News Blast: Thanet beaches head into summer with Blue Flag Awards

Beaches across Thanet have been given the nod of approval by Keep Britain Tidy, plus there have been updates and calls for support from various community projects. Check out all the latest creative and cultural news from Thanet and beyond.

Six Thanet beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status by Keep Britain Tidy, recognising them as some of the best in the country for criteria such as management and water quality. The awarded beaches are Minnis Bay, St Mildred’s Bay, Margate Main Sands, Botany Bay, Joss Bay, and Ramsgate Main Sands - the first time the latter has received the award since 2016. These and six other beaches - West Bay, Westbrook Bay, Walpole Bay, Stone Bay, Viking Bay and Louisa Bay - were also handed Seaside Awards.

The Off Season art festival will return to Margate in January 2026, once again helping to support bars, cafes, shops and more through the difficult winter months by filling them with art. The first edition this year was pulled together very quickly, and for the second run they’re getting organised. It will be bigger, better, more curated and easier to navigate. To do this, organisers have launched a crowdfunder to help cover the event’s costs. Find out more and donate.

Having announced a temporary closure in April, Ramsgate Community Cinema has announced that it will return next month having secured new funding. “Thanks to your incredible patience and support during our break, we're excited to announce that we'll be back starting in June,” reads a statement. “Behind the scenes, we've been planning some fantastic film nights, and we can't wait to share them with you.”

Artist Paul Hazelton has begun work to recreate what a lost wall in Margate’s Shell Grotto would have looked like nearly 100 years ago. The East Wall in the attraction’s Altar Chamber was destroyed by a bomb during the Second World War in 1940. Paul is now painting a mural on the concrete wall that replaced it. Additionally, conservator Rob Smith has been undertaking repair work at the base of the Grotto’s altar, ensuring its continued preservation.

A new campaign has been launched to help fund the restoration of the 140 year old Lower Leas Lift funicular railway in Folkestone. Donors will be offered the chance to place a message inside a time capsule buried in the cliff face where the lift sits. Anyone who pledges £250 or more will also have their message engraved on a brass plate, which will be attached to one of the railway’s sleepers. It’s hoped that the campaign will raise £45,000. Find out more and donate. 

Ramsgate Space (read our interview) has put a call out for businesses and organisations looking to test ideas before committing to a long term space. Its HQ on Albert Court is available to hire on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for whatever you want to put on. It’s also available to run workshops on Mondays. Put forward your proposal. You can also head down for the official launch of Ramsgate Space HQ on May 24. Free tickets.

A new weekly acting workshop is set to launch at Cliftonville’s Tom Thumb Theatre next month. Called KAST, it offers “regular practice, solid guidance, and a supportive space to build confidence and trust your instincts.” You can book a block of four sessions for £80 or a one-off taster for £10. Find out more. 

Thanet drinks delivery service Drops has now launched. Same day alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from independent brewers, delivered by bike to CT9 and CT10 postcodes. Fill your fridge. 

A dad and son outfit recently opened Vizio, an Italian-style coffee shop in Westcliff. Head over for a strong espresso and a morning cannoli. Find it at 19 West Road, Westcliff. It looks like a lovely spot and we really like their cute logo.