Things to see and do in Thanet, July 18-20

ARK on The Move

World-renowned dance company New Adventures, led by visionary choreographer Matthew Bourne, is bringing its much-loved Doorstep Duets back to Thanet– with a vibrant series of free, outdoor performances for the whole community.

Thanet will welcome Doorstep Duets on Friday 18th July in Margate, with three exciting performances:

noon in Margate Old Town, in front of the Margate Museum

2pm at Salmestone Primary School ( private showing)

4pm in Dalby Square

The following day, Saturday 19th July, the Duets will light up Ramsgate:

noon in Ellington Park

2pm in Charlotte Court

4pm at East Cliff Bandstand

Now in its fourth year, Doorstep Duets brings world-class dance directly to people’s doorsteps — in local parks, community spaces and neighbourhood streets. A collaboration between New Adventures and Farnham Maltings, the project is designed to make dance more accessible, joyful, and inclusive, especially for those who may not typically attend theatre performances.

This year’s duet is titled Hum, choreographed by long-time New Adventures artist Anjali Mehra with original music by Grammy-nominated composer Luke Brady. Inspired by the small but mighty hummingbird, Hum explores how simple acts of kindness can spark connection and build community — a powerful message told through expressive movement and beautifully composed sound.

Performing in Hum are a talented cast of New Adventures dancers: Anna Maria de Freitas, Luke Murphy, Holly Saw, Molly Shaw-Downie, Xavier Andriambolanoro Sotiya, and Mami Tomotani.

This celebration of creativity and community is made possible with support from Arts Council England and local partners, including ARK Cliftonville and Future Foundry.

For more information, visit: www.new-adventures.net/doorstep-duets

Weed, Weirdos and Wetherspoons

Art show at Ramsgate’s Bellevue Front Room.

The show contains old and new work by the couple, plus some rarely seen work by special guest artists Chloe and  Scarlett Page. This range of artists, styles and techniques means there’s something for everyone. Cards start at £3, prints £20 and originals from £55.

Friday 18th – Sunday 20st July
Friday 25th – Sunday 27th July
11.00 am – 5.00 pm

The Front Room, 10 Bellevue Road, Ramsgate

Lilo & Stitch – U

Palace Cinema Broadstairs

When six year-old Lilo comes home with a new companion from the animal shelter, no-one knows exactly what kind of animal Stitch is. One thing is certain, though: Stitch causes chaos, and Lilo has her hands full trying to tame him.

Friday 18 July to Tuesday 22 July. Details here

The Thanetarium

17th July – 23rd July, 10am to 6pm, Salon 101A Northdown Road, Cliftonville

Solo exhibition by Ramsgate artist Eve Stickler.

As a Ramsgate resident since 2017, Eve has developed a fascination with the light, architecture, vistas and joy of the Thanet towns. She paints highly coloured representations of local places and scenes, sometimes elaborating or adding elements as the combination of light, colour and the painting process ignites her imagination.

Rob Auton & JF Abraham present Words With Music

18th July, 7pm, Where Else? Margate

Rob Auton is a poet and comedian and JFAbraham is a musician and a member of Public Service Broadcasting.

Plus Support

This is an 14+ event (under 16s to be accompanied)

Presented by Chump’s Comedy and Where Else?

Tickets £17.47 Book now

Matthewman and Langsdon present: Wayfaring

18th July, 7pm, Tom Thumb Theatre Cliftonville

Matthewman & Langsdon present an evening of comic, curious and captivating stories of their trips, treks and tours.

Featuring their trademark mix of both the uplifting and the unlikely the evening explores the journeys of life with all of their oddities and obstacles, questions and quirks.

Tickets £12 plus £1 booking fee Book now

Broadstairs Bandstand

Minster Show

July 19, Minster Rec from 1pm to 5pm.

It will kick off with a fancy dress parade through the village and then feature more than 50 stalls, races for children, baby show, live music, Morris dancing, chainsaw carving and a show marquee containing craft, cookery, flowers, fruit and veg competitions.

Youngsters will be entertained by Pip the Clown and Pat the magician. Broken Seals and Village Voices Choir will provide music and there will be a tug of war, mascots bar, food stalls and more.

Local nostalgia author Nick Evans will also officially launch his new book, Away From The Coast – Stories From Thanet’s Villages, at the show. The book concentrates on past times in St Nicholas, Minster, Monkton, Sarre, Acol and Manston.

The family fun will be £3 entry, under 5s free. Gates open 1pm, parade arrives at 1.30pm.

