As the weather (in theory) warms up, there’s lots going on all around Thanet and as always, it’s a squeeze to get as much of it in here as possible. But many among you will be acutely aware that the May half term is fast approaching. Already getting the fear about having to find things to occupy the kids? Don’t worry, we’ve already done the work for you and put it all into its own round up…

May half term things to do in Thanet and beyond
Lots of ideas for things to do in Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and beyond this May half term

Ramsgate’s This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete is launching Synth Club, a monthly get together for electronic music nerds to get together and show off their own tech or play with the museum’s collection of rare and vintage machines. The first event will take place on Wednesday, May 27 and then every last Wednesday of the month. £5 entry

Santa Clara in Margate is hosting Unmasking Fear: The Psychology Behind Horror Movies, a talk from psychotherapist Katie Evans on how scary cinema gets inside our brains. Examining horror tropes and characters, she will explain the psychoanalytic ideas behind these stories and how they allow us to safely explore our darkest thoughts and feelings. Tickets £11.55.

Depths returns to Olby’s in Margate on Thursday, June 4 for a night of guided conversation. This second edition will focus on identity and relationships, with attendees rotating around the room answering prompted questions. There will also be performances from writers ELZ, Poppy Cockburn and Curly Wordy. Free entry, but there are only 20 spaces so be sure to book.

Having closed for the winter last October, Justine’s in Margate will officially reopen with a big party on Friday, May 29. There will be live music from AL Strange, The Velvet Hands, and Lulu, plus a DJ set from venue owners Carl Barât and Edie Langley. Tickets £10.

The National Portrait Gallery in London opens new exhibition Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait on Thursday, on June 4. Celebrating the Hollywood star’s 100th birthday, it will feature 280 images of Monroe by some of the 20th and 21st centuries’ greatest photographers and artists. Tickets from £25

Also in London, Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood and the London Sinfonietta are teaming up to pay tribute to composer Steve Reich as he reaches his 90th birthday. They will perform a selection of Reich’s works - including a new piece that reimagine two Radiohead songs - at Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, September 27. Tickets £22

Wild Life Drawing returns to Gather& in Ramsgate on Thursday, June 4 with a sighthound special. Greyhounds, lurchers and whippets will all model for attendees. All abilities welcome and 10% of your ticket price will go to Kent Greyhound Rescue. Tickets £39

Wild Life Drawing class features owls, wolves and more as models
More lively than your standard life drawing class, Wild Life Drawing works with models who won’t pose or be still, and are an opportunity to be inspired by the natural world, as founder Jennie Webber explains

Trudgepig Folk Theatre are teaming up with Margate-based experimental musician Melinda Bronstein for The Wickerwork Man. Their version of the cult folk horror classic is a reinterpretation of a traditional mumming play and will be performed at Fruitworks in Canterbury on Thursday, June 4. Free tickets

Seaside CEO is a new monthly series of events connecting Thanet small businesses with entrepreneurs and experts. Founded by Small Business Commissioner for UK government Emma Jones, the first event will take place at Royal Temple Yacht Club in Ramsgate on Thursday, June 25. Titled ‘How to build a successful creative business’, the audience will hear from Ian Millner of creative agency Iris, jewellery brand Loel’s Andrea Flamini, and renowned placemaker Ian Whybrow. Tickets £5.

Former Ottolenghi chef and author Olia Hercules, guest chefs at The Perfect Place To Grow on Tuesday, September 29 for a fundraising dinner for the CIC. Olia will prepare dishes celebrating her homeland, Ukraine, with dishes served family style. Only 22 spots for this one, so be quick. Tickets £45.

Bangers Comedy brings a line up of comedians to Olby’s in Margate on Saturday, June 6. On the bill, Kat B, Ginny Pie and Raajee Cheliah, with Bobby Mair from 8 out of 10 Cats and Never Mind the Buzzcocks fame. Early bird tickets £12.

The Margate Bookshop brings author Olivia Laing to Where Else on Wednesday June 3. In-conversation with Art Talks’ Robert Diament, they will discuss their latest publication The Silver Book - a story of secrets, lies and queer love, with 1970s Italian cinema as its backdrop. Tickets £5

Smiths Townhouse in Broadstairs will host a men-only sound bath session on Thursday, June 18. Focussing on men’s wellbeing, the session is a mix of meditation, energy healing and a relaxing sound bath to unwind and relax to. Tickets £30. DM to book.

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