85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo, Ramsgate
A huge celebration marking the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo begins in Ramsgate today (May 16).
A historic flotilla of Little Ships arrive at Ramsgate harbour to honour the heroic efforts of those who rescued British soldiers and Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940.
Events will run through to May 26.
This weekend there are a number of things for people to enjoy
Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May:
Arrival of the Little Ships (weather dependent), including the Medway Queen.
Live music on stage opposite Queens Head pub by Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour.
Funfair over the three days (from Friday evening to Sunday evening)
Projections onto the Maritime Museum of Pathé News reels and stills -Friday at 10pm, and Sunday from 9.30pm onwards
Ramsgate Tunnels will be hosting a series of displays and tours with support from RNLI and the Royal Temple Yacht Club.
Saturday 17th May:
Ramsgate children’s art installation of 400 Little Ships at Albion Gardens.
Handmade fair over 17th and 18th with children’s creative workshops.
Launch of the Harbour arch and obelisk lighting installations at sundown
Live music on stage at Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour
Children’s workshops, painting wooden horseshoes to hang on the harbour railings for the Little Ships crews.
Sunday 18th May:
Town Parade from Sailors’ Church around 10.30am to St. George’s Church, followed by a public service.
Visit the Operation Dynamo commemorative stained glass window and an installation of over 3,000 mini paper boats inside St. George’s Church.
Ramsgate Children’s art installation of 400 Little Ships at Ellington Park’s May Fayre.
Children’s workshops, painting wooden horseshoes to hang on the harbour railings for the Little Ships crews.
‘Little Ships in Concert’ at the Harbour at 5.30pm. A live performance with opera singers calling to the Little Ships.
Live music on stage at Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour
Projections onto the Maritime Museum of Pathé News reels and stills.
Ellie Taylor: Palavering
16th May, 7.30pm, The Granville Theatre
Star of Ted Lasso, Live at the Apollo and The Mash Report, as well as host of Bake Off The Professionals, Ellie is back with a new stand up show!
Covering everything from how to keep the spark alive in marriage (hint: it involves pressure washers), her new life with almost double the amount of ratbags (children) not to mention her stint as nation’s sweetheart on Strictly (very much her own words), it’s a show guaranteed to put a spring in your step and a laugh in your mouth
From £23.65 + £2.50 Booking fee Book now
Thanet Schools Young Artists Festival
The Margate Rotary Club presents the 16th annual Young Artists Festival from May 12-18 at Sainsbury’s Westwood Cross, open 8am to 10pm. Prizegiving on May 17 at noon.
Some 34 Thanet schools are taking part with 650 paintings from young artists from 3 to 18 years old on display.
Jeffrey Lewis and The Voltage
16th May, 7pm, Where Else?
Indie-rock/folk/art with Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage
This is an all ages event
Tickets £22.87 Book now
Peter Peterson and John Sweeney
Now until May 21, York Street Gallery, Ramsgate
More than 60 watercolours on show.
The Smiths Presumably
16th May, 7.30pm, Ramsgate Music Hall
A blistering set of the greatest songs by The Smiths and Morrissey at Ramsgate Music Hall
Entry Requirements: 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Tickets £18 Book now
Street Party at the Queen’s Head
16th May – 18th May, The Queen’s Head Ramsgate
A weekend long street party to celebrate the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo
Live music on outside stage
Friday 16th May 6pm Jed / 9pm Lofty Harris
Saturday 17th May 12pm Silvers Dance School / 1pm Some Voices Choir / 3pm Hotsy Totsy / 6pm The Jive Guys / 9pm Freak 90
Sunday 18th May 3pm The Mixtape Collective / 6.30pm The City Suits
In association with the Royal Temple Yacht Club and the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships
PRAH
16th May, 7pm, Margate Arts Club
Margate based record label PRAH are hosting a night at the Margate Arts Club
Founded by Stephen Bass (moshi moshi), PRAH Recordings finds itself occupying the overlap between classical and electronic music and those wanting to experiment with the fringes of pop.
THOOL (LIVE), UH (LIVE), KATE HUTCHINSON, PRAH DJS
18+
General £7, Low income £5 – arrive by 8pm
The Margate Fundraising Ball
16th May, 7.30pm, Holy Trinity Church
A special evening of bringing the community together, to say goodbye to the current Mayor and Mayoress as their time comes to an end.
The Margate Fundraising Ball is all about celebration, connection, and raising money for the local projects that help really matter to our town.
Includes a glass of fizz on arrival, delicious food, and plenty of fun & laughter!
Live music from the brilliant Ozzie And The Uglies & Rubi Valentine – so bring your dancing shoes and your best smile! Let’s boogie the night away and make it a night to remember.
Dress Code: Black tie or lounge suit… We would love for you to join us for this wonderful evening. Please confirm your attendance at your earliest convenience.
To book your tickets: email [email protected]
Tickets £30
The Penguin Lessons – 12A
Palace Cinema Broadstairs
Inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976, finding a divided nation, an unteachable class, and a penguin on an oil-slicked beach who turned his life upside down. Starring Steve Coogan and from the director of The Full Monty.
