01 Dec 2023
Tags: #Margate, #Broadstairs, #Ramsgate, #kent, #what's new, #anniversaries, #exhibitions, #Experiences
There's always something to look forward to in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate on the Isle of Thanet. 2024 brings exciting new exhibitions at Turner Contemporary, a flight simulator experience in an authentic Lancaster cockpit and anniversary celebrations in Ramsgate.
New Lancaster experience at the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum, Manston
Visitors to the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum at Manston, near Ramsgate, can now book a 'flight' in the Lancaster Experience. The Lancaster Experience includes the opportunity to sit in an exact replica Avro Lancaster cockpit section, at the pilot, navigator, flight engineer and radio operator stations and 'fire-up' the four Merlin engines, the sound of which will be piped into the cockpit. The fully functional cockpit section is probably the only authentic Lancaster cockpit that can be flown as a simulator. The simulated route is historically significant to the Lancaster.
The cockpit has been built over a six-year period using original parts and with reference to Avro plans and access to Lancaster IDV372, which is on display at IWM in London. Measurements and photographs were taken to ensure the replica is exact in every detail.
The Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and on Bank Holiday Mondays, between 10am and 5pm. Entry and car parking is free.
30-minute flights in the Lancaster cockpit, with an instructor, will be available from early 2024, at a cost of £75.
Exhibitions at Turner Contemporary, Margate
Beyond Form: Lines of Abstraction, 1950 - 1970, Saturday 3 February to Monday 6 May 2024
This spring, Turner Contemporary will present Beyond Form: Lines of Abstraction, 1950 -
1970, a group exhibition presenting abstraction as a radical global language shared by
women artists in the twenty years following World War II. Guest curated by Dr Flavia Frigeri,
the exhibition will bring together the works of more than 50 artists to examine how, through
abstract forms, materials and modes, women pushed the boundaries of artmaking while
tackling seismic cultural, social and political shifts. Comprising over 80 artworks,
predominantly sculpture, the exhibition will trace how the language of abstraction developed
on a global scale.
Sunley Gallery: Lynda Benglis, Saturday 3 February to Sunday 1 September 2024
To coincide with Beyond Form: Lines of Abstraction, 1950 - 1970, Turner Contemporary will
present three recent sculptures by Lynda Benglis in the Sunley Gallery. Born in 1941, Benglis is celebrated for carving out a unique space within the male-dominated art world, earning acclaim for her pioneering use of wax and poured latex. Her latest polished bronze
sculptures, with their dynamic and fluid forms, continue to challenge perceptions of space.
These evolved from her Elephant Necklaces, clay sculptures, digitally enlarged into bronze,
underscoring her deep exploration of materiality and the transformative process of form.
Clore Learning Studio
Turner Contemporary is working with the participatory artist group Leap Then Look to bring
an interactive exhibition to the Clore Learning Studio, alongside the Children's Art Library and workshop programme. Making connections between the abstract sculptural works featured in Beyond Form, Leap Then Look are bringing tactile objects to the space for visitors of all ages and abilities to make their own sculptural works across different scales and materials. The exhibition encourages people to work together, inspiring playfulness, inquisitiveness and experimentation.
Open: Winter (until Tuesday 26 March), Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays, 10am to 5pm
Summer (from Wednesday 27 March), Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays, 10am to 5pm
Entry is free.
Ramsgate Tunnels - 10th anniversary of reopening
Ramsgate Tunnels is a unique civilian wartime tunnel complex, including a Victorian railway tunnel. The Tunnels reopened to the public in June 2014 after being closed for over 50 years.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the tunnels reopening, a series of events is being planned throughout the year. The tunnels' history will be celebrated throughout May as part of History Month. During the month of June, the anniversary will be celebrated with a series of volunteer-researched displays and talks, using the tunnels' archives and with an open day. Further events will be featured on the website once details are finalised.
Explorer Tours run in two hour intervals, seven days a week, all year round.
Tour prices - £9 adult, £7 senior/disabled, £6 child, £25 family ticket (two adults/two children)
A decade of Active Ramsgate
This year, Ramsgate marks 10 years of its pioneering outdoor pursuits project, 'Active Ramsgate'.
Active Ramsgate Week will take place from Sunday 26 May to Sunday 2 June 2024, with a chance to try out some of the amazing range of activities on offer, with special discounts and trial sessions throughout.
Each day will have a different theme, from walking, cycling, water-sporting and exploring.
Whether you're a walker, two-wheeler or a wave-maker, there will be something for everyone to get involved in.
Keep an eye on the website for details of the special events and offers to come, or sign up to the newsletter to make sure you hear first! http://bit.ly/AR-Signup
www.visitramsgate.co.uk/activeramsgate
Status Quo return to Dreamland, Margate after 56 years
Legendary rock group Status Quo will return to Dreamland, Margate on Thursday 15 August 2024. This will be their first performance at the iconic venue since 1968. The concert will feature some of the band's most beloved and recognisable music in the unique setting of the outdoor Scenic Stage.
Since Dreamland began 103 years ago, music and entertainment has been at its heart. The award-winning venue continues to attract high-calibre artists, including The Vaccines, Kaiser Chiefs, Jess Glynne, Nile Rogers & Chic, Paloma Faith, Busted and Scouting for Girls, all confirmed for 2024 with many more to be announced.
Further information and booking, visit www.dreamland.co.uk/whats-on/
The WonderWorks at Hornby Hobbies, Margate
Hornby Hobbies, Britain's leading model maker, has opened an exciting new experience, The WonderWorks. Formerly the Hornby Visitor Centre, the interactive attraction will immerse visitors into the world of Hornby Hobbies' famous hobby, toy, collectable and specialist brands, through a range of educational and sensory experiences, all designed to spark visitors' imaginations as soon as they walk through the door.
The reimagined experience features new miniature worlds and exhibition pieces, along with a redesigned cafe with updated menu featuring local produce. In addition to interacting with the impressive exhibitions, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the company and how Hornby, Airfix, CORGI, Scalextric and Pocher make their models and kits. Daily workshops and special events will help new and existing Hornby Hobbies fans to get the most out of their hobby.
Open daily, between 10am and 4pm, the last admission to the cafe and experience is at 3:30pm.
Prices - £5 adult, £2.50 child (5-15 years), concessions (60+) and student with valid ID. £12.50 family (2 adults and up to 4 children). £15 adult annual pass. £30 family annual pass.
For further information on Isle of Thanet attractions, events and accommodation go to www.visitthanet.co.uk
The Isle of Thanet can be reached in just 70 minutes with Southeastern's high speed railway service from London St. Pancras station.
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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.
