Incoming: Paul Foot, The Sportsman, Christmas

Live comedy in a cinema, the secrets of a a top Kent chef, wine for mums, and a whole load of Christmas events. Fill your diary with these upcoming events in Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs.

Chump’s Comedy is stretching out into Broadstairs, with its first show in the town set to take place at the Palace Cinema on Wednesday, February 25. A brilliant venue and an amazing line up too. Paul Foot will headline, following sets from Alexandra Haddow and Andy Field. Tickets £15. 

Palace cinema celebrates 60 years at the heart of Broadstairs

“Cultural institution” the Palace cinema’s 60 year journey to become “a place that really is about film as opposed to two hours of entertainment”

Strange TouristAndy Malt

Chef at The Sportsman in Seasalter, Stephen Harris will be discussing his new book The Sportsman at Home at the Fort Road Hotel on Thursday, December 4. He will be in conversation with Margate-based cook, fermentation expert and writer Thom Eagle. If you’re worried that all the talk of food is going to make you too hungry, there will also be nibbles inspired by the book on offer. Free tickets. 

Canadian punk band Cancer Bats are coming to the UK in their other guise, Bat Sabbath. Performing Black Sabbath songs in their own energetic style, they’ll be making a stop in Kent at The Booking Hall in Dover on Wednesday, July 8 - the opening night of the tour. Tickets £21.50.

Folkestone dive bar Blackmarket will be taking over swanky Margate restaurant Pomus for one night only on Monday, December 15. Head down for burgers, wings and beers with a rock n roll soundtrack. Book a table.

Like wine? Have kids? Wine bar Penelope in Ramsgate hosts Mum Club - an afternoon where half the party can cry, gum their food and wet their pants without judgement. On Thursday, December 4, 2pm-4pm, pull up your buggy or unstrap your papoose and order a large glass, and relax in the knowledge that this sesh is all about the family vibes. Grandparents, dads and carers are also invited.

Felicity’s in Broadstairs hosts an indulgent Sip and Paint afternoon where participants can eat, drink and get creative. Tuck into afternoon tea and prosecco while Kali Wilson guides you through painting your own vase, on Sunday, December 15, 1pm-4pm. Tickets £40. 

Continuing their run of two person musicals, ELZ and Dame Jame turn their attention to pantomime at CAMP on Saturday, December 20. Mashing up bits of all the classics, from Cinderella to Dick Whittington, with the audience deciding plot twists and making special guest appearances as the story unfolds. The evening performance is adults only, but there will be a family-friendly matinee too. 

High Tide Social hosts a foraged wreath-making making workshop on Sunday, November 30 and again on Sunday December 14. All materials will be foraged, and you’re welcome to personalise your wreath with items which you’ve brought in. Tickets are £20 per person which includes a mince pie and glass of mulled wine. DM to book. 

This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete in Ramsgate is having a Christmas party on Saturday, December 20. The experimental sound and tech museum will be open from 6pm until late, serving mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas music as you’ve never heard it before. Free entry. 

Interview: This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete

Ever had the urge to push a mystery button? Strange Tourist visits This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete, where visitors are invited to do just that. Visitors are encouraged to make music and sound with old tech (whether it was designed to or not) and in the process learn about how it works

Strange TouristAndy Malt

Children’s bookshop Happy Reading in Broadstairs has author and illustrator events every weekend from the end of November right up to Christmas. There are readings, workshops and activities on the schedule with Grace Easton, Natelle Quek, Neal Hoskins, Rachel Tilda Wolf, Inky Willis and shop owner Nicci Rosengarten. See the full line up.

MADE by Margate opens December 11. The festive pop up returns to Northdown Road for yet another Christmas, hocking handmade gifts, ceramics, jewellery, homeware and decorations made by local artists and crafts people. It’s shopping local to the core. Open through to Christmas, with late night shopping every Friday. 

Bleak House in Broadstairs will be hosting a Christmas fair on December 6-7 from 11am to 6pm. Kids can not only meet Father Christmas and receive a gift but also have a festive train ride. As well as that, there will be live carol performances each day and food from Kebbels. Free Entry. 

It’s Christmas markets for days in Margate, come December. Margate Women’s Institute hosts its Christmas Fayre Saturday December 6 at Dreamland (11am-4pm), while over at Turner, Brighter Days pops back up for weekend, December 6-7 (10am-4pm). Handmade at Eclectic is also on December 6, as is Joseph Wales Art & Makers Market (11am-4pm). And this is in addition to the Margate School of Art Market, which we mentioned last week (December 6-7, 11am-4pm). 

For more Christmas shopping in Margs, Good Tidings pops up at Ramsay and Williams in the Old Town from December 5, with locally-made gifts and stuff, workshops and events. Oh, and ice cream.