February
Thanet Music & Drama Festival, Ramsgate
Offers a platform for hundreds of amateur musicians, actors and dancers in and around the Thanet area to perform in front of an audience and gain expert critical advice.
Website
March
DMG Antiques Fair, Kent County Showground, Detling
Kent’s premier antiques fair.
Kent Vs The Rest of The World: Food & Wine, Hop Farm Country Park, Maidstone
Celebration of the very best the county has to offer in food and drink.
Thanet Music & Drama Festival
April
Easter Chicken Hunt, Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone
As well as the chicken hunt, live music will be playing and there will be face painting, a magician, children’s Victorian games, a bouncy castle, craft fair and egg colouring.
Easter Playtime, Leeds Castle
Plenty of Easter egg hunts and fun activities.
Spring Gardens Week & Flower Festival, Leeds Castle, Hollingbourne.
Ramsgate Easter Extravaganza
Easter festivities with French and Italian stalls.
May
The Green Man event at Bedgebury National Pinetum is fast becoming a perennial family favourite. This year children are encouraged to arrive at the Bedgebury classroom dressed in green costumes, and there will be prizes for the best boy and girl green outfits. They will then find out about the folklore of trees on a discovery walk through the Pinetum, collect natural materials and make them into masks. The event will run from 10am till 12 noon on Saturday 1st May, for ages 5 years and over.
“Come and meet some of Bedgebury’s special trees and find out what makes them important in their local habitat.” Says Irene Davies, event leader and one of Bedgebury’s Education Officers. “During the walk everyone will collect leaves and foliage to decorate their own special Green Man mask.
The cost is £6 per young person and booking is essential, through the Bedgebury Visitor Information office or on 01580 879820. Anyone who pre-books gets a free parking voucher for the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Website
June
Air Show, Biggin Hill
A spectacular show which caters for much more than the aircraft enthusiast. There are many attractions available for children at the show including bouncy castles, quad bikes, funfair and many more.
British Food & Drink Festival, The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood
Broadstairs Dickens Festival, Various venues, Broadstairs, Mid June
Follow in Charles Dickens’ footsteps by coming to Broadstairs, which he visited between 1837 and 1859. See the delights of the town which he named “Our English Watering Place”.
Canterbury Carnival
A lively carnival which travels through the streets of Canterbury, Mid June.
Garden of England Motorcycle Show, The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood
This well-established event builds on a successful formula of arena activities, trade stalls and side-shows. Enjoy a weekend away and camp Friday and Saturday night. Entertainment and live bands are on offer both nights in the Biker’s Beer Barn with a warm and friendly atmosphere guaranteed.
Glorious Gardens week, Penshurst Place, Tonbridge
A series of mostly free activities throughout the garden – including guided tours, talks, flower arranging demonstrations and watercolour masterclasses.
Jazz Festival, Town Centre, Maidstone
For further details and Full Festival Programme phone the Festival Office on 01622 695283
Kent Music Festival, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Hythe
Many different well-known artists perform at this festival.
Leeds Castle Open-Air Concerts, Maidstone
Classical open-air concerts have been hosted here for more than two decades. They attract audiences of 16,000, with many dressing in historic costume or dinner jackets to enjoy fine music accompanied by sumptuous picnics.
Riverside Country Fair, Gillingham, Late June
Enjoy the annual country fair. With falconry displays, Kent Circus School workshops, Morris dancers, craft stalls, environmental groups, children’s activities and refreshments.
Rose Week, Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge, 15 – 21
English Country Garden’ in floral displays throughout the castle. Tours of the gardens with the Castle gardeners.
Stour Music Festival, Boughton Aluph, Late June
Concerts are held in the beautiful Pilgrim church of All Saints’ Boughton Aluph, situated in the heart of the Kent countryside, and renowned for its superb acoustic.
Summer Fayre
The Friars, Aylesford, Mid June.
Tonbridge Carnival, Tonbridge
Tonbridge welcomes the summer with its annual float procession through the town centre. There’s a fair on the castle lawns and a programme of small events takes place throughout the day.
Wye Food Festival 16-24th
This year’s theme to this successful ongoing food festival is ‘food and drink-how it’s grown, made and consumed’. With a special focus on the charming village of Wye, located in the heart of the North Kent Downs and an area of Outstanding National Beauty, the food festival works closely with the local farmer’s market to produce delicious, locally sourced food and drink. Well worth a trip to this lovely corner of Kent!
The Harty country Fayre is the first of its kind on the Isle of Sheppey, dedicated to making the most of delicious local produce, and all the great things there are to see and do on the Island. There will be a flower festival and arts and craft stalls, as well as plenty of opportunities to relax, eat, drink and be merry in the beautiful, natural surroundings of Harty and the Isle of Sheppey. Why not make a weekend or even a week on this unspoilt corner of Kent and stay with us in Mockett’s Farm Cottages?
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July
Cobtree Country Fayre, Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone
Pony rides, a bouncy castle, face painters, traditional toy-makingandfairground games such asthecoconut shy and human fruit machine, a variety of arena displays, such as a heavy-horse demonstration, horse handling techniques, a ferret petting corner and interactive racing for the children to join in with, as well as sheep dog demonstrations with ducks, laser clay shooting, scouting demonstrations, and an extraordinary falconry show.
Gardens open for the National Garden Scheme , Squerryes Court
Manor House and Gardens, Westerham, Sundays
Goodnestone Village Fete, Goodnestone Park Gardens, Canterbury, Early July
A fun fete for all the family in aid of the village hall, church and school.
Grain Village Carnival, Rochester
Procession, Panto, Beer Tent, Dog show, Dancers, Karaoke, Fancy Dress, Majorettes, Jazz, refreshments, the travelling fun fair.
