Grand Opening Ceremony This is a picture taken from the History of The Winter Gardens of the opening on the 3rd August 1911 Laurel and Hardy A picture taken from The History of the Winter Gardens of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy perhaps one of the most famous film comedy 'duo' of all times who appeared at the Winter Gardens on the 18th August 1947 Dinner Dance Main hall Winter Gardens A picture taken of a Dinner Dance in the Main Hall which is the larger of the two halls within the Winter Gardens

1911 to 2011 - Celebrating 100 years of entertainment 

2011 will be a very special year for the Winter Gardens as it celebrates its 100^th Birthday. 

Thanet Leisureforce in conjunction with Thanet District Council are launching an appeal fund to raise money for this much loved landmark. The appeal funding is aimed at providing funds for essential works to the building prior to the celebrations in August 2011.

September 2009

Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr Sandy Ezekiel said: "Celebrating 100 years will be a fantastic achievement for the Winter Gardens. It's a well loved landmark and has seen a huge variety of entertainment and special events held there over the years. It would be great to see this appeal fund raise the money needed to renovate and improve the building to ensure that the centenary can be celebrated in style! I hope to see lots of people out in support in September."

July 2010

In support of the Winter Gardens Centenary Appeal a seat sponsorship scheme has been introduced which will assist in funding the final phase of the theatre seat replacement project.

The £250 cost provides the sponsor with the following exclusive benefits:

• A name plaque on one of the theatre seats

• Certificate of sponsorship

• Discounted use of seat for some performances during the year

• 5 year membership of the "friends of the Winter Gardens" and associated benefits

• Priority booking status for all Centenary events

Membership of this scheme would make a unique gift to someone special whilst financially supporting the much needed improvements required at the Winter Gardens as it approaches its centenary.

The Appeal has currently raised £40K and an additional contribution from the Council has seen the £150K repairs to the rear wall completed.

Further fund raising events will be taking place this autumn and a range of Centenary merchandise will be launched very shortly.

Further details and application forms can be obtained from the Thanet Leisureforce Head Office on 01843 868 302 or email

Saturday 25th September at 7.30pm

SHOW - The Winter Gardens Showcase

Tickets £7.50, FOWG £0.50 con

The Winter Gardens has brought together for the first time the best talent in East Kent for a musical Show Case extravaganza!

Some of the best theatre groups, societies and schools in the area will be involved in this "one off" event. All the proceeds for the show will go towards the Winter Gardens Centenary Appeal. So… if you're a fan of musical theatre or just looking for a great family night out this is the show for you!

Wednesday 6th October  at 8pm

QUIZ NIGHT & SUPPER

Join for a Fun Quiz and Games Night! This packed night of entertainment will be hosted by

local Radio DJ "Horace". The night will consist of a quiz with 8 separate rounds and a number of spontaneous competitions run in between the rounds. The ticket price is £10.00 which will include a "Bangers 'n' Mash"* supper and desert. All proceeds from the event will go towards our very own "Centenary Appeal".

Tickets are £10.00 with a maximum of 10 to a team. There will be a discount of £5 with each full table of 10 booked.

To enquire about the event or to buy tickets please contact the box office on 01843 292795. There are some more fantastic events in the planning stage.  As these are finalised they will be featured here.  Look out for more details over the coming months and years.

Find out more about the history of the Winter Gardens click here