Things to see and do in Thanet this Bank Holiday weekend (May 2-5)

The Seven Ages of Arnold Schwartzman

3 May – 1 June, noon-4pm, The Margate School , 31-33 High St,

The Margate School is hosting a private viewing of the new Arnold Schwartzman exhibition on Friday 2 May. The exhibition officially opens on Saturday May 3.

Arnold Schwartzman, a visionary in the realms of graphic design, filmmaking, and photography, brings his works to Margate in a stunning showcase for the opening of the Schwartzman Gallery. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore the breadth of Schwartzman’s creative genius. He is known for his striking posters, thought-provoking documentaries (including the 1982 Oscar™ winning, Genocide), and evocative photographs.

“We are thrilled to launch the Schwartzman Gallery with an exhibition by Arnold Schwartzman,” says Uwe Dereken, Director of The Margate School. “His work embodies the spirit of artistic excellence and creativity that we aim to nurture and promote. This new gallery space will serve as a dynamic hub for the arts, enriching our community and attracting art lovers from near and far.”

Mien

May 2, doors open 7pm, Where Else? Margate

MIEN are formed from members of Elephant Stone, The Black Angels and The Earlies…

With a new album slated for release, MIEN is poised to take their audial magic to new heights.

This is an all ages event, presented by Night Harvest

Tickets £16.72 Book now

Mr. Burton (15)

Palace Cinema Broadstairs

The moving true story of a wild school boy from a troubled background – and the English teacher, who recognised his talent helping him become Richard Burton – one of the world’s greatest actors.

Friday 2 May to Tuesday 6 May. Details here

The Social at Olby’s

2nd May, 7pm, Olby’s Soul Café Margate

A monthly evening of quality music, from swing to rhythm & blues, rock n roll to boogaloo, with some ska & 60s soul

DJ Jerome and Lindsay will be your hosts for the evening with guest DJ TBC

Pre-event Soul Cafe Menu Available click here to book a table (tables not reserved in the venue space)

Free Book now

Bangerz

2nd May, 8pm, Margate Arts Club, 276 Northdown Road

The Margate Cookie Man, Stu Saint, after dropping the BANGERZ at Sundeck, Pride and Cockles & Muscles, last year, is coming to Margate Arts Club.

Stu has brought together a line up of Dj’s, including BABY POM (the Margate Arts Club institution) and ABBIE NEILL (she played for Take That, Pride and the Prodigy) to join him.

Tickets £10 plus £1 booking fee (low income £5/early bird £7)  Book now

Plant sale

May 2, 1pm to 2pm, Cross Keys Learning, Lead Centre, Dane Valley Rd, St Peter’s

Hosted by Blue group students. Prices from 50p to £2 for culinary herbs, house plants and outdoor shrubs.

Raising funds for Demelza children’s hospice charity

First Friday

Friday 2nd May, 6-9pm, at Marine Studios, 17 Albert Terrace, Margate.

Admission is free and it is suitable for all ages.
This month’s event  explores the idea that seaside towns are sites of dreaming, experimentation, and innovation – not the left-behind places we’ve been told.

Organisers are inviting people to come and explore the future of the seaside in an evening presented by Marine Studios with Dan Thompson’s Seaside History Club, which is taking place as part of the UK-wide Beach of Dreams Festival.

First Friday (est. 2009) is a monthly evening of inquiry, where artists, writers, musicians, film-makers, and technologists showcase new work and present their research to an inquisitive audience. First Fridays are fun, playful, and involve hands-on activities to explore an idea.

This event includes an exhibition of work by artists including Jenny Duff, Tracey Thompson, Amy Hey, Steve Bomford, and Sarah Young, a playing of the recent 7″ single by Margate band Crabs, and a poetry reading by Connor Sansby. Seaside ephemera from Dan’s archives will be on show. There will be a chance to contribute to a giant map of the Isle of Thanet in 2045, have a go at screenprinting, and have your fortune told.

“For this special event, we’ll look at seaside towns in different ways,” says organiser Dan Thompson, “We’ll look at their history as places of rest and recovery. We’ll explore their function as borderlands. We’ll look at the seaside as a contested place where over-tourism impacts residents. And together, we’ll imagine a regenerative future, framed by climate optimism – as we design a seaside town for the 21st century.”

