Things to do: Sundowners, Paddington, social crafting

The OG of queer venues in Margate, Sundowners, is closing. Proud Pink Inns, who took over the spot a year ago say the decision comes due to "pressures outside of our control". It’s sad news, but don’t expect Sundowners to bow out quietly; from Halloween through to its TBC closing night bash in November, it’s party party party at this much loved institution. 

On the above, it’s not over for Lafayette, Sundowners' resident dirty-delicious kitchen. Like a hermit crab looking for a new sea snail shell to call home, Lafayettes will continue to serve their loaded waffles and indulgent grub, but elsewhere. It might be in Proud Pink Inns’ new gaff, but it also might not be. 

Sète, Margate have announced a new winter special. Open 4pm-10pm on Tuesdays, head to the bistro for an £18 big and small plate deal, with glasses of tap wine for £3.5, and £5 desserts. Also on Tuesdays, the bar has Apéro hour from 4pm-6pm with £5 vinos.

Dreamland has just launched its Christmas programme, Christmas World which kicks off on Saturday, December 14. It comes with a whole stash of things that you probably don’t want to think about for another month or so. That said, tickets to the grotto can sell out, so you might want to think about that. Full details here.

A fine way to spend a miserable, rainy day, Westgate’s Carlton Cinema will screen a double bill of Paddington and Paddington 2 tomorrow, Sunday, October 20. You'll also get to see a clip of the upcoming Paddington in Peru. What a treat. Flick starts at 2.30pm and tickets are £3.50(!)

In London this week? The wonderful Walthamstow Trades Hall hosts A Spooky Queer Cabaret Extravaganza on Friday, October 25. Featuring Jamie Fuxx, Chiyo and Lust, it’s going to be campy, ghoulie and most likely extra. After, shake it out with Dance Mums who bring the party vibes until 1pm. Doors at 8pm for a 9pm start, tickets £8.80. Dress up. 

Sugar Rush in Ramsgate also has a lot on, including the Witches and Wizards High tea at Salon Du Miel on Broad Street. With sittings today, Saturday, October 19 at 1.30pm and 4pm, and tomorrow, Sunday, October 20 at 11.30am and 2pm, folk can brew their own drinking potion, skull butterbeer and tuck into a spooky, yet delicious, feast. Tickets are £16 a pop.

Just when you think The Shakespeare in Margate couldn’t be any more great, they go ahead and launch a Bring Your Own Craft night. Whether you knit, crochet, draw, sew or embalm, head to the pub every Monday, from October 21st to craft in company, whatever your crafty jam may be. 

The Margate School visual communication design graduation show, YOU ME US takes over the Main Gallery from October 26-31, 10am-4pm. Using photography, printmaking, collage, painting and installations, the works are an exploration of identity and the things in life that funnel into this. The exhibition is part of the Margate Festival Design.

If you like food and beer and getting out of Thanet for the evening, Macknade Food Hall in Faversham still has tickets for its Meet the Brewers Showcase on Friday, October 25. Taste over 40 different beers, including Brogdale Craft Cider, Tonbridge Brewery, Time & Tide and Moot. You can pre-order food which you can get stuck into while you quaff largers and listen to Gracie & The Booms, who will play in the cafe. It’s free, but book tickets

Carl Freedman Gallery, Margate, has announced its next exhibition will be Laura Footes’ A Healing Dream. Running November 17 to February 16, it takes the baton from Realms, curated by Gemma Rolls-Bently. Laura’s dream-like paintings explore dysfunction and healing from the perspective of someone who has lived with a long-term chronic illness. Opening preview on Saturday, November 16, 5pm-8pm.

Light trail Light Up Ramsgate has extended its artist submission deadline to Monday, October 21. It’s part of Ramsgate Lumiere, a new festival set to make the town sparkle in the dark months. Artist receive £250 for their works which will glow from shop windows. Head to holdcreativespaces.co.uk to send your idea through. 

MixMatched, a monthly performance night among other things that has as focus on neurodivergent inclusivity, has a creative writing workshop at Margate’s Shell Grotto on Saturday, October 26, from 12pm-2.30pm and a performance and spoken word night at Sundowners on Wednesday October 30, from 7pm to 9.30pm. This one appropriately is Halloween themed so dress up. They are £6.13 and £4.50 respectively, and if you saw their Margate Bookie evening, you’ll know their nights are a hit. 

Pickled Herring in Broadstairs has been brewing a weekend treat. They’ve teamed up with Artisan Food House Caterers to bring you a pop up restaurant every weekend,from October 25. Open Friday and Saturday 12pm-11pm and Sunday 12pm-7pm, head over for roast hake with crispy new potatoes, seafood chowder, curry pickled herring and baked lamb rump. To book, email eat@thepickledherringbroadstairs.co.uk.

Turner Contemporary hosts a conversation about apples on Sunday, October 27 at 3pm, with exhibiting artist Anya Gallaccio and tree expert Peter Hasted and apple grower Donna Cooper. Kent is one of the UK’s largest apple growing regions, and in this chat you can learn about the challenges facing Kent’s trees and woodlands, heritage apple trees and the significance of the ash tree in Anya’s exhibition. It’s free, but be nice and book. 

Katy J Pearson will be returning to Margate for a show at The Lido on Monday, November 25. Joining her as support act will be Dana Gavanski, who is also not one to miss. Read our interview with Dana from earlier this year here.

ICYMI - previous tipped events happening in the next week

A line up of queer and trans artists will perform a reimagined arrangement of Bronski Beat’s The Age Of Consent in full London’s Southbank Centre tonight. The performance mark’s the classic album’s 40th anniversary. Tickets are £25. 

It’s the Crab Museum’s third birthday and they’re having a party at Where Else tonight. Get your ticket online here, or pick one up at the museum.  

Sugar Rush hosts Ramsgate Flea on Sunday, October 20. Head over for stalls selling vintage clothes, vinyl, homeware and more. Entry is free. 

Chump’s Comedy returns at Where Else in Margate on Wednesday, October 23. Performing are Tatty Macleod, Sarah Roberts, and Huge Davies. Join the waiting list for tickets. You can read our interview with the Chump’s team here. 

Seabird in Ramsgate is teaming up with local vineyard Barnsoles on Thursday, October 24 for a five course dinner paired with five wines from the Barnsole list. Places are £75 per person. Book here. 

The White Pube will be at Margate’s Fort Road Hotel on Thursday, October 24 to discuss Poor Artists, their new book exploring the emotional, existential and financial experience of artists today. Join the waiting list for free tickets. 

The Doc N Roll music documentary film festival will be holding screenings around the UK between October 24 and November 10. Check out the festival’s full programme here. 

Norman Jay will be DJing at Faith In Strangers in Cliftonville on Friday, October 25. Tickets are £22.10 via Dice.

Comedian Robin Ince will be performing at  Margate’s Crab Museum on Friday, October 25. It’s sold out but keep an eye on your WhatsApp and Facebook groups for people selling spare tickets.