With brighter days and warmer weather, it’s time to get your music juices flowing and your foot tapping at the coast! From popular festivals to one-off concerts, the coast is alive with the sound of music and has something for every taste imaginable.
Party the day and night away at Dreamland with some of the biggest names in music performing open air on the Scenic Stage or undercover in Hall by the Sea - Kool and the Gang, Tom Jones, N-Dubz, Primal Scream, Bastille and Happy Mondays to name just a few.
Dreamland at Night
Margate Mixer
Soul, Jazz and Ska, the town is awash with musical offerings. Get those heels moving and the seasons a grooving with Skagate followed by the ever-popular Margate Soul Festival, now in its 21st year. With the main gigs held at Dreamland’s Hall By The Sea and Ballroom, alongside spots include Olby’s Soul Cafe, the Imperial Bar, and The Sun Deck.
If that is not enough, listen out for music events popping up in hotels, pubs and places around the town. On Sunday's throughout April - September, Cliftonville's Oval Bandstand is alive with music performances.
Rock out at Accommodation
Created by The Libertines, Albion Rooms is not just another guest house. Get inspiration to create your own hit record. Enjoy a wide variety of live music performed by artists from across the UK at Rosslyn Court, this could inspire you to join one of their music workshops?
Rosslyn Court Music Workshop
Big names, bigger hits
The Beatles, Status Quo and the Stereophonics have all graced the stages of Isle of Thanet venues. Discover which big act will be next to take to the stage? Not to be outdone, your foot will be tapping along to performances at small intimate venues including Tom Thumb Theatre, a converted coach house. Ramsgate's reopened Granville Theatre plays host to big name theatre shows - The Magic of Motown, 80's Live, UK Pink Floyd Experience and more.
For one glorious week in August (11th - 18th), Broadstairs is filled with the sound of folk music. A huge event on the Isle’s calendar, Broadstairs Folk Week welcomes hundreds of musicians playing in beer gardens, church halls or on stage. With over 400 events crammed into one week – including concerts featuring top folk musicians; ceilidhs and dances for all ages plus; workshops for all abilities in music, song, and dance.
Headlining for 2023 is West Country folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Seth Lakeman, accompanied by singer-songwriter Alex Hart who is proving to be an important addition to the UK’s current crop of country and roots artists.
Broadstairs Folk Week - The Hub. Credit Bethan Milner
All the rave (for adults)
Ramsgate Music Hall, an intimate venue with a 130 capacity and winner of the NME award for Best British Small Venue, has a thriving programme of artist performances from emerging to headliners.
Gryff Rhys at Ramsgate Music Hall. Credit Dik Ng
Play that funky music
Get the decks spinning and post-festival party pumping after browsing the racks of hundreds of records at Cliffs, or head to Where Else? for grassroots music.
On the big screen
If you look closely you may just spot Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate appearing in the latest music videos. From our beaches and hotels to attractions, many have popped up on screen including for Emilie Sande, Rick Astley and Shaun Mendes.
There’s plenty to inspire a visit to the FestivIsle of Thanet, and being just a short journey from London by train, makes for the perfect reason for a day, night or weekend visit.
