Each summer, swifts return to our skies after an extraordinary migration from Africa, reconnecting us with the rhythms of the natural world. Swift Weekend uses the arrival of our local swift colony as a starting point for exploring how we care for the places we share, the wildlife that depends on them, and the communities that make them thrive.
Across three days, you'll find creative workshops, family activities, walks, talks, community action projects and opportunities to learn more about the remarkable birds that return to Margate each year.
The weekend builds on Bon Volks' ongoing Swift Project, which began in 2023 with the installation of swift nesting boxes across the neighbourhood and has since grown into a wider programme of conservation, creativity and community engagement. Through hands-on activities and shared experiences, Swift Weekend invites us all to become active participants in protecting local biodiversity and strengthening our connection to place.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, local resident, artist, birdwatcher, family, or simply curious about the wildlife above your head, Swift Weekend offers a chance to look up, get involved and celebrate the species that make Margate unique.
Join us as we welcome the swifts back to Margate and imagine a future where wildlife and communities flourish together.
All events are free to attend. Some activities have limited capacity and require booking.
Book here
Programme (more info in agenda below)
Friday 26th June
17:00 - 19:00 swift soundtracking workshop with Lillian Henley
Saturday 27th June
5:00 Swift survey across Margate
10:00 Kids screening - Manou the swift (animated adventure comedy film, 1h30)
12:00 Swift Talk by Rachel Boot
14:00 Animation workshop with Dylan White
16:30 Headdress making workshop with Becky Strickson
From 19:00: Swift survey across Margate
20:30 Music Performance: "Dreaming for Swifts" by Frankie Knight and Claire Holmes
Sunday 28th June
11:00 Planter making workshop with Ross Walker
14:30 Biodiversity walk
17:30 Drinks at Bon Volks
From 19:00: Swift survey across Margate
All events are free to attend, although some activities have limited capacity and require booking here.