Incoming: Nussaibah Younis, Nan Goldin, Sandra Art4All

Book talks, art exhibitions, live music, cabaret, a celebration of coffee and more. Get these events in Thanet and beyond into your diary.

The Margate Bookshop’s upcoming author talk is with Fundamentally author Nussaibah Younis. On Thursday, February 12 at the Old Fort Hotel, Younis will discuss her acclaimed book (Comedy Women in Print winner and Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist) about a gay academic leading Baghdad based UN taskforce working to de-radicalise ISIS women and her friendship with a young East London girl and an ISIS bride. The conversation will be with Rubina Pabani, co-host of Brown Girls Do It Too podcast. Free tickets. 

An exhibition not to miss, Nan Goldin: The Ballad of Sexual Dependency appears in its entirety at Gagosian’s London gallery until March 21. To mark the work’s 40th anniversary, all 126 images from Goldin’s genre-defining book are on display. A reflection of gender, intimacy and power, The Ballad of Sexual Dependency defined downtown New York of the 70s and 80s, was key in bringing photography into the centre of contemporary art and went on to influence artists and the visual culture to come. Full details.

Marking their tenth anniversary this year, Sandra Art4All will be exhibiting artwork in The Cupboard at Margate’s Liminal Gallery from February 14 to May 9. The project supports deaf, autistic and neurodivergent people to create, exhibit and sell art. Head down for a special launch event from 2-4pm on Saturday, February 14. 

Thanet art studio adapting creative processes for artists with additional needs

“I just like to get to know the person in front of me,” says Sandra Hampton from Sandra Art4All studio on working with artists with special needs

Strange TouristZita Whalley

Spend your valentines at The Alley Bar in Ramsgate watching local cabaret performers and odd couple Violet Malice and Pat Riarchy do their thing. On February 14, from 7pm. Tickets £15.

Ramsgate Noise Institute returns in March for a night of live experimental music. It takes place at Unit 2, St Lawrence Industrial Estate on Thursday, March 5. 

Big Woes will launch their new EP Heavy Work II at Where Else in Margate on Friday, February 20. It’s always a treat to see Big Woes play. Tickets £10. 

Margate band Big Woes on the town’s “personal and human” music scene

“Softcore punk band” Big Woes on a new compilation A Margate Sampler, the “amazing” energy of its launch shows, and feeling part of a musical community

Strange TouristAndy Malt

Calling all jazz musos and singers - the Bulls Head in Margate will launch the Margate Jazz Jam on Tuesday January 27, with the night becoming an ongoing thing every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 9pm-11pm. So go on, blow your own horn. 

Margate Pride is putting on a special LGBT+ History Month quiz with a back to school theme. It will take place at Cliftonville Community Hall on Wednesday, February 11. There will also be a raffle and merch for sale on the night. Tickets are £12 with money raised going towards putting on this year’s Margate Pride. 

David Devant and his Spirit Wife return to Ramsgate Music Hall on Friday, May 8, following a sell out show in 2024. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to local good causes. Tickets £19. 

Windmill Community Gardens will be bringing back its Forest Garden School in March. Aimed at children aged 3-9, attendees get involved with nature play, primitive skills, and permaculture learning in the Margate outdoor venue. Kids who attend all four sessions receive a certificate in Discovering Permaculture. It runs every Tuesday in March. Tickets £70 (covers one adult and up to three children for all four sessions).

Fancy spending seven days wide-eyed and alert? Margate Coffee Week has your back. Details are sparse as yet, but the event will run from September 7-13, leading you on a trail around the town’s many coffee spots. Follow on Instagram for updates.