News and things to do: Dreamland, Moomins, Idles
Dreamland in Margate is set to welcome the public back through its doors on Saturday, April 5. Marking the park's 105th anniversary and ten years since it reopened, a number of new rides will be added for this year’s season, including a log flume. There is of course live music throughout the summer too, with acts including The Sex Pistols, Basement Jaxx, Pendulum, and Supergrass set to play,
An immersive Moomin installation is popping up in London, and it’s free. A collaboration between the Southbank Centre, Counterpoints Arts and Moomin Characters Ltd, Moomin 80 marks 80 years since the advent of these pudgy critters. A recreation of the Moominhouse will take over the Riverside Terrace and is open for exploring, storytimes and workshops from May 23 to June 1 between 2pm and 5pm.
If you're not too stuffed full of chocolate, you can dance the evening of Easter Sunday away to records chosen by Idles frontman Joe Talbot. He’ll be turning in a two hour DJ set at Faith In Strangers in Cliftonville on Sunday, April 20. The event has an early 9pm finish, so you can either go and get into those eggs then, or ride off into the bank holiday weekend sunset. Tickets £22.66.
Job alert: Like a crisp tucked bed sheet and keeping things nice and tidy? Albion House in Ramsgate is looking for a housekeeper that must be available for weekend work. For more info or to send through your CV email enquiries@albionhouseramsgate.co.uk.
For nice handmade stuff, Margate Ceramics Market returns to Turner Contemporary on March 22 and 23.
Another job alert: The unfussy but sensational Bar Ingo in Broadstairs is looking for hospo people to help them out in front of house roles. Part and full time positions available. Send your CV through to hello@bar-ingo.co.uk.
Our Curated Abode’s vintage market will return in the form of a whole street vintage trail. Head to Addington Street on Saturday and Sunday March 29 and 30 between 11am-5pm for goodies, nik-naks, bargains, finds and scores.
More job alerts: Know the difference between mixing drinks and mixing your drinks? Does your expertise on coffee extend beyond ‘it’s not tea’? Seabird in Ramsgate is also on the lookout for savvy hospo folk as the bar and kitchen gears up for summer. The team is looking for people with 1-3 years experience, however there will be training to fill in gaps. Pop down to the bar at 2-3 The Broadway, Ramsgate CT11 9JN, or send your CV through at info@seabirdramsgate.com.
Congratulations to The Rose in Deal, which The Sunday Times has named the UK’s best boutique hotel. “Locals and visitors alike enjoy beer, cocktails and sensational gastropub grub in the various nooks and crannies of its theatrical wraparound bar,” says the paper. “The eight bedrooms have been blasted with colours as vibrant as a stick of rock, perfect for a cheeky seaside break.” Read the full article.
Ramsgate has a new co-working space, Ramsgate Works, which opens on April 1. The Heritage Lab Ramsgate project has rejuvenated an historic building in Charlotte Court and turned it into the kind of space creatives and remote worker professionals will want to use. Hotdesks and memberships available, and you can book a tour of the place if you fancy too. For more information head to ramsgate.works.
Want stage mums and child prodigies? The always popular Margate Assembly will host its first kids edition at Off Licence, on April 5 at the child friendly time of 12-2pm. The line up includes four young music makers as well as a handful of members from the utterly charismatic Margate Children’s Choir. Donation on the door, with profits going to Margate Youth Pride.
Repair work has begun on Ramsgate’s Madeira Walk Waterfall, which has been out of action since 2022. In the first phase, the ponds will be drained, with plants cut back and invasive species removed. Work to repair leaks in the pond will be carried out, before the power and control system is overhauled and feature lighting added. Work is expected to be completed before the summer season. Find out more.
Yet another job alert: Margaux in Margate is looking for a fashionista with women's retail experience up their sleeve. The role is part-time and includes working weekends. If you’re keeping up with trends and like talking to people, send your CV to hello@margauxhome.co.uk.
Now that the sun is shining, it’s time to get on your bike. Col’s Kent Bike Tours will hold a group ride that is suitable for families and new riders on Tuesday, March 18. If you don’t have a bike, don’t worry, free bike hire is available. Meet at The Bike Shed at Margate train station at 6.30pm to feel the wind in your hair and the setting sun on your face. For more information and to sign up go to @thebikeshedkent_margate.
