Entertainment History “Snapshots” in Margate 1920 – 2010.

Margate has consistently been recognised by locals and visitors as a much loved “party zone” beach. This Summer Season will be no exception with an awesome line up of entertainment planned from late November to early January. Long may Margate's entertainment flair live on in the hearts and minds of generations still to come. Watch this space next week to see the full calendar of events coming to Margate soon.

Looking Back…

1920's - Messrs Scott and John Reid and two farmers and their families met once a week in one of their homes for a musical evening.  Records were played on a hand-wound table gramophone.

Early 1930's - The first cinema show in the early 30's was organised by Mr Dole who showed silent films once a week.  The town had a population of 100 and boasted six hotels.

In 1934 - The first bioscope came to town.  Mr Pelser ran a cinema in the large building next door to Margate Meat supply.  This was the era of the Kodak baby Brownie. During the war years Mr and Mrs Cominos ran a club for RAF personnel held talent nights, dancing and bioscope shows at the Palm Grove.

Former Mayor of Margate Dennis Cominos recalls, "The women of this time were rather grand - all were wonderful characters who, quite literally, ruled the roost."

In the 40's - Musicians, inspired by the beauty of Margate, composed tunes about the town.  These included Will Fraser's "Margate Lovers" which included the lines. "...Strolling on the gleaming sand, in the moonlight, hand in hand.  Gallant youth and maiden fair, caught in cupid's artful snare, plighting troth of true love under the stars a-bove.  Strolling, Strolling, Strolling, hand in hand, dreaming, dreaming in the silvery Margate sand."

Around this time, British women and children were being evacuated and Margate was on the list of recommended destinations. Margate's unattached female population soared and there was no doubt that Margate became of one of the most popular destinations for servicemen to visit before going off to war.

In 1948 - The 1st Hibiscus Festival was held to celebrate the first council taking office when Margate become a borough.  This was a four day day event with the highlight being the Cinderella Ball.

The 50's - Margate became hailed as the"Queen of the South Coast" and recognised as a sportsman's paradise offering Bowls, Golf and Tennis.

In 1954 - Margate's population stood at approximately 2400 and this is the year in which the Surf Lifesaving Club started providing Beach Entertainment. This entertainment included beauty contest, talent shows, sandcastle  building competitions and other beach activities.

1957 - The Casino Cinema which is still in operation, was built by Albert 'Connor and opened to the public.  The cinema was the venue for "Margate Variety" a show compered by David Davies of LN Radio Fame.  William O Connor a succesful cinema owner from England and with his two sons Albert and Sidney, became recognised as one of Margate's leading entrepreneurial families.

1960's - Dickie Loade, who was "discovered" on 'Margate Variety' in the 1950's, returned as a star in the 60's.  Accompanied by "The Blue Jeans", Dickcie wowed teenagers at the popular Palm Grove.

Queen of the world:

Hibiscus Queen Penny Coelen (Rey) was crowned Miss World in London 1958

Drum Majorettes