News Blast: Music venue Where Else fighting for survival

Where Else's call for public support, new hopes to save Broadstairs Memorial Hall, Margate Creative Land Trust purchases its second property. This and more creative and cultural news from across Thanet.

Beloved Margate music venue Where Else has launched a Crowdfunder, as it finds itself in dire straights. The venue, which has brought the likes of the Lambrini Girls, Deerhoof, Snapped Ankles and Bodega to Thanet alongside championing endless emerging and local acts, is looking to raise £40,000. This will be used to help Where Else? to stabilise then expand on what it does in a financially sustainable way. Plans include opening up the venue so it also becomes a community space, a rehearsal space and co-working space. There’s January 31 to donate to the fundraiser. 

Thanet music venues “hanging in there” as others close

Ramsgate Music Hall’s André Dack and Sammy Clarke of Margate’s Where Else on the existential threat facing hundreds of independent music venues in the UK

Strange TouristAndy Malt

Home of the Sarah Thorne Theatre, Broadstairs Memorial Hall failed to sell at auction this week, after only one bid was recorded at £45,000 under the £350,000 asking price. Broadstairs mayor Mike Garner said that this gives Kent County Council “a second chance to do the right thing by the people of the town” by retaining it for community use. Backing calls to save the building, Sarah Thorne Theatre patron Judi Dench said this week that she was "horrified” by plans to sell the building. 

Margate Creative Land Trust has purchased its second property, the former Curious Explorers nursery site on Grosvenor Place. The building has been sitting empty for two years. The charity now aims to convert it into a multi-use space, including meeting rooms, artist studios, and rooms for exhibitions and performances.

Seafood restaurant Angela’s has announced that it will expand next year by moving into the building soon to be vacated by Cafe G in Margate Old Town. With the building becoming vacant at the end of this month, the new opening is planned for March. Sadly, the big change means that Angela’s sister restaurant Dory’s will close down at the end of March too. 

The Thrift Store in Ramsgate has opened in its new location at 1-3 High Street and it is looking lovely. It’s open seven days a week, so pop in to grab a Christmas gift for the vintage clothing lover in your life. It’s totally valid if that person is you. 

Literacy charity Coram Beanstalk is seeking volunteers to support local primary school children with reading for pleasure in Thanet and particularly the CT9 postcode. Volunteers read with the same children each week, building an ongoing relationship and helping them to develop a love of books. Training and ongoing support is provided. Find out more. 

If you fancy waking up on Christmas day with a pain au chocolat, Oast is now taking Christmas orders. Ready for collection on Christmas eve until 12pm, stock up on sourdough, sausage rolls, and cardamom buns for festive feasting. Orders close Friday, December 19.

Windmill Community Gardens wants your old Christmas tree to use in their dead hedge installation. Drop your tree off Sunday, January 4 between 10am and 2pm or Thursday January 8 between 10am and 4pm - no ditching trees outside these times please. 

It’s December already, but there’s still time to head to Lillie’s in Margate for a festive meal deal. On Wednesday and Thursday before Christmas, venture down to grab three plates for £25 or £30 if you want a glass of wine.