Who would like to see a bunch of middle aged men, one in red jocks and a crab suit, potentially leg it while holding amps and a drum kit when their top secret guerrilla gig gets closed down? Here’s your chance. Margate band Crabs will launch their new single Make Margate Shit Again on Saturday, March 29 at 4pm at a very top secret location, which will be announced on the day. Join their WhatsApp group to find out where to head.
And one more job alert: Bombo Donuts in Margate’s Old Kent Market is looking for a helping hand. There’s free donuts in it, but that’s likely not the only perk. Send CVs to hello@bombodoughnuts.com.
Xylo in Margate’s quiz returns on Thursday, March 20. It’s a sharp 8pm start, with teams of up to 6 people. Play for beer, play for pounds, play for free entry next time round, play for glory. £2 a head, and reserve your table at booking@xylowbrew.com or over the bar. Not your quiz? Try one of these quizzes instead.
Two of Ramsgate’s shuttered up shops will welcome in new residents. Godessa Jewellery takes on the former Stanley’s Goldsmiths site on Harbour Street, while a multi-use space will also open up on Harbour Street. Silvers Show Bar is a cocktail bar and event space on one level and the Silver Slipper dance school in the basement. Costume Storage will make up the third level.
The excellent Joan As Police Woman is coming to the Quarterhouse in Folkestone on Saturday, April 12. It’ll be an intimate solo set, showcasing her latest album Lemons, Limes & Orchids, as well as material from her extensive back catalogue. Tickets £25.
The Old Curiosity Shop in Broadstairs is hosting a quiz for charity. This one is on Wednesday, March 26 at 6.30pm. It’s £5 a head and money will go towards Pie Factory Music, which you’ll know (if you read this week’s feature) are hoping to buy their purpose built youth centre.
Denai Moore, author of Plentiful - Vegan Jamaican Recipes To Repeat, comes to Louie On Sea on Sunday, April 13 to cook up a feast for one night only. Dee’s Table Supper Club will plate up a five course meal of the likes of saltfish tostadas, crispy oyster mushrooms and a miso caramel chocolate mousse. Tickets are £43.
Ramsgate smoked BBQ joint Smoke & Co are opening a Margate site and bookings are now open. Seatings start from Friday, April 4, so book away for burgers, ribs, bagels, wraps and wings.
Crimp returns to Oast Bakery for another atmospherically lit evening of pies. This third rendition takes place on Monday, April 14. It’s £40 a head and vegetarians can be catered to - vegans and gluten free folk alas will have to skip this one. DM to book.
ICYMI - previous tipped events happening in the next week
Ramsgate’s Discovery Planet will be offering children and adults the chance to get to grips with and learn more about telescopes today. Hourly sessions run between 10am and 3pm.
Legendary disco DJ collective Horse Meat Disco will take over The Lido in Margate tonight. Sold out but try for returns.
Grilled fish supper club Catch is back with its first event of the year. The team will be at Gather & (formerly Archive) in Ramsgate tonight. Places are £38 per person for a four course meal. Sold out but check for last minute cancellations.
The Palace cinema in Broadstairs screens more David Lynch movies this weekend, with Mulholland Drive on Sunday. Tickets on sale now.
Broadstairs’ Palace Cinema is also looking for volunteer ushers work from April to September, putting in two three hour shifts per month. The deadline to apply is Sunday. Full details.
Margate chef Billy Stock will be moonlighting at The Blue Pelican in Deal on Sunday. He’ll serve up a lunch featuring sharing plates, pickles and carefully paired wines. Book a table.
The first London Soundtrack Festival takes place March 19-26, with a programme including Q&As, screenings of films with intros from their soundtrack composers, masterclasses, and more. Find out more and book tickets here.
Author and journalist Jason Okundaye discusses his new book on the social history of Black gay Britain, Revolutionary Acts, at CAMP in Cliftonville on Thursday. Book free tickets.
Big Mad Andy's Peep Show Quiz is coming to Olby’s in Margate on Thursday. It’s £10 a head and hosted by Liam Noble, aka the actual Big Mad Andy from Peep Show.
Kent Whisky Explorers hosts an Irish whiskey tasting at Little Swift in Margate on Thursday. Tickets £27.80.
Spring Sesh at Floc Brewing in Canterbury runs from Thursday to Sunday. Head down for session beers and the chance to win your round for free. Details here.