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.
A Folking Good Time - 60th Anniversary Year
For one glorious week in August (8th - 15th), 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.
For the 60th Anniversary, an expanded concert programme with more of the UK’s best-loved folk performers and new series of ‘Coffee Concerts’ have been introduced. Acts for the festival to be announced
Broadstairs Folk Week. Credit @skyfairy_drones
Dreamland is Partyland
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 - The Libertines, Basement Jaxx, Roger Daltrey, Madness and Olly Murs to name just a few.
New for 2025 is Rewind On-Sea, music to reminisce with and R&B Lovers, a celebration of 90s & 00s R&B music offering a different vibe.
Live Music at Dreamland
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 Granville Theatre plays host to big name shows - Rat Pack Live,The Simon and Garfunkel Story, A Tribute to the Carpenters and more.
All the Rave
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. It's all about the blues in February with Broadstairs Blues Bash hosting over 100 FREE top quality acts. Or the Jazz in October at Broadstairs Jazz Festival
Countryside Stage
The grounds of Quex Park hosts an array of concerts during 2025 kicking off with Got the Love celebrating all things 90’s & 00’s. Whilst The Ibiza Orchestra sees a 26 piece orchestra perform or grab your headphones for a silent disco. The Sausage and Cider festival mixes djs, live and tribute acts with food and drink. It is the place for Festability, Kent’s leading accessible music festival.
New for 2025 is Summer in Nashville festival tribute to country music's biggest legends.
Margate Mixer
Soul 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 23rd year. The Sunset stage returns alongside gigs across the town at spots including 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
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?
Play that funky music
Get the decks spinning and post-festival party pumping after browsing the racks of Vinyl Head, not just home to a great record collection but also host to performances. Take a look through the hundreds of records at Howling Sounds, 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.
There’s plenty to inspire a visit to the FestivIsle of Thanet, and being just 75 minutes by Southeastern highspeed train from London makes for the perfect reason for a day, night or weekend visit.
