Don't Miss: Operation Dynamo, Literary Festival, & Resonant Coast #4
The Little Ships return!
Oof, it’s been a weekend. George & Lionel were robbed at Ellington Park’s Dog Show earlier today. Sam Battle was robbed at Eurovision. Thankfully, despite these tragic losses, both events were very well attended, even with rain threatening throughout. As always, it was wonderful to see the community spirit, even if there was a severe lack of rosettes on my part.
In other, less sour news, I managed to head out of town this weekend - thanks to the knowledge from our friends at Don’t Miss Broadstairs - where I got slightly green-fingered with a hanging basket workshop. Did you know we’ve extended the Don’t Miss offering to Broady? Be sure to subscribe if you want to know what’s going on further afield.
Don’t miss out, until next week - EJP x
⚓ Operation Dynamo: The Little Ships Return
Fri 22 - Mon 25 May | Ramsgate Royal Harbour
Following last year’s 85th anniversary, the Little Ships are back in Ramsgate for a four-day programme of events. I’m not lying when I say that this was probably one of my favourite weekends in Ramsgate last year. There are military vehicle displays, an illuminated Tommy Silhouette Parade at sundown, a moving sunset ceremony by the Sea Cadets, and live music outside of the Queen’s Head. There are far too many things going on to include 1in full, so make sure you check out the full schedule below.
🎟️ Free / Full itinerary here
🌹 Talk: 40 years of making a garden at Copton Ash
Mon 18 May, 7 - 8pm / Radford House
As part of the Ramsgate Horticultural Society, Tim Ingram speaks about the evolution of Copton Ash, his garden in Faversham, Kent where he also has a specialist nursery.
🎟 £3 - 5 / Pay on the door
🎥 Film: Sentimental Value
Wed 20 May, 7pm / Ramsgate Community Cinema
Admittedly, I fell asleep while watching this award-winning film starring Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, and Elle Fanning. But, I did like the parts I saw and keep meaning to catch up on it - perhaps now is that chance!
🎟 Suggested donation £3 / Pay on the door
🧑🎨 Drew McGuinness: My Own Devices
Fri 22 May, 5 - 9pm, Sat 23 - Mon 25 May, 10am - 6pm / Hold Gallery
Local artiste Drew McGuinness is hosting three exhibitions in one weekend (thankfully all in one place!) with the first kicking off on Fri 22 May. The exhibition will change daily, culminating in an artwork sale on Mon 25 May.
🎟 Free
📖 Ramsgate Lit Festival
Sat 23 - Sun 31 May / The Book Hotel at The Falstaff
Tamara hasn’t been back on Addington Street long, and she’s already putting on a literacy festival at the newly opened Book Hotel. The event kicks off with an opening-night performance by Mlle. Loulou (23 May), followed by the first author event ‘The Breakup Monologues’ by Rosie Wilby (24 May).
🎟 Various prices / Full schedule here
❓Seabird Pop Quiz
Thu 21 May, 7pm / Seabird
The famously fun Seabird Pop Quiz is SO back! Grab four of your nearest and dearest, or clever strangers if you must, and head down for a cocktail and snacks.
🎟 £2.50pp / DM to book a table
🌍 UNESCO Cultural Diversity Day
Thu 21 May, Midday - 2pm / Harbour Street
Harbour Street traders are coming together to showcase global culture, including free international food tasters and vibrant music. This UN-recognised day is all about connection, understanding and community.
🎟 Free
🐟 Catch x Seabird
Fri 22 May, 6.30 - 8.30pm / Gather&
Join the Catch and Seabird crew for a four-course menu that leans into seasonal produce with Iberian touches. Expect Gordal olives to start, anchovy and goat’s curd toast, a spiced whole mackerel with potato boulangère & asparagus, and a Tarta de Santiago (Spanish almond cake) to close.
🎟 £40pp / Book here
🫖 1940s Tea Dance by Dancing with Giants
Sat 23 May, 2 - 5pm / San Clu Hotel
In the spirit of Operation Dynamo, this 1940s tea dance will feature live music from Tara James & Laura May, homemade cakes, tea, and coffee, and a raffle, with proceeds supporting Standing with Giants.
🎟 £10pp / Call to book: 01843 592345
🧶 Craft Fair
Sat 23 May, 10am - 4pm / Violet’s
Support local makers and crafters at this mini craft fair hosted at Violet’s. Grab a cuppa, cake, and some flowers while you’re there!
