23 May 2014
Would you know how to survive an encounter with a potentially dangerous animal? Have you ever seen a hooden horse? Visit the coastal resorts of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate this summer and enjoy some of the unusual, creative and cultural events on offer.
For further information on these and other events in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate go to www.visitthanet.co.uk
Mondrian and Colour - Turner Contemporary, Margate (24 May to 21 September)
Turner Contemporary offers an exclusive UK viewing of the first exhibition to consider the significance of colour during Piet Mondrian's early career. Mondrian and Colour explores Mondrian's (1872-1944) practice, tracing the painter's use of colour from figuration to early abstraction. Bringing together around 50 paintings by the artist from the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag and other collections in Europe and the USA, the exhibition will demonstrate that Mondrian's abstract works were not simply mathematical exercises in form but also expressed his search for a new universal harmony.
Open 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays. Free entry
Shakespeare on the Beach – Romeo and Juliet (19 July)
Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? The answer is on Margate Main Sands (Verona) on 19 July as part of Changeling Theatre's production of Romeo and Juliet - two impetuous and desperate lovers, one a Montague, one a Capulet, who are destined to be together for ever, but only by paying the ultimate price. “A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life”
7:30pm. Reserved deckchair £5, unreserved area, donations accepted.
August Adventures – Safari Survival Skills, Quex Park, Birchington (1 to 31 August)
Quex Park is a destination in itself, with the Powell-Cotton Museum (awarded 'Most Inspiring Museum 2014'), Quex House, Quex Barn Farmers Market, Secret Garden, Craft Village, Maize Maze, Paintballing and Jungle Jim's (indoor and outdoor play area).
The team at Quex has been studying the diaries of Major Percy Powell-Cotton, Edwardian explorer, and the pitfalls and perils he faced during his 50 years of exploring Africa and Asia and they are now able to pass on some useful survival skills. Learn how to identify animals by the marks they leave behind, how to cross a river, how to survive encounters with potentially dangerous animals and how to safely collect drinking water – then journey through the gardens and test these skills before receiving a certificate of adventuring.
Tuesday to Friday throughout August, including Bank Holiday Monday – 10am to 5pm. £3.50 adults, £2.50 children (garden admission only)
Margate Carnival Soul Weekend – Piazza and Margate Old Town (1 to 3 August)
This is regarded as the south east's biggest soul music festival and one of Margate's key premium events. The piazza and Old Town come alive with street parties, live acts and DJs. For 2014 acts include Norman Jay, Omar, Cool Million Family (with exclusive new material) and featuring Natasha Watts, Laura Jackson, Westcoast Soulstars and more.
On Sunday 3 August from 3pm, Margate's annual carnival takes place with marching bands, floats and carnival courts.
Wristbands required for some venues (£10, £15 or £20)
Broadstairs Folk Week – venues around Broadstairs (8 to 15 August)
Imagine a beautiful seaside resort with seven sandy bays and traditional atmosphere - fill it to bursting with over 500 events – and then you have Broadstairs Folk Week in August. Learn to play the ukulele or East European dance, join in the Spoon Orchestra or a ceilidh, or enjoy the song and dance around the pubs. Confirmed acts this year include Tim Edey, Bella Hardy, Peter Knight's Gigspanner, Seth Lakeman, Dick Gaugan, Jamie Smith's Mabon, Moulettes, Urban Folk Quartet, Southern Tenant Folk Union and The April Vera Band. There is also a festival campsite with workshops and concerts.
Daily, weekend or week tickets, with or without campsite available - see festival website for details.
www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk
Margate Masters Beach Volleyball Finals – Main Sands (16 and 17 August)
The grand finale of this year's Volleyball England Beach Tour will provide spectators the chance to witness some top class beach volleyball players battle it out to become National Beach Tour Champions 2014. The Tour travels around the country before the finals in Margate, which has been voted 'Best Tour Event each year from 2009 to 2012 by both players and officials of Volleyball England. Free grandstand seating for spectators to watch the action, or if you're feeling inspired you can get involved and try out the 'Have a Go ' courts.
Ramsgate Week – Royal Harbour, Ramsgate (17-22 August)
Ramsgate Week, organised by the Royal Temple Yacht Club, is widely recognised as the friendly regatta and alternative to Cowes Week. Enjoy a full programme of racing, including the 'Round the Goodwins' race and the IRC East Coast Regional Championships 2014.
Broadstairs Water Gala – Viking Bay (20 August)
Celebrate the best of the traditional English seaside. Is your gran the most glamorous, or your granddad the most handsome in town? Has someone you know got the knobbliest knees on the beach? Is your teddy the best dressed, the cuddliest, the oldest or smallest? Have you got the best decorated beach hut, the theme this year is 'The Good Old Days', or can you build the best sandcastle/sand sculpture on Viking Bay or Louisa Bay? With craft and trade stalls along the promenade, live music at the bandstand in the evening and a firework finale over the bay, it's fun to participate and fun to watch.
www.broadstairswatergala.co.uk
Summer Squall – Ramsgate (23 to 25 August)
Never dull and never predictable, Summer Squall is a 3 day family friendly arts festival around Ramsgate's Harbour Parade and this year's theme is Rebellious Elements. Included in the festival are craft and produce markets, art workshops and outdoor performances, plus Thanet Open Studios. This year Thanet Open Studios is curated by Mike Child, Emily Tull and Mike Samson and for the first time will take place over three weekends 9/10, 16/17 and 23/24/25 August.
Gears of Change and Fought for Freedom – Quex Park, Birchington (6 and 7 September)
Two events rolled into one. 'Gears of Change', a classic and vintage car show with fun fair, rides, craft and traders market and 'Fought for Freedom/Cogs of War' with displays of 'military might' and living history commemorating the 617 Dambusters, the 'Home Front' and with reconstructed WWI and WWII trenches.
Per Day – Adults £5, Children (3-13) £3, Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £15
Wheels and Fins Festival – Joss Bay, Broadstairs (12-14 September)
An event built around live music and DJs but with a skateboard mini ramp competition and demonstrations, stand up paddleboard demonstrations and fun race, beach volleyball tournament, soap box derby, skateboard slalom and downhill. Family oriented during the day with a real end of summer party feel in the evenings.
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Press enquiries:
Please contact Julie Edwards at Thanet Tourism on 01843 577671 or Julie.edwards@thanet.gov.uk
We can also assist with digital images, reader competitions and bespoke press trip itineraries including accommodation and tours for journalists with a commission.
