Guided by a mythical Apothecary, come and explore how the power of nature and storytelling can bring hope in the desert of illness. Inspired by Derek Jarman’s ‘garden without boundaries’ and the ecology of Dungeness, Alexandra Le Rossignol’s workshop will provide space to play with words and images. No experience needed, materials provided.

Thanet’s literary scene is buzzing with amazing talent. Hear from a selection of emerging writers sharing their latest work.  

Drawing on her own experience of adapting to life with chronic fatigue following a stroke in 2019, poet Sarah Bowman’s practical workshop explores how the reading and particularly the writing of poetry  move us out of emotional numbness and into a new sense of acceptance, agency and selfhood. 

A panel discussion about queer women’s writing and stories hosted by Margate’s own award-winning comedian, podcaster and author Rosie Wilby. Rosie is joined by Diva magazine editor Roxy Bourdillon and Polari First Book Prize winner Nicola Dinan.  

Chris Plato guides you through puns, adages and idioms, and their use and abuse in the written and visual worlds. He lifts the veil to reveal how writers, artists and wordsmiths have constructed, construed and conveyed this wordplay through the generations. 

Put your literary knowledge to the test for the chance for your team to become the first ever Margate Bookie quiz champions. There will be prizes. It will be fun. And someone will take that crown (there will be no actual crown). Maximum six people per team. 

Bee’s Bookshare is a friendly community of book lovers, coming together to swap books they’ve read and pick up something new. Any type of book and any type of reader is welcome. There are no set books to read, just bring something you’ve loved or loathed to pass on and share the reading buzz. 

Zita Whalley and Andy Malt, editors of Thanet-focussed culture newsletter Strange Tourist look at how stories are formed and the many roads into creating narratives. Building Stories explores storytelling approaches across several practices, from theatre to music.

The Kent Poetry Championships return to Margate Bookie! The Bookie Slam is back for its eighth incredible instalment. Get those fingers snapping for 11 poets from across the South East as they compete for cash prizes and a future shot at the Kent Poetry Championship Belt.