Friday 16 May to Tuesday 20 May. Details here
Broadstairs Bandstand
May 16 1pm to 4pm, Nick Kelly
May 17, 2pm to 4pm, Fairisle
May 18, 2pm to 4pm, Crystal Palace Band
Hairspray – Cliftonville Outdoor Cinema
16th May, 7.30pm, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns
At the Cliftonville Outdoor Cinema the community comes together to laugh, cry, eat popcorn, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of an outdoor movie experience!
‘Hairspray’ is a feel-good musical set in 1960s Baltimore, revolving around Tracy Turnblad, a teenager with big dreams of dancing on the local TV show. Despite societal prejudice about her appearance, Tracy fights for inclusivity and racial integration on the show. With catchy songs and energetic dance numbers, Hairspray delivers a powerful message about acceptance and equality.
The Oval Bar will be onsite serving a wide selection of drinks including beer, prosecco, wines, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks. Hot drinks, cold drinks, popcorn and cinema treats will be available at The Oval Kiosk and Bar. They accept card payments, which is their preferred method of payment.
Please note that all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Deckchair seating – £12 plus £1.70 booking fee Book now
Stillman/Carpio/Holst (fka Bog Bodies)
16th May, 7.30pm Tom Thumb Theatre
This intimate Tom Thumb performance will be an opportunity to share work in progress as part of their second recording residency at PRAH
Formed in 2015, the trio of Stillman, Carpio , and Holst (formerly known as ‘Bog Bodies’) have created work throughout the EU and UK in the form of performance, installation, and recording.
Tickets £12 plus £1.40 booking fee Book now
Nuff Luv presents – El Mundo Vol.1
16th May, 8pm, Olby’s Soul Cafe
A free night of music from around the world from Colombia, Haiti, Jamaica and the UK to celebrate the soul of sound.
DJs Henry Mack and El will be spinning grooves from 8pm, followed by a special guest yet to be announced.
Mamma will be serving her street food again to keep you fuelled, this time a Central American themed menu with tacos, nachos and mama’s signature chicken wings, just for £7! Mamas street food served until 10pm Book now
Nick Ronin: All Night Long
16th May, Faith In Strangers
Bar/Restaurant open for food & drinks from 6pm – doors for event 9.30pm
Nick Ronin brings over 20 years of experience to the decks, having played across London, Ibiza, and beyond.
18+
Tickets £5 Book now
Thunderbolts – 12a
Calton Cinema Westgate
A group of supervillains are recruited to go on missions for the government. The world’s greatest threat, will need the world’s greatest team* Get ready to know their name. Thunderbolts*.
Now until May 22. Details here
The Pantomime Villains
16th May, 7.30pm,Justines in Margate
Indie tunes from beside the seaside!
This is an 18+ event
Tickets £6 Book now
Luther Live!
17th May, 7.30pm, The Granville Theatre
Luther Vandross tribute Harry Cambridge and his 10-piece band
From £31.35 + £2.50 Booking fee Book now
Somewhere in the Middle, Somewhat Elevated
17 May – 31 May. Opening reception Saturday, 17 May, 7pm-9pm
An exhibition of painting by Julia Warr at The Lido Stores, 2 Ethelbert Terrace
Open Thursday-Saturday 11am-4pm
Mara Simpson & Hughie Gavin Live
17th May. 7.30pm, ARK – Cliftonville Cultural Space
A special evening of innovative composition and sonic storytelling celebrating the release of Living Matter.
Mara’s new album blends electronic, acoustic and orchestral elements, drawing on her love of tape delays, analogue synths and field recordings to craft rich, immersive soundscapes.
Tickets £14 plus £1.80 booking fee, Concessions £10 plus £1.50 booking fee Book now
The Jam’d
17th May, 8pm, The Pavilion Broadstairs
The UK’s best known and most popular tribute to the live performance and sound of The Jam
Tickets £20 – £23 plus booking fee Book now
Pro Wrestling Colossus presents: Troubled Waters
17th May, 4pm, St John’s Church and Community Centre, Margate
After Alexander Roth hoodwinked not just the Lossy Posse but Jordon Breaks too! He calls himself the Wolf of Brawl Street but perhaps he’s truly just a wolf in sheep’s clothing! After ingratiating himself to our sold out crowd, it turned out only to be an elaborate ruse to attack the beloved ‘Mr. Margate’ in a an attempt to take his crown!
Fans can expect to see the likes of TK Cooper, Alex Aces, Amira Blair and more!
Front Row – All Ages £15 + £2 booking fee
Adult £10 + £1.50 booking fee
Concession/Under 16s & carers £5 + £1.25 booking fee
Family Bundle £25 + £2.50 booking fee (2 adults and 2 concessions)
Spring Open Day
17th May, 1pm-4pm, Garden Gate Project
Everyone is welcome to the Garden Gate Project’s first open day of the year
There’ll be teas, cakes, coffee, wood fired pizzas, nettle soup, crafts and plant stall.
Dogs on leads welcome.
The Garden Gate is an independent registered charity community garden based in Northdown Park.
