each august, the coastal town of margate bursts to life with its yearly pride celebration, drawing crowds exceeding fifteen thousand individuals. this event unfolds with a relaxed atmosphere, commencing at the historic oval bandstand, a beautifully restored victorian amphitheatre perched on the chalky cliffs overlooking walpole bay.
the festivities culminate in a heartwarming and visually spectacular parade that winds its way along the seafront.
what sets margate's pride apart from larger counterparts in brighton or london is its non-commercial, community-driven ethos.
often referred to as "the original seaside," margate boasts a rich heritage as one of the united kingdom's earliest coastal resorts, with visitors historically flocking to its shores in the 18th century for the purported health benefits of sea bathing.
interestingly, margate's longest-standing establishment catering to the gay community, sundowners, only opened its doors in .
in comparison to a city like brighton, whose queer history can be traced back to the early 19th century, margate's narrative in this regard is not as deeply entrenched or as extensively documented. nonetheless, a discernible pattern emerges: margate, much like other historic seaside towns, has often been a magnet for artistic and bohemian subcultures.
these creative currents attract individuals who cherish creativity, diversity, and a spirit of non-conformity, and who may find themselves feeling somewhat out of place in more conventional environments.
this dynamic is certainly evident in margate, and particularly in cliftonville, an area situated approximately a mile uphill from the charming cobbled lanes of the old town.
reflecting on personal experience growing up in the town during the 1990s, the main artery, northdown road - originally conceived a century prior as margate's most fashionable district - had devolved into a rather ordinary retail strip.
after experiencing a period of economic decline in the early 2000s, northdown road, and indeed margate as a whole, has been undergoing a significant revitalization over the past fifteen years.
it's important to note that margate continues to be recognised as one of the country's most economically disadvantaged regions. the pivotal moment that ignited much of this transformation was the unveiling of the turner contemporary gallery in , a striking harbourside institution that served as an inspiration for artists and creatives.
many of these individuals, often relocating from areas like east london, began to repurpose abandoned studios and vacant shop spaces throughout the town, breathing new life into the urban fabric.
as one individual observed during this period of change, "shops were empty, the high street was on its knees, but it felt like anything was possible and people were keen to support anyone that was giving it a go." cliftonville, in particular, emerged as a favoured locale because, as noted, "it was the cheapest area to live back then."
and then there are the glorious beaches, a timeless attraction for visitors and residents alike.
in , amy redmond, widely known by her drag persona amy zing, established the groundbreaking margate arts club on northdown road. this pioneering venue, described as both queer and "femme-focused," hosts a diverse array of inclusive events, including the much-loved "cockles and muscles" gatherings.
redmond humbly states, "we're just a small part — and yet so proud to have brought this space to town."
concurrently, derek du preez, originally from south africa and who moved to the margate area in , is among the five proprietors of CAMP margate, a nearby neighbourhood bar.
CAMP margate, which opened its doors in , has become a vital community hub, offering a varied calendar of events ranging from open mic nights to trivia contests and insightful queer panel discussions.
in the context of online forums and discussions, the idea of a "gay hub" title has sparked conversation.
one user expressed caution, stating, "i agree with the pride idea however. yeah, as said, this would be cool, but i think it could become problematic if users started using this as a joke. it would be awesome to have a hub title that would promote diversity and acceptance, but i think this could be taken the wrong way by immature players, and may create some problems." another query raised was, "how would this come across as being biased?"
the sentiment behind these comments highlights a desire for inclusive and welcoming online spaces, while also acknowledging the potential for misuse and the importance of careful consideration in naming and moderation.
the goal, as articulated by users, is to foster a positive environment that celebrates diversity and acceptance, ensuring that such a space is not undermined by insensitivity or immaturity.
the discussion also touched upon the historical development of such spaces, with references to early 19th-century queer history in places like brighton.
this comparison underscores the evolving nature of queer communities and the importance of recognising and supporting emerging or less documented scenes, such as that in margate.
further contributions to the forum thread included:
- legends september 26, , pm 1.
- tallscissors september 26, , pm 2.
- welcome to the forums!
- centuwuria september 26, , pm 4.
- brialgic september 26, , pm 5.
- pyroemperor september 26, , pm 6.
- brialgic september 26, , pm 7.
- st1ick september 27, , am 9.
these exchanges, though brief, reflect a community actively engaged in shaping its online identity and ensuring that digital spaces are conducive to respect and inclusivity.
the ongoing development of margate's queer scene, bolstered by community initiatives like CAMP margate and the margate arts club, signifies a growing and vibrant presence within the town's broader cultural landscape. the town's journey from a traditional seaside resort to a contemporary hub embracing artistic expression and diverse communities is a narrative worth exploring further.