Sixty beats per minute

May 2 to June 29, St George’s Church Ramsgate

Launch event May 3, 4pm – 6pm All welcome – refreshments will be served.

St George’s Church in Ramsgate will be turned into a ‘musical instrument and time machine’ with a two month sound installation.

Created by artist Phil Coy, sixty beats per minute involves the use of an array of microphones to amplify the 1829 Vulliamy turret pendulum clock to form a multi-channel surround sound installation inside the church.

The work performs a temporary reversal of time, creating a feedback loop and a rhythm  that matches the tempo of a heart at rest amplified into the nave of the church.

The installation has been supported by a series of workshop run by Pie Factory Music for teenage musicians to explore the relationships between time and music.

Broadstairs Bandstand

May 2, 1pm-4pm, Nick Kelly

May 3, “pm-4pm, Swing Thanet Thing

May 4, 2pm to 4pm, Mainly Sax

May 5, 2pm-4pm, Starfire 98

Hipsville-a-Go-Go Medieval Bank Holiday Music Festival

2nd May – 5th May,

Friday: Lido Bar 8pm – 3am

Saturday Daytime: Tikiville at Lighthouse Bar 12 noon – 6pm

Saturday Night: Lido Bar 8pm – 4am

Sunday Daytime: Rock ‘n’ Roll Social at Bar Nothing

Sunday Night: Lido Bar 8pm – 2am

See full line-up and day-by-day list of events

Nothing lasts forever, and Hipsville is no different, so join in for a final time to celebrate 12 riotous years of Hipsville a Go Go.

Hipsville A Go Go was created to be a themed party weekend like no other, with some of the best bands, DJs and Go-Gos from around the world, but all good things must come to an end,  Hipsville 2025 will be the last one, bowing out disgracefully at what will be the wildest party yet!
* International Bands * DJs till 4am* Go-Go Dancers * TiKiViLLE Exotic Afternoon with Roof Top Surf on Margate Harbour * Costume Party * Themed Party Room * Vintage Funfair Afternoon * 70s & 80s Disco After Party * Disco Dancing Competition

Day and Weekend Tickets available Get Tickets here

The Penguin Lessons (12a)

Carlton Cinema Westgate

Inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside-down.

Now until May 7. Details here

Margate’s Vintage Weekend

2nd May – 4th May, Margate Old Town

Vintage Celebration Weekend, marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day and the start of the town’s summer season

This event promises three days of family fun, nostalgia, and community spirit.

From acoustic music and drumming to a huge raffle, there’s plenty to amuse the family.

Vintage Street Parties to get the festivities underway / film screenings, historical trails, and engaging history talks (book here) / Vintage-themed food and drink, including Afternoon Teas / A French Corner at Old Kent Market and in Little Swift / A raffle,

Friday 2nd May- things kick off in style with the retro music sounds of Si Cranstoun, bringing feel-good vintage vibes to dance the night away to…

Saturday 3rd May –  Music in Margate – key areas, including the Piazza, Market Square, The Centre, and the upper & lower High Street will be pedestrianised to make way for a town-wide celebration, including vintage-themed food and drinks offers, local business promotions and more, alongside a programme of musical talent from local artists, jazz bands, dance groups, choirs, drummers, and more….

Thursday 8th May, from 9pm: There will be a Beacon Lighting Ceremony at Fort Hill, to honour VE Day

This fun-packed weekend is a chance for everyone to come together, with proceeds supporting The Veterans Association Birchington.

Organised by Margate Town Action Group (MTAG)

Birthday Book Trail

Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop, STAPLE (up the stairs) 30A Reading Street, Broadstairs

This May Bank Holiday weekend, the Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop in Reading Street, Broadstairs celebrates its first birthday.

“We opened with a deep belief in the power of children’s books to inspire, connect, and uplift,” says award-winning bookseller and founder Nicci Rosengarten. “A year later, we’re delighted by how much love and community this little bookshop has nurtured.”

