30 Nov 2021
There's always something new to look forward to in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate and 2022 is no exception. The New Year brings with it the opportunity to enjoy a host of new experiences around the Isle, plus the opportunity to view exciting new exhibitions at Turner Contemporary, one of the UK's leading art galleries.
Turner Contemporary
Sirens - Anne Ryan and Sophie von Hellerman - December 2021-Spring 2023
This work combines large-scale paintings by von Hellermann with Ryan's three-dimensional painted 'cut outs'.
For Sirens von Hellermann will draw from the Margate coastline, reflecting the Sunley Gallery's expansive sea view in her paintings. Swirling waters and events at sea, figures of peril and vigilance, jest and folly will appear across a changing series of large-scale canvases, which the artist will paint in the gallery. Ryan has created works in high-density board and aluminium, drawing on a wide range of references and daily observations of the coastal environment, its light and weather, as well as Margate's history of leisure and working-class culture. In tandem with von Hellermann, works will be removed, added and reconfigured throughout the exhibition.
The works draw on both artists' experiences living and working in Margate - the town, its energy and people, its vast seascapes and light, its contemporary life, culture and legends.
Journey Home - Larry Achiampong and JMW Turner - Saturday 12 March to Sunday 19 June 2022
In 2022, Turner Contemporary will stage the largest solo exhibition to date by British
Ghanaian artist Larry Achiampong. Displayed across Turner Contemporary's first floor galleries. The exhibition will include Journey Home 2022, an ambitious new film and sculptural installation, alongside a display of paintings by JMW Turner chosen by the artist.
Achiampong's new work will continue his exploration of race and belonging; empire and colonial history; and the experiences of marginalisation and suppression of the African diaspora.
Opening at Turner Contemporary in March 2022, the exhibition will then tour to MK Gallery,
Milton Keynes and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead
Ingrid Pollard - Saturday 9 July – Sunday 25 September 2022
The first major mid-career survey of the work of Ingrid Pollard.
Pollard works with film, photography, sculpture and installation. Her work explores how images and identity are constructed, especially in representations of history and the landscape, working with film, photography, sculpture and installation. Neither a retrospective nor a chronological display, this will be the first exhibition bring together work from the 1970s to the present.
In partnership with Milton Keynes Gallery.
NEW - Margate Cookery School
Margate restaurateurs, Kate de Syllas, Simona di Dio and Harry Ryder have joined forces to
launch Margate Cookery School. Centrally situated in the Old Town, the school will offer a broad range of courses from fun, approachable wine tastings to more advanced patisserie skills.
All classes will be as hands-on as possible and many will offer the opportunity to sit down and eat with tutors and fellow students afterwards.
Classes will mainly be taught by the amazing culinary talent in Thanet. Simona di Dio of Bottega Caruso will be teaching all things Italian and Kate de Syllas of Hantverk & Found will be focusing on Japanese food. Guests for the initial programme include award winning food writer and chef Thom Eagle teaching fermentation, acclaimed pastry chef Emma Tillyer teaching French patisserie skills and novelist and food writer Eli Goldstone workshopping writing on food memories.
Classes will be from quick 2 hour sessions to more in depth day-long courses. Costs range from £10 for an informal wine tasting to £150 for a day-long course with dinner and drinks.
Courses will be bookable online from Wednesday 1 December and gift vouchers will be available.
www.margatecookeryschool.co.uk (it is currently a holding page but will be live to book by 1/12/2021)
Doctor Forager
Join Doctor Forager (aka Dr Hannah Scott) for a 2 hour foraging walk along the spectacular Isle of Thanet coastline, followed by a cookery demonstration and warm lunch made from the foraged food.
Participants will learn how to forage sustainably and discover what wild coastal edibles are safe and tasty to eat.
Walks take place on a Saturday and cost £40 per person.
www.facebook.com/Doctor-Forager-102359911254193
Nordic Walking
Ever fancied learning Nordic Walking (an enhanced walking technique that uses poles to work your upper body as well as your legs), or enjoying a walk with a trained local guide and experiencing some of the stunning Isle of Thanet landscapes?
Enjoy a taster or tailor-made Nordic Walking stay, with the opportunity for wellbeing treatments and to join other local walks, with other local providers. Adventure walks can be arranged for experienced Nordic Walkers.
Minimum of 2 nights, single ensuite room, breakfast, 'Power of Poles 1 and 2' (Nordic Walking training) and adventure walks along the coast and use of poles. £110 per night at weekends, £100 per night Monday to Thursday. Packed lunches and evening meals by arrangement are extra.
Accommodation is at Langmead Guest House, a small, traditional bed and breakfast in Ramsgate, a town boasting amazing architecture and the only Royal Harbour in the country.
