Incoming: Sunshine Cafe, Maisie Adam, Thanet Urban Forest
Food pop-ups, stand up comedy, a cherry blossom walk and more upcoming events in Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and further into Kent
Pop-ups in Dreamland's disused cafe, a Taskmaster winner in Margate, and a cherry blossom walk. These and more upcoming things to do in Thanet and beyond.
Dreamland has announced that it will open up its Sunshine Cafe for two weekends in May. Willy’s head chef and Masterchef: The Professionals contestant Mark O’Brien will serve guests meals over sunset on May 1-2, with a menu including smoked and grilled picanhia. Then on May 15-16, Pomus will take over the space, cooking up confit pollock among their three courses. Places £100 per person on general sale on March 30.
Taskmaster winner Maisie Adam has announced a work in progress show at The Drill Shed in Margate on Wednesday, June 3. Also appearing on the new series of Last One Laughing, she will be working up material for her new tour show. Tickets £14.33.
Thanet Urban Forest will be leading a Hanami Tree Walk through Margate’s Dane Park on Saturday, April 11 to celebrate the arrival of the cherry blossom. You will join tree expert Peter Hasted as he guides you in the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing. Tickets from £4.
The Empower Her business network launches Women Who Walk, a new monthly meet up in Broadstairs for local women in business, on Friday, April 17. Taking place on the third Friday of each month from then on, each walk will begin at the Old Curiosity Shop at 9am.
Illustrator Quentin Blake is launching a new exhibition featuring his Jack and Nancy characters at the Historic Dockyard Chatham from May 2 to June 30. The immersive, interactive exhibition will take up inside a storybook. Entry is free with a Dockyard ticket (adults £29, children 4+ £18.50). More details.
Cockles and Muscles will be putting on their annual Spring Bonnet Party at Margate Arts Club on Friday, April 10. Adorn your head with the springiest headdress you can pull together. DJing will be Dani St James, Cookie Man and Amy Zing, and there will be drag performances from Father JC, Symone, The Deity, Shelly Grotto and Janet District Council. Tickets £7.
Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard is heading back to Thanet in May, following his brilliant appearance at Ramsgate Music Hall in December. This time he’ll be in Cliftonville, DJing at Faith in Strangers on Saturday, May 30. Tickets £17.10.
The Old Curiosity Shop in Broadstairs will be hosting a Family Quiz Night on Tuesday, March 31 to raise money for children’s charity Demelza. Entry £5 per person. DM on Instagram or drop in to the cafe to book your team in.
Strange Tourist
The Ramsgate Through the Senses festival is set to return on April 25-26. The programme is set to be announced soon. Find out more.
Head to Margate’s Turner Contemporary on Sunday, April 19 for a drawing masterclass with renowned artist Michael Landy. Attendees will get an insight into Landy’s own practice as well as guidance on developing their own. Tickets £20.
John Lydon will be in Ramsgate at the Granville Theatre on Tuesday, April 6 2027 to discuss his new book I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right, which came out in 2020. Johnny Rotten himself will discuss his upbringing and career, as well as airing a few of his questionable opinions. Maybe even some thoughts on butter. Then he’ll throw it open for a Q&A with the audience. You can also pay extra for a meet and greet, if you like. Tickets from £40.15.
Simon Armitage, the Poet Laureate, will be appearing at St Mary’s Art Centre in Sandwich on Thursday, June 4. He will share poetry from his two most recent books, Dwell and New Cemetery, as well as answering questions from the audience. Tickets £22.
Photographer Stephen Daly will be returning to his former home of Margate on Tuesday, April 28 in a different guise. He’ll be at the Margate Arts Club to discuss his debut young adult novel The Last Death Poet, which mixes queer fiction and Irish mythology. Stephen will be in conversation with Ruby Rare. Free tickets.
Artist Babak Ganjei will be giving the lowdown on his debut novel On the Bus Without a Phone at the Fort Road Hotel on Thursday, May 7. Free tickets.
Wildwood wildlife park in Herne Bay is opening up on eight evenings over the summer months. Families will be able to enjoy the park at the sun sets on May 23, June 20 and July 18. There will also be adults-only sessions on June 6, July 4, August 1, August 8, August 15. Tickets from £14.
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