News and things to do: Christmas and on into the New Year
Christmas party season is still hanging in there, and new events are already being announced for 2025
For those at a loose end during that weird time between Christmas and New Years, the Crab Museum will be open December 27-29 for all your crabby desires. The Shakespeare, also in Margate will also be open, from December 26 through to January 1, for post-party hair of the dog.
Into January, Ty Watling and Gabriel Moreno launch their single Castles. Head to Ramsgate’s Salon Du Miel on Broad Street on January 26 at 8pm to hear this poem-turned-song in its live glory.
Have you tried the new gay bar in Margate town? La, on the High Street, opens its basement cabaret and club tonight, with Drag Race UK queen Sum Ting Wong on stage at 9pm. Get down early and gorge on some deliciously dirty grub from Lafayette first.
One half of Kent’s own Orbital, Phil Hartnoll plays Justine’s April 19, bringing gurn-tastic nostalgic house and classic electronic to Margs. Tickets £17.
The delightful Tales of Moon Lane Bookshop (a new incarnation of Ramsgate’s Moon Lane Books) has announced its Children’s Festival of Books. Taking place in Whitstable on March 5 & 8 at Horsebridge Arts Centre, the first date will welcome school groups while March 8 is for everyone. The festival is an initiative of author, educator and diversity in literature advocate Tamara McFarlane, who founded the book store and also oversees the wonderful children’s programme at Margate Bookie. Expect engaging, hands on activities and stories that speak to a range of kids. Read our interview with her.
Just when you think you can’t take January anymore and you just need to go on a holiday but you can’t because you’re broke, Folkestone will host a Winter Beer Festival, which is as good an excuse as any to get out of Thanet, and it will cost far less than a flight to Tenerife. Head to The Board Room at Folkestone Harbour Friday, January 31 to Sunday, February 2 for crafty-beery good times.
Comedy stalwarts Chump’s Comedy bring back Paul Foot, off the back of two sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs. The comic will perform his critically acclaimed show, Dissolved, as well as some of his signature high energy rants. On at Olby’s on February 19, with doors at 7pm. Tickets £18.
ICYMI - previous tipped events happening in the next week
CAMP is hosting its Beige Buffet today, Saturday, December 21; a spread of Iceland’s finest frozen food. It’s a free shin-dig that starts at 2pm, to say thanks for supporting the venue throughout the year.
Superclub MOP will set up shop in Bar Nothing's kitchen on Sunday, December 22 to cook up a festive feast. There will be two sittings at 3pm and 6.30pm. Meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans all covered. £25 per person.
Where Ele’s Winter Pub Sports Olympics. On Friday, December 27 from 6pm to midnight the bar will be your place to play pool, darts, beer pong and shut the box. Free entry.
Lou Sanders and fellow stand up comedian John Robins will host a special New Year’s Eve Eve live stream to brighten up your post-Christmas lull. They’ll be online at 8pm on December 30. Tickets are £8, with £1 for each sale being donated to Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse.
Margate’s Sargasso has announced it will host a New Year’s Day party, with lunch served until 5pm and Joe Lye and Deke play the tunes until late. Book online.
Neptune’s Hall in Broadstairs is putting on a big New Year’s Day party for those not partied out from the night before.
Marine Studios in Margate has launched a monthly Quiet Reading Group on the second Thursday of each month, 6-8.30pm. The next one on January 9. Entry is free.
Margate Creative Land Trust has announced a fresh Emergency Support Fund round for up to £10K. It’s open until Friday, January 10. Full details.
The Princess of Wales, Tivoli Street, Margate opens under new management on Friday, January 10, with live music from 7pm and DJs from 9pm.
