News Blast: What do you do when Banksy paints your house?

A tidal pool closure, the story of Banksy's Valentine's Day Mascara, Black Mirror filming in Kent, here's our round up of the latest cultural news in Thanet and beyond.

Walpole Bay Tidal Pool will be closed for maintenance week commencing April 28. The pool will be drained in order to carry out a survey and repairs. New escape ladders are also set to be installed. The pool is expected to be open again by the weekend. 

BBC Radio 4’s The Banksy Story podcast has kicked off its second series, looking at what happens when a piece of work by the street artist suddenly appears on the side of your house. Presenter James Peake investigates two such experiences, including that of the Margate homeowners whose house became the canvas for The Valentine’s Day Mascara. Listen now on BBC Sounds. 

Thanet has been named one of the 30 best places in the entire world to go for a holiday in August by Condé Nast Traveller - pipped by Copenhagen in Denmark and Koh Samui in Thailand. “While nothing’s guaranteed in the UK, August offers some of the best chances of balmy days, which invite flustered visitors into the calm waters around hotspots including Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate,” it says. We look forward to the influx of flustered and confused visitors in a few months’ time. Read the article in full here. 

Production on the seventh series of Black Mirror is underway, and the makers have been down in Kent to get that classic dystopian vibe. According to Kent Film Office, parts of an episode exploring past memories starring Peter Capaldi, Paul Giamatti, Rashida Jones, and Chris O’Dowd were filmed at Beacon House and Tankerton beach in Whitstable, as well as Herne Bay Pier. 

The former Penfolds reptile shop in The Centre, Margate is to become a new bar and diner, called The Lickedy Split. Next door to Pomus, refurbishment of the two storey unit is set to begin, after planning was approved by Thanet District Council. No opening date has yet been announced. Follow the bar on Instagram for more updates. 

A message in a bottle thrown into the sea by a girl from Ramsgate has been found in Denmark, reports the BBC. It’s one of three bottles dropped into Ramsgate Harbour last November by John Moore and his granddaughters. While the other two are yet to be discovered, ten year old Olivia’s message reading, “If you find my bottle please ring my granddad John” has now been found twice. It previously washed up in The Netherlands in December. As with that previous occasion, the finders have sent it back on its ocean-bound journey. 

The Good Space Tap on Ramsgate’s Harbour Parade is now open. The bar is the work of the No Frills Joe Brewing Co, which started out brewing beer in a Ramsgate basement in 2014, before upscaling to a full scale brewery in Greenhithe, near Dartford. Open five days a week, the venue serves beers from a range of breweries, wine and spirits, plus smash burgers to soak it all up. 

Are you bored with your hair or up for a totally new style? Margate hair salon Marcella are looking for models for competition cuts - defined lined, bold colours and strong looks. If you’re up for a fresh do DM the salon for more information. 

Cleopatra Yoga is hosting Well Woman yoga classes in Broadstairs. Designed especially for women and lady issues, the gentle, all ability sessions aide pre and post menopausal symptoms, balance hormones, boost energy and emotional wellbeing while increasing flexibility and strength. Fridays at 11.30-12.30 at Vale Church Hall, Broadstairs CT10 1RB. £7.50 per class and drop-ins welcome. DM Cleopatra Yoga for more information.

Vintage clothing and homeware shop Cover has opened up on King Street Margate. Rumour has it down the track the shop will serve tea and have frocks for hire.

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