News Blast: Carlton Cinema assures customers it's not closing and more

The Carlton Cinema in Westgate has assured customers that it has no plans to close down. There was apparently some confusion after news broke that Dublin’s derelict Carlton Cinema has been sold for redevelopment this week. “We are still very much open for business, and will not be closing our doors anytime soon,” said the Thanet cinema in a statement. “We would like to assure you that we will remain a part of the Westgate On Sea community for the foreseeable future.” The Dublin cinema closed in 1994 and has remained vacant ever since. 

New gallery A Stroke of Luck has opened in Margate. It comes a year after owner Sam d’Amato suffered a stroke and began painting with his ten year old daughter Daisy to aid his recovery. Originally tracking their journey on social media, a successful exhibition at the Pie Factory gallery earlier this year led to the launch of their own gallery. As well as checking out the art on the walls, visitors can also make an optional donation to the Stroke Association. Find it at 7 Fort Road. 

A new digital Charles Dickens trail has launched in Broadstairs. QR codes placed in various locations allow visitors to see the town through the eyes of Dickens, Victorian people and other authors. "We've had great fun exploring Dickens's time in Broadstairs, not just in his own words, but also through the memories and responses of Victorian literary tourists and local residents,” says Professor Carolyn Oulton, Professor of Victorian Literature at Canterbury Christ Church University, which was involved in the development of the trail. “One woman remembered being told to keep her children quiet while he was working!” Start the trail by scanning QR codes at the Dickens Museum and Bleak House.

New artisan food market Marquette is set to launch in Margate and Ramsgate in August. Working with local traders and restaurateurs, the markets are set to run fortnightly from April to December on the first and third Saturday and Sunday of the month, in Margate and Ramsgate respectively. Exact locations are set to be announced soon. Trader applications are open now.

Margate’s Bus Cafe is now popping up every weekend at Bleak House in Broadstairs. Through the school holidays they’ll be there Friday to Monday, and then the whole of Broadstairs Folk Week. Why not head down for this Sunday’s farmers market to check it out?

Ramsgate Space has announced two new uses of its HQ. Its new kitchen and dining space is available for pop-ups, support clubs and more. Its first event takes place on July 15-16, with chef Julian D Brown cooking up a five course menu. Then from August, it will also be offering co-working. Prices will normally be £75 but right now you can get the first month for £50. Email hello@ramsgatespace.com to find out more about all of this.

Ramsgate Festival of Sound has partnered with Behind the Bass to launch a new stage run entirely by young people from Thanet. Launched last year, Behind the Bass gives people aged 18-25 real world, paid experience in all aspects of live events. Details of how to apply will be made available soon. Follow on Instagram for updates. 

After much delay, Bombo Doughnuts is now back in Margate, selling its sweet treats out of a converted ice cream van at Dreamland. 

Having recently opened its Smugglers Experience, Plunder Books in Ramsgate has now unveiled the Rogues Gallery - a new exhibition space available to artists for £400 a month. 

If you’ve been wondering who is going to take on the former Ramsay & Williams shop space in Margate Old Town, it has now been revealed that the Harbour & Tide beach shop is relocating from its current unit on Fort HIll. The aim is to have it open before schools break up, which (yes) is quite soon.

Thanet Alive has put out an open call for artists to take part in its 2026 exhibition. Organisers are looking for art that is authentic, has a socio-cultural relevance, and is of high quality. You have until August 1 to submit. Put yourself forward. 

The Bull’s Head in Margate has announced the launch of The Fire Pit, a new outdoor Argentinian grill that will be fired up every Friday to Sunday over the summer. It can also be hired for larger parties and events if you’ve got a gang of steak lovers. 

Backyard Birds has launched. What is it? Well, it’s in the back yard of the Neptunes Hall pub in Broadstairs and it serves rotisserie chicken. Seems obvious now I’ve said it, right? You can also grab sweet potato fries, french fries, homemade slaw, veggie pizza and homemade sauces. Open Friday and Saturday from 4-9pm and Sunday 1-5pm.

Love oysters? Like really love them? Well, Willy’s in Margate now has £1 oysters every day, all day, Monday to Friday. The midweek oyster is now a thing.