To mark the milestone, the shop is hosting a Birthday Book Trail around the shop on:

Friday 2nd May (10am–2pm)

Saturday 3rd May (10am–2pm)

Bank Holiday Monday 5th May (10am–1pm)

Children can pick up a trail sheet in-store, find some familiar children’s books characters, and get 20% off a book when they complete the trail. The celebration also honours the people and partnerships that have shaped the bookshop’s first year — from loyal local families and creative collaborators to schools, librarians, publishers, and organisations like Bookshop.org UK, The Booksellers Association, BBC Radio Kent, the Thanet Tourism team and more.

Special thanks go to local Kent-based Children’s author/illustrator Inky Willis, whose artwork has brightened everything from colouring sheets to book trails, and to the children’s publishing PR teams who have championed the shop’s mission from day one.

https://www.happyreading.uk

Alaster Calder exhibition

Now until May 7, York Street Gallery Ramsgate

Mid century textiles

Open Tuesday- Saturday 10.30am-4pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm

Cassi Namoda: Sunley Gallery Commission Sunset Celebration

2nd May, 5pm-8pm, Turner Contemporary

Join Turner Contemporary after-hours to celebrate the opening of the newest Sunley Gallery Commission by artist Cassi Namoda. Expect drinks, music, and art.

This is Namoda’s first major institutional commission—an evocative stained-glass-inspired installation that reimagines our sea-facing windows as a place for reflection, light and connection.

Free entry – book a ticket Book now

Margate’s rock n roll history walk

May 3, 11am – 12.15pm, Meet at Marine Studios, Albert Terrace

Dan Thompson will lead an hour-long walk through Margate’s rock ‘n’ roll history, from David Bowie to Shirley Bassey, Hawkwind to TS Eliot.

After viewing the work on show at Marine Studios, walkers will be led across the town before ending in Margate Old Town. The walk is free/pay what you want.

Dan Thompson’s Seaside History Club’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Walk is also part of Beach of Dreams Festival.

Organ Concert with David Lammler in support of Guide Dogs and St John’s

Saturday 3rd May, 2.30pm, St John’s Church, Margate

David Lammler playing popular music on the St John’s organ.  Something for everyone including some music to mark VE Day.

Admission is £5 per person – payable on the door – with all proceeds being shared between St John’s, Margate and Guide Dogs. Donations for interval refreshments, including homemade cakes and savouries, will raise money for Guide Dogs – a cause close to David’s heart, – especially as he anticipates the retirement of his current Guide Dog, Lizzie.

Enquiries can be made via St John’s, Margate  at  https://www.facebook.com/groups/553173564873500/?locale=en_GB

The Frank and Walters

3rd May, 7.30pm, Ramsgate Music Hall

Irish indie heroes The Frank and Walters will be performing a live acoustic show at Ramsgate Music Hall!

Tickets £22.50 Book now

Margate Old Town Walk

3rd May. Walk starts at 2pm, outside the Visitor Information Centre (Droit House) next to Turner Contemporary.

Robin Colyer leads a local history walk on behalf of Margate Civic Society

There is a suggested donation of at least £5 for the walk, which lasts approximately an hour and a half… all funds are donated to the Margate Civic Society.

For further details, please phone 07878 537448 (private group tours are also available – please contact for more information.)

Kent Pole Championships

3rd May, 1pm, Sarah Thorne Theatre Broadstairs

Founded in 2014, the Kent Pole Championships is a fun, friendly and accessible local pole competition for Kent’s pole dancers to compete in a supportive environment, catering to everyone from beginners through advanced to semi-pro, heels or no heels.

Pole dancing is an art form which combines strength, athleticism and beauty and its popularity has grown steadily over the past few years.

Check website for prices Book now

BSL Tour of Resistance

3rd May, noon-1pm, Turner Contemporary

Please meet on the balcony.

This tour of Resistance is delivered in British Sign Language by Jason Tennant without an interpreter or voiceover.

During the tour, you will explore key artworks through informal conversation.

Jason is a Director at Palm Deaf Community Services where he teaches BSL and Deaf Awareness sessions, he is a Deaf Role Model and Mentor to Deaf people in the local community. Jason is part of the Turner Contemporary Access Group.

If you have any other access needs that you would like to let us know about, please contact [email protected] or call 01843 233000.

Free (but booking essential for this tour) Book now

No Prep 1/8th Mile Drag Racing – More Money Nationals, plus Velocity Vintage Drags

3rd May – 4th May, Manston Raceway Park

Grass roots heads up drag racing.

