Margate Bookie 2018
- writerintheattic
- May 7, 2018
- 2 min read

Margate of my teenage years was always worth the train ride from Rochester, with friends eager for a cheap day out and lots of laughs. The smell of vinegary chips, candy floss, salty sea air, hot sand and the all pervasive squawking seagulls. Dreamland Theme Park was the nearest we were ever likely to get to Disneyland ~ riding on the iconic wooden roller coaster was the thrill to be had (other than the boy you fancied in a Kiss~me~Quick hat)!

The 80s and 90s saw Margate suffer a decline for many economic reasons, ~ including Dreamland closing, shops and well known brands moved out of the area. The quintessential seaside town suffered from its shabby exterior and its down at heel reputation. A real shame. Around a decade or so ago the tide turned in its fortune and a real bonus when The Turner Art Gallery, overlooking the sea, opened its doors in 2011. Critics thought it ridiculous that such a prestigious gallery be sited in Margate. They were proved wrong and when Tracy Emin, a local artist, exhibited here, there was no turning back.

Margate now boasts a literary festival, The Margate Bookie, and is proving ever popular, held annually in venues around Margate and the Turner Art Gallery.

Bank Holiday Sunday, the weather was glorious with blue skies and bright sunshine. Everyone had smiles on their faces, and the beach full of young families enjoying Sunday.
It was a flying visit sadly but I did go to The Vanguard Reading ~ where you can 'hear tomorrow's writers today,' ~ to see a couple of friends read extracts from their novels. It's so wonderful to see people enjoying their hard earned success. Rose also read an extract from her new novel and I'm intrigued all ready! I managed to have a quick chat and a photo with Karen Hamilton (Perfect Girlfriend), Rose McGinty (Electric Souk), and met David Barker (Rose Gold).
I'm so looking forward to next year's Margate Bookie!

For my book review of Electric Souk ~ click on 'Books' and scroll down to 'March / April.'
For my book review of Perfect Girlfriend ~ click on 'Books' and scroll down to 'March / April 2018.'
For my interview with Rose McGinty ~ click on 'Interview' and scroll down.
I look forward to reading David Barker's work ~ always love discovering someone new!
Coming soon.....Interview with Karen Hamilton.
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