16 Dec 2024
The Isle of Thanet is set to shine in 2025 with an incredible lineup of exhibitions, events, and anniversaries that showcase the vibrant culture and history of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
From groundbreaking art exhibitions and historic commemorations to stunning new venues and beloved annual festivals, 2025 promises an unforgettable year of discoveries and celebrations.
Turner Contemporary, Margate
Mona Hatoum Hot Spot - Friday 7 February – April 2025
In the spring, Mona Hatoum's Hot Spot transforms Turner Contemporary's Sunley Gallery. This human-scaled steel globe tilts like the Earth itself, its continents traced in red neon. The cage-like structure and fierce glow present our world as a universal danger zone, powerfully evoking global conflicts, border tensions, and the climate emergency, embodying what Hatoum describes as a "world continually caught up in conflict and unrest."
'Resistance' - an exhibition curated by Steve McQueen, Turner Contemporary, Margate - Saturday 22 February to Sunday 1 June 2025
Turner Contemporary will present Resistance, an exhibition curated by acclaimed artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen. Known for amplifying overlooked voices, McQueen brings a unique perspective to this powerful exploration of social resistance in the UK and photography's role in driving change. Resistance will examine a century of activism, from the suffrage movement to the Anti-Iraq War protest. Through iconic photographs, visitors will discover how movements like the Gay Liberation Front and the Women's Liberation Movement unified communities, and how historic events such as the Battle of Cable Street and the Black People's Day of Action shaped civil rights. The exhibition includes works by both renowned and lesser-known photographers, documenting pivotal moments before digital photography became widespread. This exhibition reveals how collective action has consistently challenged injustice and paved the way for today's activist movements. Produced over four years with insights from advisors like Gary Younge and Paul Gilroy, the exhibition is accompanied by a book.
Turner's Waves Breaking on A Lee Shore at Margate
Opening in April 2025
2025 marks 250 years since the birth of artist JMW Turner.
Turner Contemporary will present JMW Turner's masterwork 'Waves Breaking on a Lee Shore at Margate (Study for 'Rockets and Blue Lights')', on loan from Tate. This atmospheric painting, created during one of Turner's regular visits to Margate in the 1830s and 40s, captures the elemental force of a storm as seen from the safety of the shore. Turner Contemporary stands on the site of the boarding house where Turner stayed during these visits, and his radical vision defines the gallery's ethos today. The display will be accompanied by activities celebrating the painter's lifelong connection to Margate and his love of the ocean.
Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo, Ramsgate - Friday 16 to Monday 26 May 2025
In May 1940, a rescue operation was implemented by the Royal Navy to evacuate British, French and Belgian troops from the beaches at Dunkirk, codenamed Operation Dynamo. It was anticipated that 20-30,000 troops would be rescued, though the actual figure was more than 338,000.
Many hundreds of civilian vessels sailed to Dunkirk to help ferry troops from the beaches out to larger ships, or even back across the channel. These included fishing smacks, cockle boats, lifeboats and sailing barges, and are now known as the 'Little Ships'. Ramsgate's Royal Harbour witnessed 850 of these civilian vessels set sail.
Ramsgate will be commemorating this momentous event, in partnership with the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS). More than 60 Little Ships plan to cross the channel to Dunkirk from Ramsgate on Wednesday 21 May 2025. The flotilla will take Royal Navy ratings and be accompanied by Royal Navy vessels. Many of the Little Ships will return to Ramsgate on Monday 26 May. Both crossings will depend on the weather.
Other events and activities will take place throughout Ramsgate and around the Royal Harbour. These include a parade with the Marching Band and Corp of Drums of the Royal Marines; the opportunity to board the Medway Queen, a paddle steamer and heroine of Dunkirk; discover evacuee stories and see model displays at Ramsgate Tunnels; and WWII era transport around the Royal Harbour.