Bounty bonus cash if you take out a winner of ‘Racing in Mexico’.

Also featuring Pre 50’s Vintage Tin courtesy of Velocity Vintage Drags.

This event also features RWYB. You can run your own car in test and tune, you do not have to enter competition

Spectators… Day tickets £20 (in advance) or £25 on the day / Weekend tickets £40 (in advance) or £50 on the day.

Children under 10 free / Children 10-16 years £10 Book now

On Margate Sounds: Lime Garden, Adult DVD + more

3rd May, 5pm, Where Else? Margate

Headlining will be Brighton indie rock sensations LIME GARDEN who released their debut album ‘One More Thing’ to much deserved acclaim last year.

Joining the fray will be Adult DVD, a Leeds based 6-piece.

Also duo Hot Stamp and Blue Mirror.

This is a 16+ event

Tickets £18.88 Book now

Imagine the Beatles tribute band

May 3, 7pm, The Centre Birchington

Get your Ticket-to-Ride on an evening of Beatlemania in Birchington.

Tickets, £24, at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/dbvzzyexzola

Kerry Godliman: Bandwith

3rd May, 7.30pm, The Granville Theatre

Comedian, actor, writer, podcaster and broadcaster Kerry returns to the stage with her straight-talking charm and quick wit in her stand-up show

While parenting teenagers, bogged down with knicker admin and considering dealing HRT on the black market, Kerry​’s lost her mum bag but can’t remember what was in it as she’s outsourced her memory to her phone. The life of a middle aged woman who ​hasn’t got the bandwidth ​for any of this.

Age guidance: 14+. Contains swearing and adult content throughout.

From £22 plus £2.50 booking fee Book now

The Malle Mile Beach Race

3rd May – 4th May, Margate Main Sands

Custom motorcycles race head to head on the Margate Sands

Custom, classic & electric motorcycles .

Saturday 3rd May – The Beach Race Day, with an array of wild classic, electric and custom machines entering the sprint, the double, the Malle go round and the motopolo tournament on the beach. Join them on Saturday morning, for low tide, meet the riders, see the machines, watch the racing and party in the beach race village. The Beach Race sunset podium party will be held on the beach after racing has finished.

Sunday 4th May – The Malle Rally 100 adventure, a 100 mile road rally for motorcycles and suitable classic/custom cars, with 5 rally checkpoints and then returning to Margate Promenade for the Malle Rally 100 finish line.

The public can still access the beach all weekend, with one area dedicated to The Mile Beach Race

You can find more information about tickets, the racing programme, the Beach Race after parties, live music, DJs, bands and more by clicking here

Weekend Spectator Ticket £20 plus booking fee (children FREE) Book now

Sensory Garden opening at The Veterans Association

Saturday 3rd May, from 10am to 2pm. The Veterans’ Association, 2 Surrey Gardens, Birchington.

The ribbon cutting will be performed by the Margate Mayor and Mayoress at noon. There will be live entertainment from 50s & 60s singer Laura Watson, a stand-up performance by singer and comedian McGill, Bella’s Pie & Mash pop-up and BBQ and a community raffle.

RAF Manston car show

May 3, 9am to noon, RAF Manston History Museum

Selection of cars on show from Super Car Saturday.

Coastal Crafty Crew fair

May 4, 10am to 3pm, Quex Small Barn, Quex Park

Handcrafted fayre with 28 stalls selling crafts ranging from cards, handbags, jewellery, Teddy bears, glass plus a lot more……
A special donation prize for the Tombola, two signed books by Whitstable author Julie Wassmer of The Whitstable Pearl .

Parking is free, dogs and children are welcome

Oval Summer Sundays – Decades Showband

4th May, 1pm – 5pm (concert 2pm – 4pm) The Oval Bandstand and Lawns

From the timeless energy of Mamma Mia and Shut Up and Dance to the soulful grooves of Soul Man and the anthemic Sweet Caroline, this The Decades Showband will have you singing, dancing, and rocking out to hits from every decade.

All persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

A fully licensed bar and food is available (alcohol and food is not to be brought into venue, bag searches are in operation).

