Madonna hits Margate! Music megastar calls the Kent seaside town ‘my idea of heaven’ as she stuns locals by making a surprise visit to Tracey Emin’s art festival

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Typically at this time of year, Madonna can be found at Paris Fashion Week, sitting in the front row, or attending a high-profile awards show.

I was so excited to hear that my absolute favorite performer recently spent some time in Margate! She’s always traveling the world, but she’s said herself that this little seaside town in Kent has quickly become one of her go-to places – and I totally get why! It’s amazing to know she loves it as much as I do.

The singer came to town to show her support for her friend, Dame Tracey Emin. She visited Emin’s art studio and the artist residency program named after her.

Madonna posted some Instagram photos from her beach vacation, featuring pictures she took with artists from the TEAR organization.

Madonna wrote a long message praising her friend Tracey, describing her as a ‘Pearl’ – a beautiful and valuable treasure, like a necklace adorning the coastal town of Margate in England.

She enthusiastically described the town as a vibrant and creative place, full of artists – writers, performers, photographers, and painters. She said it felt like a dream to visit, and that it was her idea of paradise. Every time she goes, she feels completely immersed in a different world.

She also mentioned having a favorite restaurant in town, jokingly adding that she wouldn’t reveal its name. She explained that it’s a very small place with only one table and she doesn’t want it to get too crowded!

Madonna shared her thoughts on her 25-year friendship with Tracey Emin, saying she’s long admired Emin’s honest and daring art. She especially praised the inspiring community Emin has built in her seaside town.

She runs an artist residency, bringing young artists from across the globe to Margate for several months. This program provides them with a place to live, paint, and grow their skills, as well as opportunities to showcase their work in local exhibitions – opportunities they might not otherwise have.

I’ve visited a few times and am consistently impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of the artists there.

They were eager, passionate, and thankful for the chance to be here. Everyone had a moving story, and it was inspiring to see them working with such commitment.

Honestly, it just really touched me when she finished her post talking about how wonderful it is to see something positive in the news for once. She said it felt good to share a story about connection and how art can lift us up and bring us together, and I completely agree! It’s a much-needed reminder of what truly matters.

Tracey posted on Instagram to thank Madonna for visiting, praising their ‘thoughtful talks and willingness to share ideas about art and projects.’

I was so thrilled to hear that she didn’t just stop by TEAR’s studio! She actually went around town to see all of the artist’s individual exhibits as part of this amazing local event called Off Season. It really shows how much she supports the arts and takes the time to appreciate everything, not just the main show.

The artists were amazed when the famous celebrity, with over 20 million Instagram followers, mentioned them and their work in her post.

I was absolutely thrilled to see that Madonna purchased one of Esme Keenleyside’s paintings! Anderson Asteclines, the artist, shared that he’s feeling incredibly grateful and humbled – and honestly, so am I! It’s a small piece featuring some cool cruising characters, and now it’s part of Madonna’s collection. What amazing news! I’m just so happy for everyone involved xx

Madonna is just one of many well-known people who have visited Tracey Emin’s art shows in Kent; Kate Moss and the late Vivienne Westwood were also among those who’ve shown their support over time.

Margate residents were delighted to hear about Madonna’s visit, flooding her post with comments. 

Someone expressed their happiness that you had a good time in their town and shared their pride in being connected to Dame Emin.

‘She’s a huge support to the town and investing in our growth.’

Oh my gosh, you won’t BELIEVE what Tracey did! In 2023, she bought this totally run-down building right on the seafront in Margate, and she’s turning it into this amazing space for everyone – a real community hub! I’m so excited to see it all come together, it’s going to be incredible!

I’ve been watching Margate, Kent become the place to be! Everyone is rushing to buy property there, and it’s easy to see why. It’s such a cool town, and it’s amazing to see so many creative people moving in – even someone like Pete Doherty from The Libertines has a place there now!

The famous and elusive street artist Banksy created a piece on a local house two years ago, but the council later damaged it.

For many years, Margate was a popular British seaside resort, but it later fell on hard times.

Recently, especially since the pandemic, the town has become increasingly popular with people from London, and is even jokingly called ‘Shoreditch-on-Sea’.

Since the start of the pandemic, almost 6,000 people have moved from London to the Thanet area.

Over the past decade, starting in 2013, the average price of homes in the seaside town has more than doubled, increasing by an impressive 102 percent.

People in the area think that a combination of beautiful beaches, convenient amenities, easy transportation, and more affordable housing has led to a surge in Londoners buying second homes and properties to rent out on Airbnb.

Okay, so everyone is obsessed with this place now, calling it the ‘Camden of the south-east’ – it’s incredible! But honestly, all the hype? It’s starting to really bother the people who actually live here, and they’re saying it’s come at a price. It’s like, yes, it’s amazing it’s getting noticed, but at what cost, you know?

Many long-time residents feel parts of the old town are becoming just like East London, and they’re frustrated about it. Others are being forced to move because house prices have soared with the influx of second-home buyers and people from London.

Property in Clinftonville West, for instance, costs now double what it did in 2010.

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2026-01-29 13:15