For further information go to www.visitthanet.co.uk/operationdynamo
Exciting New Exhibitions Open at Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington, near Margate - from February 2025
The Powell-Cotton Museum in Birchington features permanent exhibitions. It has natural history collections set in dioramas as well as objects from Africa and Asia.
February 2025 marks a significant moment for the museum as it unveils three new exhibitions. These will showcase the museum's rich and diverse cultural collections, the result of years of dedicated research and community collaboration.
The museum's renowned dioramas have been revitalized with fresh displays. Visitors can now delve deeper into the stories of the animals, their habitats, and the collectors, researchers, and creators behind these exhibits. Highlights include insights into the life of an elephant, the art of taxidermy, and the experts who supported Percy Powell-Cotton's expeditions.
Gallery 2 features an exciting reinterpretation of the Eastern African collections, spotlighting the cultures of South Sudan, Uganda and Kenya. Through themes of daily life, ceremony, and trade, the exhibit celebrates enduring traditions and skills. Alongside this, the Ethiopian collections have been redisplayed, offering a glimpse into the country's art, religion, and diverse cultures. This phase of the exhibition highlights stunning religious artefacts and explores the Orthodox faith's rich history, while inviting visitors to engage with ongoing research.
Adding a new interactive dimension, 'Meet the Team Fridays' launches on the second Friday of each month. Visitors can meet museum staff, gain behind-the-scenes insights into curatorial and conservation work, and even try their hand at roles including gardening or tour guiding.
New Glass Courtyard at Chapel House Estate, Minster, near Ramsgate - April 2025
Chapel House Estate is an exquisite, family-owned wedding and events venue nestled in the picturesque countryside in Minster, near Ramsgate.
The Glass Courtyard at Chapel House Estate is a stunning new wedding and event space, opening in April 2025.
This architecturally striking venue blends modern design with the natural beauty of their 35-acre estate, offering a light-filled setting for unforgettable celebrations. The Glass Courtyard is perfect for celebrations, ceremonies, corporate events, parties, dining and private events.
As part of their commitment to excellence, the space has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the elegance and charm that Chapel House Estate is known for.
For further information visit www.chapelhouseestate.co.uk
Broadstairs Folk Week - 60th Anniversary - Friday 8 to Friday 15 August 2025
With hundreds of events all over Broadstairs, this annual festival includes everything from family shows at the Bandstand, featuring Kent's traditional Hooden Horses, to some of the biggest names in folk music at the concert venue. There are plenty of opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to join in with singing, playing and dancing.
There's something for everyone. Browse the stalls at the Craft and Music Fair or grab a drink with friends. Learn something new at an interactive workshop or enjoy performances as you go from pub to pub.
To mark the Folk Week's 60th anniversary the concert programme has been expanded to include even more of the UK's best-loved folk performers, and there will be a new series of 'Coffee Concerts' which will take place at Queen's Road Baptist Church during the festival week.
www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk
POW Thanet! (Power of Women) - Saturday 8 March 2025
POW Thanet! (Power of Women) celebrates 10 years of International Women's Day Festivals with a bold and proactive anniversary programme of arts and culture. Inspired by the past, present and future of gender equality, the 2025 festival will be celebrating the contributions of older women ot the arts and gender equality movement and raising awareness of the issues affecting them today.
The event will kick-off a year of exhibitions, workshops, performances and special events.
Margate Bookie - Saturday 4 to Sunday 12 October 2025
The Margate Bookie festival celebrates its 10 year anniversary, with a nine day celebration of books, reading and writing.
Discover the Margate writing scene, feed your curiosity and be inspired!
The Big Weekend at Turner Contemporary (Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October) will feature star authors. You can also enjoy events at Dreamland, the Margate School, Marine Studios, Margate Library, Wilde's and a secret pop-up venue.
The nine-day extravaganza also includes creative writing workshops, showcases local writers, a Poetry Slam, Children's Festival, popup bookshops and so much more! All of this literary goodness takes place beneath Margate's beautiful Turner skies.
For full details of the festival including timings and tickets, visit www.margatebookie.com
- 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.
