News Blast: Thanet's Isle of Culture bid ramps up and more

Thanet's bid to be named the UK's Isle of Culture gets underway, Heritage Lab moves to protect historic site sin Ramsgate, Forts upsizes. This and more creative and cultural news from across Thanet.

The team behind the bid for Thanet to be named the UK’s Isle of Culture in 2029 are calling on residents to fill out a survey to give their thoughts. Part of the government’s Town of Culture competition, the bid backed by Polly Billington MP hopes to unite the whole of Thanet. The winning town (or isle) will receive £10 million to deliver a year-long cultural programme. Fill out the survey by Wednesday, February 3. 

Heritage Lab has moved to protect Ramsgate’s East Cliff lift and former St John Ambulance building by nominating them to be listed as Assets of Community Value. This follows a decision by Thanet District Council in December to sell off the Grade II listed lift. ACV status would mean that the sale process would have to be paused to allow community groups to prepare bids. Find out more.

The Broadstairs branch of coffee shop Forts has moved into a new larger premises. Just across the road from its former home, you can now find it on Dundonald Road in the building previously occupied by Smiths Coffee Bar. The new Forts is open seven days a week from 7am on weekdays and 8am at weekends. 

Applications for artist mentoring programme Turps are now open for 2026/27. The programme supports painters with studios in East Kent. Participants receive one-to-one tutorials from the programme’s mentors, as well as access to monthly artist talks at the Turner Contemporary. There will be a free introductory talk at the Turner on Thursday, March 26. Find out more. 

The Tom Thumb Theatre in Cliftonville has put out an open call for show submissions. The venue is on the look out for theatre, dance, cabaret, comedy and music to form part of its 2026 programme. The books are open for shows that have been performed before or that would debut at the Tom Thumb. You have until Thursday, February 5 to put forward your proposals. Fill out the form.

There are seven days left on the crowdfunder to save Margate music venue Where Else. It has sailed past the halfway mark but still needs help to get to the £40,000 target. Small music venues continue to disappear at an alarming rate around the UK, with the Music Venue Trust reporting that more than half of those currently operating made no profit at all in 2025, despite the sector contributing over £500 million to the economy. Money raised for Where Else will help it to clear outstanding debts and secure a more sustainable future for the venue. Donate.

New writing night Writing in Progress is launching its first zine and has put a call out for submissions. Writers can send in one or two pieces, and ideally these are something you have performed at WIP before - if you’re yet to perform, there’s a night coming up on Wednesday, February 11 at Margate Off Licence. Words can be on anything you like and up to 500 words, and submissions close February 18. Submit your work.

Arts in Ramsgate now has an accessible yoga class for people with low mobility. Led by Kino Karabiner host and yoga teacher Elise Carter, these free, drop-in classes are on Tuesdays 2pm-3pm. WhatsApp the centre on 07450 916 558 if you would like to discuss accessibility requirements. 46 High Street, Ramsgate CT11 9AG.

Thanet District Council is looking for a Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board Chair. This voluntary role is to guide the board through plans to make positive changes to Ramsgate over the next 10 years, funded by £20 million in government funding. If you have the skills and the want to be part of the positive change afoot, apply now but be quick about it, applications close at 10am on Thursday January 29. 

Entries are open for this year’s East Kent Coast Photography Awards. Presented by Bird Wise East Kent and the Thanet Coast Project, the competition celebrates the landscape and wildlife found along the East Kent coast across various categories. Entrants do not need to be professional photographers, with smartphone images accepted. The deadline is Monday, February 16. Find out more and enter.