerging pollinators from February onwards. You don’t need know-how, just a community spirit and warm clothing. (no booking required)
10am to noon – Alongside the bulb planting there will be the opportunity to make a seasonal wreath with Jenny, all the materials will be supplied, they would be pleased and grateful for any contribution that you’d like to make to the Sunken Garden Society. (no booking required)
2pm to 4pm – Celebrate National Tree Week with Peter, who is also of Thanet Urban Forest, and will be expertly guiding a Tree Walk around the Garden, sharing insights and knowledge about the trees, animal life and biodiversity of the area. (pre-book here)
No experience is necessary for any of the activities and they are suitable for all ages (under 18s need to bring an adult)
Price range for Tree Walk tickets – £1, £3 & £5. All ticket fees will go towards supporting the work of Thanet Urban Forest CIC. Book now
Westgate Christmas lights
Sunday, December 1, from 11am
Westgate’s annual light switch on event with a street market, live acts and entertainment, fun fair, Santa’s grotto plus much more!
The switch on will be done by the cast of Peter Pan from The Granville Theatre. They take over stage 1 from 4.15pm ready for the switch on at 4.30pm.
Stage 2 will feature acts from Thanet dance schools and band EK1.
Stage 1 is outside the train station and stage 2 is opposite Borgyn and Bakes in Station Road.
Academy FM Christmas Craft & Music Fayre
1st December, noon to 5pm, Royal Harbour Academy in Ramsgate
More than 30 stalls and music from Breed, Ruby, Neon Rush, Sammy & Ron.
Ramsgate Living Advent Calendar
Fundraising event for charity through December. Each year, 24 residents become ‘hosts’ for their advent door, window, porch or front garden. Each evening in December, you can visit a ‘door’ which will be decorated for you to enjoy.
This year the event raises funds for Ramsgate Salvation Army and is supporting the Ramsgate Lumiere festival.
The first door on December 1 from 6.30pm-8pm is Mingle with Marsala Tea at Ramsgate Tandoori in Harbour Street
Festive screening of The Grinch
1st December, Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens, Arrival 12.30 pm, film starts 1pm (no ads or trailers)
A heart-growing experience with a screening of The Grinch in the cosy surroundings of Quex House
Each ticket comes with a Who-tastic hot chocolate and a snack selection – the perfect way to enjoy this classic holiday tale. Will the Grinch manage to steal Christmas, or will you leave with a heart three sizes bigger?
Come dressed in your finest Who attire (or Grinch-green, if you dare).
Adult: £15
Concession: £13
Child: £12
Under 3: Free
Powell-Cotton Members receive 10% discount
Cliftonville Farmers Market
Sunday 1st December 10am – 1pm on Walpole Bay lawns.
42 stalls with everything from fruit and veg, jams, breads to coffees, knife sharpening and more
RNLI Margate Festive Fair
1st December, 10.30am-3pm, Margate Lifeboat Station
Join local heroes and friends at Margate RNLI for lots of activities and stalls, including a visit from Santa.
Open to all – get into the Christmas spirit, and supporting the local Lifeboats and their crews in ‘Saving Lives at Sea’.
Ramsgate Blitz Walk
1st December, 10am to non, meet by Ramsgate Library
Relive the dark days of the war in the heaviest bombed seaside town in the country
Walk starts from Ramsgate Library… lasts approximately 2 hours.
No need to book. Dogs and children welcome. Approx two hours easy walking.
Free with donations welcome
Beans on Toast
1st December, 7pm, Olby’s Soul Café Margate
Cult legend and all-round hero ‘Beans on Toast’ will take to the road this winter for The Wild Goose Chase, an extensive tour of the UK, visiting towns and cities often missed out on the UK tour circuit.
Playing songs from his extensive back catalogue alongside some newfangled pagan hymns from his new album ‘Wild Goose Chasers,’ out 1st December, Beans will be joined onstage by long-term musical companion and piano virtuoso King Killership.
Tickets £16.50 Book now
Family Sundays Playground
1st December, 3pm, ARK – Cliftonville Cultural Space
Free creative sessions designed for children up to 5 years to enjoy with their family.
Delivered by a brilliant team of artists and musicians, each session explores different creative forms and themes.
Family Playground empowers families to connect with each other in new, fun and creative ways.
Tickets are free, but numbers are limited, so book your space in advance to avoid disappointment! Book now
Christmas with The Rat Pack – Live!
1st December, 7pm, The Pavilion Broadstairs
A Main Event brings talented Rat Pack Live starring David Alacey as Frank Sinatra, Des Coleman as Sammy Davis Jnr and Paul Drakeley as Dean Martin to the Pavilion
The trio and their live band take you back to a Vegas lounge bringing humour, style and Christmas cheer with featured songs such as Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, The Most Wonderful Time of The Year… and not forgetting some of the hits such as New York, New York, That’s Amore, My Way, That’s Life and many more.
Tickets £22 – £26.50 Book now
Further afield
Sandwich Christmas Lights Switch On
The volunteer committee that puts up the seasonal lights has been planning ahead for a good seasonal display in Sandwich Town Centre with the switch on at 6pm on Saturday 30th November.
The switch on time is one hour earlier than in past years and means more young people can join in the illuminated parade that starts at 5pm
New this year is a fun packed day on the Guildhall Forecourt organised by local charity Martha Trust: Music4Martha Christmas Lights and sponsored by The Superior Healthcare Group and Sandwich Community Events Association.
As well as live music coordinated by Mark 1 Sound & Light, Rent A Bar will be on the square and providing a full bar & BJs Pizza will be serving scrumptious pizza!
There will be Face painting with Anna’s Face Candy plus local trade stalls from 10am. Raffle tickets will be on sale for the big Martha Christmas Raffle where people can win cash prizes plus breaks away amongst other things.
The parade, led by Kensai Taiko Drummers, starts and finishes at Cattle Market
Stalls at Guildhall Forecourt from 10am. Music is also at the Guildhall stage which will be the main arena for the light switch on.
Children’s funfair is in the Guildhall car park.
Live Music Line Up:
Muzz & Joe Duo 12-1pm
Raven’s Wedding 1.20-2.20pm
GrooveShack 2.40-3.40pm
Bettesteiner Footstompers 4-5pm
Situationaist! 5.15 – 6.30pm
Christmas Lights Switch on 6pm
The illuminated parade will carry lanterns made at workshops in St Mary’s Arts Centre.
I got excited about ‘Winter garden open days’ until I read it properly!