Evening ceilidh with Abbey Capers at the marquee, 7.30pm for 8pm. Tickets are £5 from Jemimas or call 07815083163. Bring your own food and drink.

‘Tedfest’

July 19-20, Sarah Thorne Theatre Broadstairs

The event is in support of the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation. Ted Heath was born and raised in Albion Road, Broadstairs, the son of a jobbing builder, and went on to become prime Minister. He never lost his affection for the town and the Foundation set up in his memory exists to help give young people today the same opportunities he craved, particularly in the field of music.

Saturday 19 July 2.30pm – Gyles Brandreth and legendary comic actor Jeffrey Holland (“Hi De Hi”, “You Rang M’Lord?”) will record, in front of a live audience, an episode of Gyles’s acclaimed “Rosebud” podcast, discussing Jeff’s earliest influences and memories.

Saturday 19 July 5.30pm – Sir Winston Churchill’s grandson Lord Nicholas Soames will speak very candidly and personally about his remarkable grandfather, the wartime Prime Minister whom many regard as the greatest ever Briton.

Sunday 20 July 2.30pm – acclaimed writer and broadcaster Iain Dale returns to Broadstairs, after a sell-out event a year ago, to mark 100 Years of Margaret Thatcher, with a panel including former cabinet ministers Virginia Bottomley and Sir John Redwood, plus MP Sir Roger Gale and writer and performer Steve Nallon, who famously provided Margaret Thatcher’s voice for “Spitting Image”.

Booking and details: https://www.sarahthornetheatre.co.uk/

Football

July 19, Hartsdown Park

Margate v Concord Rangers KO: 3pm | Turnstiles: 1:30pm

Adults £5 | Concessions £3 | U18s & ST Holders FREE

July 19, Rams FC play away at Chatham against SE Dons

3pm kick off

Superman- 12A

Carlton Cinema Westgate

In James Gunn’s reimagining of the iconic superhero, Superman follows a young Clark Kent (David Corenswet) as he navigates the challenges of balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing in Smallville, Kansas. Now an up-and-coming reporter at the Daily Planet in Metropolis, Clark strives to embody truth, justice, and kindness in a world that increasingly views such ideals as outdated.

Now until July 14. Details here

101 Run

19th July, 10am to 6pm, Dreamland Margate

The 101 Custom Motorcycle show is back once again with more custom & vintage motorcycles from across the UK & Europe, international guests, build off, give-aways, vendors, art, music, video, skateboarding and more.

All ages welcome. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult (18+).

From £37.40 plus booking fee Book now

The Fuud Vs Bil­lie Jean Show

19th July, Faith In Strangers Cliftonville

Doors open 8pm, Fashion show at 8.30pm, Afterparty doors open at 9.30pm

Presented by Lou Hal­swell aka FUUD… A night of fash­ion and music to cel­e­brate Fuud’s 16th, and the 40th anniver­sary of ‘The Leg­end of Bil­lie Jean’…

This is an 18+ event Book now

Garden Gate Music Day

19th July, 2pm-9pm, Garden Gate Project in Northdown Park

Celebrate 10 years of Thanet’s favourite boutique festival in the beautiful garden setting of the Garden Gate Project

A day filled with live music, good vibes, great food and refreshments.

This is a fundraising event and all the money raised will continue to support ongoing activities at the garden.

Please note that no alcohol is to be brought on site.

Tickets £16.96 Book now

Picnic in the Park

Westgate’s Picnic in the Park takes place this Saturday (July 19).

The annual event, organised by the town council, will include face painters, two different Punch & Judy shows, a magic show, a street football crew, a circus workshop, big bubbles, and arts and crafts. There will also be a DJ playing music all through the afternoon.

Westgate Town Council has invested in a huge Teddy Bear costume to be the event mascot, “hiding” councillors and staff inside and providing lovely photo opportunities for families.

The event is free of charge. All costs for the entertainers are paid for by Westgate-on-Sea Town Council.

The picnic is being held at the Lymington Road Community Centre Green this Saturday, from noon-4pm.

Bring a blanket, picnic and Teddy.

The Thanet Archaeological Landscapes Mapping Project

19th July, 2pm, Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens

The Powell Cotton Museum welcome Victoria Hosegood (Kent County Council) to the museum to talk about The Thanet Archaeological Landscapes Mapping Project which seeks to pull together the whole archaeological record of the area into one place, providing us with a level of detail and context never seen before. Victoria will share her progress on the project and explain how you can get involved. Funded by Kent County Council and Historic England.