🎟 Free
🛍 Ramsgate Handmade & Vintage Fair
Sun 24 May, 11am – 4pm / Harbour Parade
This month’s edition of the handmade fair is back not once, but twice for the Little Ships weekend. Find local makers and suppliers selling right by the sea. Fingers crossed for the weather!
🎟 Free
🎸 Hannah Wicklund
Fri 22 May, 7pm - late / Ramsgate Music Hall
Blues and rock artist Hannah Wicklund explores themes of womanhood and the battle between light and dark, with special guests Dead Writers joining her as support.
🎟 £20.50 / Book here
🤠 Jonny Woo’s Best Bits
Fri 22 May, from 7pm & Sun 23 May, from 2pm / The Alley Bar
Jonny Woo brings a selection of his best bits for two shows of hijinks, sing-a-longs, nonsense and wigs.
🎟 £20 / Book here
🎤 Luther Live & Velvet Voices
Fri 22 May, 7.30 - 10.30pm / The Granville Theatre
Celebrate the golden era of R’n’B with Luther Live & Velvet Voices. Expect smooth sounds of Luther Vandross, Alexander O'Neal and many others, all with a live band.
🎟 £33 / Book here
🎧 Subterranean Sounds
Sat 23 May, 7pm - 3am / Ramsgate Arts Club
If you missed the first one (I did!), this new club night is back with DJ Randy Watson at the helm offering soulful & balearic house to keep you dancing ‘til the small hours.
🎟 Free
🤘OAYSIS
Sat 23 May, 7pm - late / Ramsgate Music Hall
In case it’s not obvious, Oasis tribute band OAYSIS perform tunes such as Supersonic, Don’t Look Back In Anger, Wonderwall and more.
🎟 £25.20 / Book here
🎶 Resonant Coast #4
Sun 24 May, 7pm / Staple Stores
Richard Pike of Salmon Universe launches his latest LP 'Redemption Suite I-IX: For Piano & Textures' which pays a partial homage to Ryuichi Sakamoto, exploring themes of domestic life and personal transformation.
🎟 £7 / Book here
🌕 Kundalini Yoga
Tue 19 May, 9.30 - 11am / Gather &
Connect to your higher consciousness with Bettina Ji through Kundalini Yoga, also known as the "yoga of awareness."
🎟 £18.50 / Book here
👨🍼 DadSpace
Thu 21 May, 7 - 9pm / Queens Head
The DadSpace community is growing. Join fellow fathers for a relaxed evening of chats, bevvies, and honest conversations.
🎟 Free / Book here
🐚 The Art of Decoupage
Fri 22 May, 7 - 9pm / Little Ravens, 119a High Street
Learn the process of decoupage in this 15+ workshop where you’ll make trinket shells. Over the two hours you’ll learn more about edge finishing, sealant finishes and crackle finishes.
🎟 £35 / Book here
🎨 Kids Art Classes: Have Fun While You Learn
Mon 25 - Fri 29 May, 10am - 12pm / Silverland Studios
Have Fun While You Learn'
I’m a big fan of Christine Henn, who runs courses at Silverland - she is the sweetest - and for half-term she’ll be hosting drop-off art classes. This five-session course for 5 to 9-year-olds aims to capture their imagination while they learn basic technical painting skills.
🎟 £60 for 5 sessions / Call 01843 589275 to book
🖌️ Kids Art Classes: ‘Drawing and Painting Things as They Look’
Mon 25 - Fri 29 May, 2 - 4pm / Silverland Studios
This second workshop is suitable for 9 to 13-year-olds, who are at the beginning of perceiving figuration. They’ll learn more technical skills and paint objects from everyday life. Drop ‘em off and have a couple of hours to yourself while they get creative.
🎟 £60 for 5 sessions / Call 01843 589275 to book
🏃 Active Ramsate Week
Mon 25 - Fri 29 May,
Popping another one in slightly early, as registration for this one closes on Wed 20 May. Whether you fancy a guided walk in nature, seal spotting from a kayak, or relaxing with a soothing massage RTC is working with over 20 local businesses to provide a range of options during half term wee
🎟 Free / Register here
Three things to know:
A new series of monthly events has launched for Thanet start-ups and small businesses. Book in for the first of many Seaside CEO events here.
Save the date for this year’s Ramsgate Pride, which will take place on Sat 19 Sep.
You should know by now that I’m a sucker for animals, so I’m thrilled that Wildlife Drawing are back with a Sighthound Special on Thu 4th Jun. Book now to secure your place with greyhounds, lurchers and whippets.
Thanks for reading! If you found this useful, please share with a friend so we can continue to grow in Ramsgate and beyond!
And if you missed it… last week’s newsletter still has lots of things happening you need to know about.