News Blast: Thanet's Isle of Culture bid not selected

An update on Thanet's Isle of Culture bid, Margate chef makes Masterchef: The Professionals final, Broadstairs snowboarder achieves best ever finish at Paralympics as he retires. This and more creative and cultural news from across Thanet.

Thanet has not been longlisted to be named City of Culture in 2029. The district was bidding to be named Isle of Culture, with a view to bringing together all the towns and villages in the area. The bid was allowed thanks to changes to the rules of the competition this year and was the only community-led submission. “We are naturally disappointed, but we are incredibly proud of what the Isle has achieved together,” says a spokesperson. “Hundreds of residents, artists, organisations and businesses came together with energy, generosity and ambition for Thanet’s future. That spirit of collaboration does not disappear with a decision – and we are committed to building on everything this process has started.” The longlisted cities are Blackpool, Inverness, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon and Wrexham.

Willy’s head chef and MasterChef: The Professionals contestant Mark O’Brien has been whittled down from 32 contestants to one of the top four chefs of the season. Watch this week to see if he takes the win. 

Snowboarder and Broadstairs resident James Barnes-Miller made his best ever finish of his competitive career last weekend, coming seventh in the men’s banked slalom at the Winter Paralympics on Saturday. He finished with a time of 59.08 seconds, which saw the 36 year-old-end his career on a high. 

The Sunken Garden Society has been awarded a Wilder Kent Silver Award by the Kent Wildlife Trust. It recognises the work being done at the Sunken Gardens in Westbrook to maintain the garden and create habitat for wildlife. Join the gardeners on Saturday, March 28 for Seed Sowing Day, where volunteers can help out and also take away plants to enjoy at home. 

Snack brand Curry Smugglers has launched a new tin of nibbles allied Margate Mix. The blend of spiced noodles, crunchy lentils and peanuts also (if you’re wondering what’s so Margate-y about all this) has lion’s mane mushrooms from Margate Mushrooms. 

Ethical children's clothes shop Kinder Collective is moving. You'll find them at 16 York Street in Broadstairs from Good Friday, stocking clothes, shoes, toys, games and more. Right now, the original shop on Nelson Place remains open.

Broadstairs cafe Beaches has reopened for full Englishes, vegan fry ups, homemade sausages and lighter brekky bites like fresh granola and fluffy pancakes.

Fave Margate ice cream shop, Follow the Swirl reopens for Easter, queue-worthy soft serve.