This talk is included with general admission. The museum and gardens are open from 11am.

Member: Free, Adult: £7.50, Concession: £7, Child: £6.50, Infant (age 0-3 years): Free.  Book now

St John’s Margate Pop-up Charity Shop

19th July, 10am- noon, St John’s Community Centre

St John’s Church monthly fundraising pop-up charity shop which helps to keep the Community Centre running.

Browse and look for pre-loved clothing, shoes and accessories for adults and children. Find bargain items amongst the toys and children’s books. Craft materials, handcrafted items, jewellery, vintage, household items, bric a brac, books and more!

There is a friendly welcome for all – and our cafe space is a good place to meet up with friends and family or to meet new friends… Enjoy tea or coffee with sweet and savoury treats from the popular cake stall.

The raffle is drawn at 11.50am. A card reader is available.

There will be no Saturday shop in August but the event returns on Saturday 20th September.

Seaside memories brought to life

This is the last weekend of Skye Tobin’s Making Memories art exhibition at Westgate Galleria & Studio. Everyone treasures memories of the seaside – the feel of warm sand and the soothing rhythm of the waves.

Skye is a Kent-based painter whose seascapes bring those moments to life. Layering textured mediums and rich evocative colours, she creates depth and movement with her signature gold-leaf horizons shimmering beneath a glossy resin finish. Each piece tells a story of joyful seaside moments, frozen in time.

The Galleria is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Skye’s exhibition ends on July 23rd. 29 Station Road, Westgate-on-Sea, CT88RB. Free parking nearby, the bus stops and train station are just a few mins away.

Explorers’ Workshop for Artists interested in Light Up Ramsgate

Sat July 19th 11am-5pm drop in, Hold Creative Spaces, 3A Paragon Works Albert St, Ramsgate

Are you  interested in participating in Light Up Ramsgate 2025?

Do you have an idea you would like to discuss with us?

Would you like to expand your artistic practice using light as a medium?

Would you like to meet artists with light and light tech experience who you can network with,  get tips from and even collaborate with?

Drop in. https://www.holdcreativespaces.co.uk/events-current-and-future

Bradstock Music & Summer Fair

19th July, 10am to 2pm, Bradstow School in Broadstairs

Free community event with live music, enterprise projects, raffle, sixth form marketplace and more.

The Red Telephone

19th July, 9pm, Margate Arts Club

Logan Fisher and OBOST

New on the scene and highly talented OBOST is the Electronic/ Indie Dance alias of Bobby Langfield. At 18 years old, Bobby is already an accomplished classically-trained musician, multi-instrumentalist and performer.

His set will be followed by local DJs Zoe and DAMO and then Logan Fisher, party starter, and pioneering DJ.

Age restriction: 18+

Tickets £11.25 Book now

TKE Spring Show

Now until 27 July, Saturdays & Sundays noon- 4.55pm, TKE Studios Margate

A group exhibition featuring TKE Studios artists, curated by Dame Tracey Emin, including end of Residency show for two of the Studio’s artists

Features works by Dame Tracey Emin • Layla Andrews • Brogan Bertie • Elissa Cray • Laura Footes • Vincent Hawkins • Jack Hirons • Joline Kwakkenbos • Studio Lenca • Mercedes Lucy • Gabriela Max • Lindsey Mendick • Guy Oliver • Vanessa Raw • Lola Stong-Brett • Ted Rogers • Dominic Watson • Ziah Ziah.

Part of the Spring Show also includes the culmination of the Victoria House Residency, founded by Tracey Emin, featuring works by TM Davy and Alina Zamanova.

Free entry

Dragged out of Retirement

Now until July 23, York Street Gallery Ramsgate

Work by Thelma Findlay

Thelma will be in the gallery on Saturday afternoon hosting a meet and greet with refreshments. 2pm-4pm all welcome.

The Old Country Crows: Oval Summer Sundays

20th July, 1pm – 5pm (concert 2pm – 4pm), The Oval Bandstand and Lawns

Get ready for a soulful afternoon of Americana-inspired music as The Old Country Crows bring their signature blend of classic 60s vibes, folk-rock, and storytelling to The Oval Bandstand.

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.

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)

National Garden Scheme Open Day at Quex

20th July, 10am to 4pm,  Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens

For generations, the Powell-Cotton family has enjoyed the gardens at Quex. Their love of outdoor spaces is clear to see today in the seven acres of historic gardens and natural woodland. Take a stroll around the beautiful gardens and take in the winding paths, cooling woodland, stunning flower borders, and the bountiful walled garden. On this open day, Head Gardener Sue will be on hand to talk to you about the history and future of this special place.

