Margate’s Turner Contemporary has paid tribute to artist David Hockney, who sadly died this week, aged 88. Director Clarrie Wallis said in a statement, “David Hockney was one of the greatest artists of our age. Throughout his career, he reminded us that the world is ‘very, very beautiful if you look at it’. Finding wonder in the changing seasons, the landscape and everyday life, he inspired generations of artists and audiences alike.” A large-scale Hockney piece is on display in Turner’s Sunley window until November.
Andy Malt
Young users of services at Pie Factory Music in Ramsgate have been awarded the Sheila McKechnie Foundation National Young Campaigner Award. Selected from hundreds of entries, the group were selected as winners for their efforts to save the youth centre from closure. “The pride we feel in our young people is immense,” says Pie CEO Zoë Carassik. “This award is for them - as a recognition and reminder that insurmountable challenges can be conquered with teamwork, joy and pride. We’re deeply grateful to our community for never giving up.”
Andy Malt
Margate Creative Land Trust has secured planning permission to convert its HQ - a former car repair workshop on Harold Road in Cliftonville - into a multi-purpose workspace for creative businesses. The vast building is set to house light industrial workshops, creative studios and exhibition spaces, as well as community and training areas. Find out more.
Ramsgate Festival of Sound has put out two open calls ahead of this year’s festival in September. Artists are invited to submit proposals for sound installations on the theme ‘Everyday Histories’, and musicians can apply to take part in the Busk Until Dusk roving performance event. Both opportunities are paid. Email ramsgatefestivalofsound@gmail.com for more info.
Andy Malt
Seabird has officially opened in Margate Old Town, a little over a year after moving into the former Coffee Shed. Great news for people in Margate, less good for those in Ramsgate. The new opening comes alongside the announcement that the original Ramsgate restaurant is closing. However, owners say that they are “already working on our next new adventure, in the same Addington Street location.”
Continuing this game of Thanet musical chairs, tattoo and piercing parlour Pricking Thumbs is moving out of Margate's Old Kent Market and into a new space at 43 Queen Street in Ramsgate.
New Broadstairs micropub the Dog & Sparrow opened last weekend, serving up German and Belgian beer, wine and charcuterie. Find it on Charlotte Street, opposite Sonder (making for the start of an excellent pub crawl). Open Wednesday to Sunday.
Roasts don’t have to be for winter. Willy’s has launched its summery rotisserie chicken menu running every Sunday until roast season is back in town. The bird comes as a half or whole, roasted in garlic and served with a zippy chimichurri sauce and a pickled slaw. Trimmings are equally breezy, with chips, potato salad and a choice of less carby salads as your options. Harissa butter bean and red pepper casserole is the vegan main.
If you’ve been mourning the loss of Mariarchi in The Centre off Margate High Street, you’ll be pleased to know that the bar has reopened under the new name Dunes. No longer focussed on tequila and mezcal, it’s now a cocktail and oyster bar.
Local artist Megan Metcalfe and DIY store Our Curated Abode have teamed up to create a new limited edition tea towel featuring a gorgeous illustration of Ramsgate Harbour. Also available is a new run of Megan’s long sold out Little Ships illustration, created for the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo. Pre-order now for £18.
Zita Whalley
Got a budding young football star in your midst? East Kent Football Club is recruiting girls aged eight to 14 for its new development centre and talent pathway. Weekly sessions run on Mondays from 5-6pm. Get in touch on 07506220987 or ekfcsecretary@gmail.com for more information.
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