Monthly Pop Up Charity Shop
17th May, 10am to noon, St John’s Church, Margate
A warm welcome for all – a great place to meet up with friends and family – and to make new friends.
A wide range of clothing for children and adults / A huge selection of toys and children’s books in excellent condition to keep the young ones amused / Jewellery Stall / Household and bric a brac items / Craft materials and handcrafted items / Collectibles and vintage / Special focus in May on plants
Enjoy a cup of coffee in the cafe space with sweet and savoury treats from the popular cake stall… Meet up with friends and family… Make new friends…
Raffle drawn just before noon. Card reader available.
Oval Summer Sundays – The Dirty Perks
18th May, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns
1pm – 5pm (concert 2pm – 4pm)
Pop rock with a twist of country twang.
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, please 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)
The Wit and Songs of Noel Coward with Peter Gill
18th May, 7.30pm, Sarah Thorne Theatre Broadstairs
Pianist and entertainer Peter Gill presents a tribute to the song-writing skill of the most English of Englishmen.
Tickets £18 in advance, £20 on the door Plus £1 booking fee Book now
May Fayre at Ellington Park
18th May, noon to 6pm, Ellington Park Ramsgate
The music acts on the Bandstand include: popular Thanet-based community choir, Chorus! as well as local bands and musicians, Ned Ashcroft; Wren; Luke J Dorman; and the Johnny Dogs.
There will be a variety of food available to suit all tastes, from fish and chips, to pizza, Greek, and vegan options – as well as the Ellington Park Cafe with its hot drinks and snacks.
The Ramsgate Children’s Art installation of 400 Little Ships will be on exhibition in Ellington Park throughout the day – Ellington Park’s way of marking the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo.
A vintage bus, run by the Friends of the East Kent Road Car Company, will be running free services from 11:15 to 15:50 between the Harbour, Park and Station – enabling event-goers to absorb the Operation Dynamo experience at the Royal Harbour as well as the greenery and fun at the Park free of charge. The bus will run at :35 past the hour from Harbour to Park, and from :45 past the hour from the Park via the Station.
Free tennis
There are free tennis events at the refurbished tennis courts in Ramsgate and Westgate-on-Sea, on Sunday 18 May. The events are part of the Big Tennis Weekend and are aimed at people new to the sport or who haven’t picked up a racket in a long time.
People are invited to come along to either session to take part in free tennis sessions, meet coaches, and find out how easy it is to get involved in playing tennis.
There are specific coaching taster sessions for adults and for children aged 4-7, 8-10 and 11-15, at both events. The free places should be booked in advance. Tennis rackets are available for anyone that doesn’t have their own.
10am to noon: St Mildred’s Games Centre, Old Boundary Road, Westgate-on-Sea CT8 8AA. Booking link
2pm to 4pm: Montefiore Games Centre, Montefiore Avenue, Ramsgate CT11 8BD. Booking link
SoftlySoftly
18th May, Salt Broadstairs
Doors 2.45pm, music 3pm – 5.30pm
Performers from around the country, coming together in a chilled and shared celebration of music.
All door money goes to performers.
£5 donation min (cash preferred)
GX Fitness Fest at Ramsgate Leisure Centre
18th May, 1pm to 4pm, Ramsgate Leisure Centre
Exercise class mega-event in support of STAK.life CIC
A fun-filled afternoon of fitness and fundraising, set to take over Ramsgate Leisure Centre to help raise donation and awareness for STAK.life (Stefan’s Acts of Kindness).
Entry £10 donation to STAK.Life
Booking can be done online at www.yourleisure.uk.com or on the door spaces permitting.
Band on the Sands – Big Steve
18th May, 3pm to 5pm, The Pavilion Broadstairs
Live music from local acts and bands, great food, cold drinks, and the best garden to chill or dance in!
Beltane Yoga and Journalling
18th May, 10.30am to 11.45am,Monkton Nature Reserve
A morning of gentle movement, tuning in and connecting with nature. The yoga will be slow, lightly energising and perfect for beginners or regular yogi’s.
Sarah King is a trauma informed health coach, healer and yoga teacher helping women to quiet their inner critic and gain trust and confidence with themselves. She passionately creates secure supportive spaces to reflect, learn and grow whilst embracing your most authentic self.
Extra bonus: Sarah has just qualified as an Ayurvedic chef so will bring a flask of tea and some healthy treats.
Please bring: a yoga mat, your favourite mug, a journal and pen and a blanket, if it’s chilly.
All profits go to the reserve.
* Attendees should arrive at reception 15 minutes early so the event can begin 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 £14 Book now
is ralph hoult still with us ? i would have thought this would have been right up ralphs street , especialy being an old time entertainer his good self
It’s important to note that this, nationally, is not a celebration, but rather a commemoration. Too many men were left behind either dead, to die of wounds or be taken prisoner for the duration for Operation Dynamo to be something to celebrate. As Churchill said at the time, “wars are not won by evacuations”. We should commemorate the bravery of those who set sail, in boats often hugely challenged by sea conditions in the Channel, let alone the wartime challenges of bombs, torpedoes and mines, but war should never be celebrated. Ever. It should always be a last resort.