Your ticket also grants you entry to the Powell-Cotton Museum and complimentary tours. Tickets can also be purchased on the door.

All admission monies from the day will be donated to the National Garden Scheme support Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, Queens Nursing Institute, Parkinson’s UK, Perennial, MS Society, and more.

Adult: £5.00, Concession: £4.50, Child: £4.00, Infant (age 0-3 years): Free. Member: Free, Book now

Shakespeare on the Beach – Twelfth Night

20th July, 5pm,  Margate Main Sands

Changeling Theatre and Phoenix Community Events return to Margate Main Sands with their outdoors performance

Love, relationships and mistaken identity. Twelfth Night is Shakespeare’s bittersweet romantic comedy where no-one is quite who they seem. Shipwrecked on an unknown shore, Viola is separated from her twin brother Sebastian. She thinks he’s dead. He thinks she’s dead. And everyone else has no idea which one’s which.

Viola embraces a secret new identity by disguising herself as a boy to work for the Duke Orsino. She falls in love with him, but he’s already in love with Olivia. Olivia then falls for Viola thinking she’s Sebastian.

Suitable for all ages
Tickets £21.50 ( under 16s £13.50) plus booking fees – includes deckchair hire Book now

Margate Cultural Walking Tour

20th July. Starts at 1pm from The Shakespeare pub in Canterbury Rd, Margate

This 1 hour walking tour, along Margate’s seafront into the Old Town, covers the town’s history from 45 BC, through it’s history as a holiday getaway, then as a haven for artists, lovers (and the occasional rock star) in more recent times… to the spot it is today.

Bowie, Marx, Doherty, Hawkwind, Peter Sellers, JMW Turner, Tracy Emin, Del Boy and even James Bond…all feature!

Ends in Margate’s old town and those who stay on afterwards will have the option to taste some of the local wines, ales (and cheese!) together in the wine bar ‘Little Swift’.

Tickets £10 Book now

Cliftonville West Jewish History Walking Tours

20th July, 1.30pm, start and end outside Margate Winter Gardens

New walking tour invites locals and visitors alike to discover the rich, surprising, and often overlooked Jewish history of Cliftonville West.

The Cliftonville West Jewish History Walking Tour offers a 2.5-hour guided stroll through the seaside streets of Margate, revealing stories of migration, resilience, faith, and food that helped shape the area over the past two centuries.

Led by a local researcher and storyteller Katie Blythe, the tour explores everything from the Jewish pedlars who arrived with the Royal Navy, to the doctors who helped build Margate’s reputation as a health retreat. Participants will hear of the fierce boarding-house balabustas who escaped difficult lives to rebuild on the coast, the battle for kosher provisions, the establishment of synagogues and schools, the arrival of Kindertransport

While the content is suitable for most ages, some topics – including the Holocaust and refugee experiences – may not be appropriate for children under 12, at the discretion of their guardians.

From £18 Book now

Inspiration Train

20th July – 21st July, 10am – 5pm. Last entry will be at 4pm

Celebrating 200 years of the modern railway by visiting Inspiration: The Railway 200 Exhibition Train at Margate station.

**PLEASE NOTE TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT BUT THERE IS STILL LOTS TO SEE AND DO AT THE STATION OVER THE TWO DAYS**

You’ll be joined by a team dedicated to making your experience memorable.

The train is accessible and to ensure a quality experience and time to enjoy the displays, visits are structured in 15-minute intervals.

Please arrive at the station no earlier than 10 minutes before the time indicated on your ticket. Have your ticket in hand for check-in. Book now

Volunteers Day

July 20, 10am, Margate Football Club

Annual volunteers day at Hartsdown Park, the home of Margate FC .

Whether you can spare 15 minutes or 2 hours, it would be hugely appreciated.

The kind of jobs for the day will included weeding around the ground, trimming bushes and trees back, cleaning windows, removing stickers from around the ground, painting and much more.

Icons of Margate & Cliftonville

20 July to 5 September, Dreamland entrance off Marine Terrace.

‘Shrines’ depicting people in the community have been created by Ramsgate artist Carson Parkin-Fairley and local community groups and individuals who nominated themselves, or were nominated, to be icons.

The exhibition’s  aim is to offer visitors an intimate glimpse into the lives and stories of local people, while the creation of each of the shrines provided the participants a chance to consider and celebrate what they love about themselves and what’s important to them.