Nordic Walking days out from Margate, Broadstairs or Ramsgate railway stations, for those who would like to learn to Nordic Walk. 'Power of Poles' as above for £50 per day, 4-5 hours, times by arrangement. Different options for refreshments and lunch if required (minimum 2, maximum 6 people).
www.facebook.com/NWUK-Isle-of-Thanet-102666871887205
First Fitness and Wellbeing Weekender - Friday 18 to Sunday 20 March 2022
The Female Fit Club presents its first 'Fitness and Wellbeing Weekender', for those looking for a weekend away with the girls or to spend time with like-minded women.
The weekend includes two-nights accommodation at the Comfort Inn in Ramsgate, a stunning maritime town boasting the only Royal Harbour in the country. All meals, access to classes and workshops are included. Activities over the weekend include yoga, walking, HIIT, aerobics and the opportunity to listen to a selection of carefully chosen masterclasses.
There will be access to a gym and sauna, plus some downtime to chill or explore the local area.
Weekender 3 day ticket - £350
Further information and booking on https://bookwhen.com/thefemalefitclub#focus=ev-ssn8-
Col's Kent Bike Tours
Guided, fun cycling tours with optional bike hire.
Discover Margate Tour - discover Margate's fascinating past, present and evolving future. Explore both little-known places and iconic sights. Hear quirky stories and facts, plus get insider tips on the best beaches and places to eat, drink and dance to make the most of your stay.
Approx 2 hours, easy ride at a leisurely pace - adults £25
Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate Tour - take in several stunning bays and seaside sights, traffic-free promenades and leisurely country lanes. Discover history, culture and little-known local secrets!
Approximately 8 miles, medium difficulty - adults £39
Cycle tours from Margate to Canterbury and to Whitstable are also available.
Further information and booking on www.colskentbiketours.co.uk
The Escapement, Broadstairs - Captcha Code
An original game that hybrids a treasure hunt and an escape room, exploring the timeless seaside town of Broadstairs.
Participants play the role of undercover agents who must complete an important mission to save the world. After reporting to base for a briefing, and in order to solve the puzzles at each location, participants will need to explore the local area, interact with local business allies and uncover the town's vast history.
Agents will be equipped with a custom-built, handheld spy device, a bag of tools and a map. The adventure is self-guided, with agents on hand if help is needed.
The mission lasts between two and three hours and covers just over a mile (1.7km). Price is £50 per group, maximum of 5 players in a group.
For further information and to book go to www.theescapement.co.uk
Ramsgate Through The Senses - Friday 18 to Sunday 20 March 2022
'Ramsgate Through the Senses' is a new sister festival established to complement the annual Ramsgate Festival of Sound and will further explore the five senses by showcasing Kent through its people, produce and performance.
The event will run over three days and feature a variety of events, talks and workshops designed to awaken your senses, such as sea shanty writing and dining in the dark. All delivered by some of the most noteworthy chefs and artists in the area.
For more information leading up to the event, please visit
https://ramsgatefestival.org/through-the-senses
POW! Thanet - new Fringe Festival
Visitors to Thanet In March 2022 will be able to experience the POW! Fringe Festival, part of the Power of Women Festival.
The Fringe Festival is a specially curated series of events created by local people and supported by the POW! team to celebrate women and girls. Enjoy brand new art exhibitions, performances, talks and workshops in the days surrounding International Women's Day on Tuesday 8 March.
To find out more, visit powthanet.com
Chapel House, Minster
Once a private family home, the Chapel House Estate will be opened to the public for the first-time in spring 2022, redesigned as an exclusive-use luxury destination venue, with some staycation availability in between.
Chapel House is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1290 and the centrepiece of the Estate, its interior designed for luxury and comfort. The house provides three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a large modern kitchen (although all meals will be catered for by professional chefs). There are two elegant lounge areas with access to books and a collection of vinyl to play on the up-cycled record player.
The extensive venue is located within 25 acres of both organic and considered landscape, providing a unique and natural backdrop for relaxing, entertaining and celebrating in the most private of country settings, yet less than a mile from the picturesque Isle of Thanet coastline.
Within the sprawling paddocks, ten Hideaway Lodges combine contemporary design and understated luxury. A 24-hour onsite concierge service will ensure guest needs are catered for, no matter the hour. In addition, the Estate boasts a converted Old Malt Granary and state of the art Banqueting Barn.
The Estate aims to be a modern green provider. There are multiple EV charging points and a no-car policy in parts of the grounds to protect the natural setting. Wherever possible the food and drink offering will showcase the very best of locally sourced Kentish produce for an inclusive vegan or vegetarian dining experience. Transportation to the venue by train will be actively encouraged.
Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate can be reached in under 75 minutes from London on Southeastern's high speed rail service (www.southeasternrailway.co.uk).
For further information on Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, including events, attractions and accommodation go to www.visitthanet.co.uk
- Ends -
General press enquiries:
Please contact Julie Edwards at Thanet Tourism - julie.edwards@thanet.gov.uk or 01843 577671
Assistance can also be given with digital images, reader competitions and press trips - and bespoke packages can be arranged, including accommodation and sightseeing, for journalists with commissions.
