ARK Grand Opening Weekend Fun Palace

ARK’s Grand Re-opening Weekend!
 
 
Marking both Fun Palaces and the culmination of Our Freedom Then and Now, ARK’s re-opening weekend is pac…

Primary Contact

Sarah Whiting Blowers

07974326228

Date and Time

Friday 3rd October 2025 10:00-22:00
Saturday 4th October 2025 10:00-22:00
Sunday 5th October 2025 10:00-22:00

Location

ARK - Cliftonville Cultural Space, Albion Road, Cliftonville, Margate, UK

ARK is based in the former Margate Synagogue which was built in 1929. As such, physical access in the building is limited. Improving this is integral to the forthcoming capital project. In the meantime, however, we are doing all we can to ensure the building is as accessible as possible. We have recently installed a ground floor accessible WC – door opening 750mm. There are two steps to the main entrance and we have a portable ramp. We have no designated parking bays at present, but it is usually possible to drop-off outside the building. Please contact us in advance of your visit if you have any specific access needs and we will do our best to accommodate you!

Description

ARK’s Grand Re-opening Weekend!

 

 

Marking both Fun Palaces and the culmination of Our Freedom Then and Now, ARK’s re-opening weekend is packed with events and performances for everyone.

What to expect

Freedom Garden launch – Friday 3 October 6pm

Over the Summer we have been creating a garden outside our building, as part of Our Freedom Then and Now, a national project marking 80 years since the end of WW2. 80 organisations (40 arts centres, 20 museums and 20 libraries) have been invited to respond to Simon Armitage’s poem, Freedom Road. The Freedom Garden is ARK’s response. Visit our garden , talk to its creators and find out more about the project. 

 

Freedom’s Just Another Word…. – Friday 3 October 7.30pm

An evening of spoken word and song on the theme of Freedom from some of our best-loved performers including Morag Butler, Wyatt Riot, Curly Wordy, Nata and more! Come early and try out our new bar for drinks and pizza from 6pm.

 

Animation workshops with 1927 Theatre – Saturday 4 October 10am – 1pm

Join Tom Adams and Lydia Hibbert for a drop-in animation making session for young people and families, all delivered in 1927’s signature style.

Also do catch Animated Artworks, an exhibition created with 1927 by pupils of Laleham Gap School.  



The ARK Re-opening Ceilidh – Saturday 4 October 7pm – 10.30pm

An evening of traditional dance and music from around the world hosted by Margate’s very own Bower Street Morris. Called by James Gaunt and backed by the Arlington House Band, the program also features Bollywood circle dancing with the iconic Asha Fierce and European dances with Euro-ceilidh maestro and friend of ARK Ernestine Lawrence.

 

Suitable for everyone, whatever their experience -  just wear comfy dancing shoes and bring a sense of adventure!

 

Caspian’s Storm – Sunday 5 October 10.30am and 12noon

One stormy night, a strange magic connects sea and land thrusting Caspian the crab into the spotlight and off on an adventure. With LAStheatre’s quirky humour and toe-tapping music, Caspian’s Storm is the perfect show for all the family. Recommended age: 3+

 

Machloket – Sunday 5 October 6.30pm

An evening of food, live music and conversation! From a queer Talmud study group, to a group of ‘ex-Egyptian’ refugees, Nick Cassenbaum and Tash Hyman explore the diversity of the UK’s Jewish diaspora. Produced by take stock exchange community storytelling company  with music from multi-instrumentalist Josh Middleton.

 

Please note: All our opening weekend events are free, but booking is essential.