Incoming: Unmissable events and the best things to do in Thanet
Restaurants, gigs, exhibitions and upcoming things to do in Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, and along the East Kent coast this March and April
Add these dates to your diary so you don't miss out on these fab parties, family days out, gigs and exhibitions.
Cliftonville gallery Quench is celebrating its 4th birthday, and wants you to come along. Head to The Belle Vue Tavern on Northdown Road on Saturday, April 5 from 8pm for cake, balloons, game, dancing and an unveiling of special edition works by Lindsey Mendick.
The Blue Pelican in Deal is celebrating Japan’s cherry blossom season, April 9-12. Book to scoff items off the new spring menu and quaff breezy cocktails. There’s also a sake tasting session on Thursday, April 10 at 6pm, if that’s your thing. Full details.
The cutely named Tide & Seek Beach School in Broadstairs has announced its Easter Beach Club. On Wednesday April 9 from 1pm-3.30pm and April 16 9.30am-12pm at Stone Bay, there will be sandy fun along with drawing sessions, storytelling, and exploring the shoreline. DM to book or email sophie@tideandseekbeachschool.co.uk. Session £20.
Fall even more in love with Studio Ghibli, with this talk from Helen McCarthy. On Thursday, April 10, 7pm-9.30pm at the Canterbury Christ Church University’s Augustine House & Hall, Helen will dig into Ghibli’s creative practice to explore the animation house’s inspirations and connection to Japanese cultural traditions. Tickets from £13.27.
Ramsgate Music Hall will host Canadian act The Burning Hell on August 28 and tickets are on sale now for £17.50. If you like bands like the Mouldy Peaches and songs that are novels, these guys might be up your alley.
Bleak by name, but not by nature, the Bleak House Gardens open up June 14-15, as part of the Broadstairs Dickens Festival (June 13-15). With Ramsgate Croquet Club, Northdown Brewery, treats from RoRo’s Ice Cream and a ride on miniature railway among the various activities, you’ll probably have a better time at the clifftop bolthole than Dickens did. Stuff on 10am-5pm.
With spring officially here, now’s the time to step outside. Thanet Coast Project has a number of activities that will get you and the family trawling along the coastline. You could hunt for shark eggs (Walpole Bay April 8 2pm, Botany Bay April 9 2pm, Ramsgate Main Sands April 10 2pm), investigate seaweed in all it’s slimy, important glory (Walpole Bay March 27 4pm) or discover the stories of Kingsgate’s white cliffs (April 22, 11am). These guided walks are family friendly and come with a suggested donation ranging between £2-£5. For more info go to thanetcoast.org.uk.
Kelly Lee Owens is set to DJ at Faith In Strangers in Cliftonville on Saturday, May 17. Expect a transcendental experience on the dancefloor, as she creates pure escapism. Very excited about this one. Tickets £18.40.
Artist Job Muscroft will be unveiling his new exhibition The Joy Of Cats in May. Purr-use a range of feline-focussed artwork at the Old Town’s Pharmacy Gallery on May 24-27.
Margate Fringe Festival has begun announcing shows for this year’s multi-venue event in May. Performers already announced include Nick Helm, Rosie Holt, Daniel Foxx, Ria Lina, and Christopher Hall. Book tickets.
Multi award-winning and very funny stand up comedian Alasdair Beckett-King will be previewing his new Edinburgh show King of Crumbs at The Lighthouse in Deal on Wednesday, April 18. Support comes from Ravi Holy. Tickets £14.
More stand up - Fern Brady is coming back to Margate for another Chump’s show on Sunday, April 6 at Olby’s. Set to perform her new show I Gave You Milk To Drink, she’ll be down to get warmed up for her US tour, which starts later the same month. Tickets £18.
The first batch of acts set to play this year’s Smugglers Festival has been announced. They include This Is The Kit, Vieux Farka Touré, The Heliocentrics, Honeyglaze, Colossal Squid, and Blind Yeo. It will run from August 28-31 this year. Day and weekend tickets are available now.
Horrible Histories is coming to Leeds Castle near Maidstone for the Easter holidays, from April 4-21. Blending history and humour, children will become knights, making their own armour and shields before heading off on a quest through the castle grounds. Full details.
Missed the Young Knives at Ramsgate Music Hall earlier this year? They’re coming back to Thanet for a show at Justine’s in Margate on Wednesday, November 26. They’ll be cracking out the hits and their also very good new material. Tickets £21.47.
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