Beaches across Thanet have been closed after oil washed up along the coastline this week. “What we found is that it's quite concentrated in some bays, and actually it extends from Minnis Bay right round to Ramsgate,” says Mike Humber, Director of Environment at Thanet District Council. “So it's almost all of the Thanet coastline.” The public, particularly dog walkers, are warned not to use the beaches while the clear up operation continues. It is not yet clear where the oil slick originated, affecting a total of 18 beaches.
Tracey Emin’s proposals for a £5 million refurbishment of Westbrook Loggia have received planning permission. Largely derelict when Emin purchased the building for £800,000 in 2023, it is now planned to convert the beachfront property into a gallery, artist studios, restaurant, community spaces and public bathing facilities.
Ahead of its 25th anniversary next year, Pie Factory Music has launched Wantsum Futures. It aims to bring together local young people, residents and businesses to help shape the youth centre's future. "For 25 years, Pie has stood alongside young people as they navigate challenges, discover their talents and build confidence for the future," says CEO Zoë Carassik.”We’re determined that no young person in Thanet is left behind and every young person in Thanet has the access to the opportunities they deserve, regardless of their background or circumstances.” Get involved.
Andy Malt
Westgate’s Carlton Cinema is set to reopen its main screen on Monday, November 23. Screen 1 has been closed since August, due to damaged sustained as the result of a fire in an adjacent building. Since then, the auditorium has been fully cleaned and all electrics have been replaced. Refurbishment work has not yet begun but is due to be completed early in the new year. In the meantime, films will begin to play on the cinema’s largest screen again. The first thing you’ll be able to catch will be an extended version of Dr Who episode The Satan Pit, starring David Tennant and Billie Piper.
Turner Contemporary has a new opportunity for one artist or filmmaker to join the Embassy of the North Sea: Dogger Bank Expedition 2027, an international sailing expedition exploring the ecological significance and future restoration of the Dogger Bank. Working alongside an international group of artists, scientists and environmental organisations, the chosen participant will document and creatively respond to one of Europe's most important marine ecosystems. Find out more.
Ramsgate Community Cinema has launched a podcast looking at upcoming screenings. Take Your Seat, hosted by the cinema’s Jan Dunn and Joanne Postlewaite is already pulling in the big hitters. Episode one featured an interview with Timothy Spall, discussing Ken Russell’s Gothic, and the second edition sees composer Clint Mansell speaking about his incredible soundtrack for Darren Aronofski’s Requiem for a Dream. Listen on Spotify.
Margate-based textile maker Rachelle Francis is crowdfunding to create a digital archive of work by her late artist mother Diane Francis. The physical collection of over 11,000 artworks is set to join the Wellcome Collection in 2027. “Before the archive leaves my home, I want to create my own complete, high-quality digital record of her work, through professional photography and scanning,” says Rachelle. “Having a digitised copy of the collection will allow me to open up new possibilities for sharing her story and reaching more people.” Find out more and donate.
Opening soon in Cliftonville is The Black Lodge, a new shop selling books and other items related to the occult, esotericism and magick. It appropriately (depending on your view) takes over the unit previously occupied by the Christian Book Centre.
Want more? Subscribe to our newsletter for a hit of arts, culture and fun things to do around Thanet and beyond in your inbox every Saturday morning.
