Incoming: Björk, John Cooper Clarke, Red Richardson

Lots of things to do in Thanet, East Kent and London over the coming months, including film, comedy, art exhibition, community events, live music and more.

Björk’s new concert film Cornucopia is set to be screened at the Palace cinema in Broadstairs on May 31, June 1 and June 3. Featuring music from her Utopia and Fossora, the acclaimed live show blended virtual reality and digital theatre. Tickets £9.

Time for a Chump’s update! The comedy promoter has a load of great shows coming up in the near future. Newly announced is Red Richardson at Where Else in Margate on Tuesday, May 20. Tickets £14. Also set to descend on Margate are Suzy Ruffell, Amy Annette, Sarah Keyworth, Lucy Pearman, Joe Kent, Helen Bauer and Josie Long. And if you want to get out of Thanet, there’s a mixed bill headlined by Ivo Graham at The Gulbenkian in Canterbury on May 7. Full details. 

Neurodivergence awareness organisation STAK.life is hosting a fundraising afternoon at The Pavilion in Broadstairs on Sunday, May 11 from midday to 4.30pm. There will be live music from local acts including Bamboozle and Neon Rush, as well as a raffle, a seal bid auction for a guitar signed by The Libertines and more. Free entry.

John Cooper Clarke will be making a stop at Kings Hall in Herne Bay on his upcoming UK tour. He will play the venue on Friday, October 10. Tickets £26. 

Pop-up restaurant MOP will be appearing again next month. This time they’ll be serving up flatbread wraps and sides at The Bus Cafe on Margate’s Sun Deck on May 9-10 and 16-17 from 5pm until late. The full menu is yet to be announced, but if their recent stint at Louie On Sea is anything to go by it’ll be one not to be missed. 

Iceage frontman Elias Rønnenfelt is set to play a solo show at Where Else? in Margate on Sunday, June 15. A compelling performer whatever the project, he’ll be performing music from his excellent 2024 indie-folk album Heavy Glory. It’s an all ages show with a 4pm start time, so why not get the whole family involved? Tickets £16.18.

Bringing a touch of Ibiza to your bike ride, Cycle Del Mar returns to Margate for a sunset bike ride, complete with the Rickshaw Sound System. Head to the Turner at 7pm tonight, Saturday, April 26 for beats, pedals, and hopefully a smashing sunset. Moving at a leisurely pace, the ride should last around 1.5 hours and everyone is welcome. Tickets are free, but book.

Margate welcomes May with a big ol bank holiday bash, put on by the Margate Action Group. Margate Vintage Weekend, running Friday May 2 to Sunday, May 4, will be filled with street parties, choirs, music, a historical trail and other fun things. A raffle will raise funds to support The Veterans Association. Where exactly is it? All across Margs. 

Fancy creating your own unique bag? Illustrator Kali Wilson will be at The Red Lion in Ramsgate on Thursday, May 15 at 7.30pm (sesh runs for two hours) to guide you through the steps of painting a design on your own tote bag. It’s £25, with two cocktails included. Call 01843 586713 to book. 

Both Sète and Margate Arts Club are opening their gardens up for summer. Margate Arts Club's is already opened (7pm-10pm), with a happy hour 7pm-8pm. Sète will reopen its alfresco area on Friday May 2. Let’s hope March weather vibes return soon. 

Manspace is running a walk and talk in Blean Woods tomorrow, Sunday, April 27. It’s a chance to meet some people, find out more about the organisation and bask in the wood’s charm. Meet at the East Blean Woods car park at 11am, Forstal Road, Canterbury, CT3 4NA. 

London gallery Jealous will take over St Michael’s Church in Shoreditch for a two day bash. The Jealous Summer Show will have exclusive launches and free stuff. David Shrigley, Noel Fielding, Yinka Shonibare, Miss Bugs and even Blur are among the big names involved. On June 14-15, it’s either £10 or free with a food donation. Tickets will be released soon, so keep your eyes peeled on Insta. 74-76 Leonard Street, EC2A 4QS. 

The Broadstairs and St Peters Community Festival is set to take place at Pierremont Park on Saturday, May 24. There will be live music, workshops, market stalls and a bar. Free entry.

London’s Victoria Miro gallery has announced a new exhibition to mark its 40th anniversary, celebrating many of the artists it has worked with since opening in 1985. Among those set to display work are Doug Aitken, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Idris Khan, Yayoi Kusama, Grayson Perry and Flora Yukhnovich. The show will run from June 6 to August 1.

Ramsgate restaurant Number Nine will be serving pizzas and drinks in its new glass courtyard this bank holiday Monday, May 5 from 2-6pm. The bar will be serving up wine, craft beers, cocktails and spritzes. Book a table. 

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