Fully accessible toilet facilities are available. All seating areas have step-free access.

There is no car parking at the venue, use public transport, bicycles, or arrive on foot. There is very limited local car parking and charges may apply.

Well behaved dogs are welcome, but they MUST be kept on a lead at all times whilst in the bandstand auditorium.

A minimum £2 donation per adult on door (under 16’s no donation required)

Frankie’s Guys

4th May, 7:30pm – 9:40pm, The Granville Theatre

Celebrating 10 years of UK and global touring, the award-winning Frankie’s Guys are renowned as the UK’s leading tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Accompanied by a live band, the show includes all of the Four Seasons’ hits including Big Girls Don’t Cry, December 1963 (Oh What A Night), Sherry, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Let’s Hang On, Grease, and many more.

From £32.45 + booking fee Book now

Dreamland Dog Day

4th May, 11.30am- 6pm, Dreamland Margate

Doggy Agility Course, all day: £1.50 per dog

Dog Show – 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Food Court.

To enter your furry friend in a class you’ll need to sign up on the day and entry fee is £2 per class. (all money raised from this dog show will be used by the RSPCA Isle of Thanet branch for the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of animals in Thanet.)

The entrance for Dreamland Dog Day will be via the Scenic Gate in the Belgrave Road Car Park. Dogs (no matter how lovely) will not be allowed to explore the indoor spaces or go on rides! All dogs must be kept on short leads.

There’ll be the opportunity to take part in agility courses (priced at £1.50 per pooch) provided by Enve Canine Services, watch a free film on the Scenic Screen and browse an array of gifts and treats from stall holders in the Food Court.

Plus, sign up your furry friend on the day for the Dreamland Dog Day Show. Classes include Scruffiest Dog, Best Trick, Waggiest Tail, Best Doggie Family and more. Entries will be taken from 11am and judging commences at 12.30pm. This event is hosted by Enve Canine Services in support of the RSPCA Kent – Isle of Thanet Branch.

Movement Day Party: Daniel Avery + Friends

4th May, 4pm-9pm, Faith In Strangers Cliftonville

Movement started 11 years ago at a tiny club in Dalston, with the late Andrew Weatherall playing as the secret guest.

This is an 18+ event

Tickets £20.74 Book now

Environmental Campaigns: Past and Present

4th May, 3pm-4pm, Turner Contemporary

With Dr Toby Butler, Historian, Tom Burke, Director of Third Generation Environmentalism, Fiona Harvey, Journalist and Fatima Ibrahim, Director of Green New Deal Rising.

Held in the Foyle Rooms, a dive into the history of environmental activism inspired by environmental campaigns featured in Resistance.

Tickets £5 Book now

Ramsgate Handmade & Vintage Fair

4th May, 11am to 4pm, Harbour Parade

Ramsgate’s regular maker’s market with locally-produced and made goodies galore

If you’d like to book a stall, contact [email protected]

Band on the Sands – DFL

4th May, 3pm-5pm, The Pavilion Broadstairs

Live music at Broadstairs Pavilion

Sunshine, live music from  local acts and bands, great food, cold drinks, and the best garden to chill or dance in!

Afternoon Delights: Pizza & Pours

5th May, 2pm to 6pm, Number nine restaurant Minster

Stone-baked pizzas, great pours, and chilled vibes in the stunning Glass Courtyard at number nine

Walk-ins welcome / Family-friendly / Free parking

Book now

Birchington VE Day 80th Anniversary Indoor Street Party

5th May, from 2pm, Birchington United Services Club

Bring your own picnic

Entertainment with resident DJ Andy Turner

Dress – vintage

Pop in to the club, or message via Facebook to reserve a table!

Monkton & Minster VE Day 80th Anniversary

5th May, Minster & Monkton Royal British Legion Social Club

From 2pm – Afternoon Tea: live music and war time songs with entertainer Tara James, from 2pm.

Afternoon tea with free glass of fizz!

£5 members / £10 non-members Book now

Further afield

Sandwich Salutes the 40s

May 3-5, 10am to 5pm, Sandwich Quay

A 1940s extravaganza. A full sized Hurricane; NAAFI; Desert Rats; 3 Para; 11 Group; Bar; Model boats and tanks … and a load more