Hythe Festival Week, Hythe, Early July
Only takes place every other year.
International Music & Dance Festival, Maidstone
For further details and Full Festival Programme phone the Festival Office 01622 695283.
Kent Beer Festival, Merton Farm, Canterbury, Mid July
The second-oldest in beer festival in England. It boasts brews from seven of the county’s independent breweries, including Shepherd Neame and The Kent Garden Brewery.
Kent County Show, Kent County Showground, Detling
Celebrate the very best of Kent and all aspects of farming and rural life, from the best of British livestock to the latest business and technological innovations in the farming industry. The perfect family day out with the very best of shopping, food, flowers, crafts, country pursuits, equestrian competitions and arena displays, along with a full programme of entertainment.
KM Motoring Pageant, The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood
This superb two day show attracts over1,300 Classic Vehicles and over 40 club stands, Autojumble and Trade stands, children’s funfair, plus lots more.
KM War & Peace Show, The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood
The largest military vehicle spectacular in the world.
Maidstone River Festival, The River Medway, Maidstone
Hundreds of boats from across the south east and beyond sail into town and thousands of visitors from near and far descend onto the streets and riverside.
Music: Big Day Out, Riverside Leisure Area, Gravesend, Mid July
Plenty of live music, activities, stalls and entertainment. The Summer Regatta takes place in the morning, followed by the Northfleet Carnival making their way to the riverside through the streets of the borough. The evening finishes with a fireworks spectacular.
Tonbridge Castle Festival of Music and Fireworks, Tonbridge
Something for every music lover. After a pop concert on the first night, the second sees a shift to tunes from some of the most popular modern musicals and, on the final night, the Tonbridge Proms Spectacular, presented with a dazzling firework display.
Whitstable Harbour Open Day, Whitstable, Late July
Centre to the day are the Historic Divers, with displays & demonstrations throughout the day.
August
Broadstairs Folk Week, Broadstairs
Workshops in music, song and dance, plenty of live music performances, fun activities for the children.
EDF Energy Spafest, Tunbridge Wells, Early August
Modern arts and music festival, the line up offers a wide programme of events for all the family.
Farming & Country Festival, Faversham, Late August
Heavy horse ploughing and showing, threshing with steam engines, Bygone farming, Heavy horse musical ride, Birds of prey flying displays and rural crafts.
Fordcombe Fete and Flower Show, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Early August.
Herne Bay Carnival, Herne Bay, Mid August
One of East Kent’s largest Carnivals which is attended by many Carnival Courts from all over Kent. Each year the Carnival consists of many Bands, local floats and visitors.
Herne Bay Festival, Herne Bay, Mid – Late August
A fun-filled programme, with plenty of entertainment and activities for everyone.
Kent Steam & Transport Rally, Kent County Showground, Detling
Fascinating collection of vintage cars.
Military Odyssey, Kent County Showground, Detling
Not only the Country’s Largest Multi-Period Living History Event, but now the World’s largest event of its type with a huge collectors market with hundreds of traders.
Monster Mania – European Monster Truck Racing, The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood
Professional motorsports sensation.
Plum Festival, Faversham
The Brogdale Horticultural Trust celebrates all things ‘plummy’. Visitors can taste and buy any of the 100 or so different types of plum on that are grown at their orchards.
South East Garden Show and modern homes exhibition
The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood.
Southern Mini Days, The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood
Mini’s are put through their paces in competitions and static displays to test their small frames to the max! There’s everything from the loudest exhaust to sound-off competitions.
Summer Holiday Fun, The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood
Whitstable Carnival, Whitstable, Early August
100 year old carnival with spectacular floats.
September
Cultural Music and Craft Weekend, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Hythe.
Heritage Open Days, Maidstone
Tours and organ demonstrations in the historic All Saints Church. Set by a beautiful riverside, it’s one of the grandest Perpendicular churches in England.
Hop Farm Beer Festival, Maidstone
Come along and Sample local ales! The Festival is packed with activities for the whole family to enjoy such as Morris dancing and country music.
Hop Picking Festival, Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood
Hop picking demonstrations and explanations.
Maidstone Beer & Hop Picking Festival, Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone
90+ beers to sample, good food, varied entertainment, traditional hop picking + drying, all in a delightful setting.
Maidstone Mela, Mote Park, Maidstone
A celebration of food, dance and music from the many diverse cultures within the Borough and County.
Model Aircraft Show, The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood
Live entertainment accompanies a spectacular aircraft show.
New Car Show now, Hop Farm Paddock Wood, Maidstone
High performance extravaganza and plenty of new cars to admire.
The Great Leeds Castle Balloon & Vintage Car Weekend, Leeds Castle, Hollingbourne
Hot air balloon flights and displays and vintage car displays.
October
Apple and Cider Festival, Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone
Apples of all shapes and sizes are the focus of this two-day festival at Maidstone’s Museum of Kent Life. Visitors can see an antique apple press in operation and enjoy freshly squeezed apple juice or locally produced cider, with plenty of unusual apple varieties to taste.
Autumn Gold Festival, Leeds Castle, Hollingbourne.
Canterbury Festival, Various venues, Canterbury, Mid October
Beautiful flower festival where participating florists, flower clubs and floristry students compete for the best floral arrangement.
Faversham Carnival, Recreation Ground, Faversham, Mid October
Reputed to be the best in Kent – Carnival processions, stalls, fireworks etc.
Half Term Fun, The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood
Keep your little monsters out of mischief with our wonderful selection of activities and presentations.
Halloween Horrors, Chatham
An interactive horror show that takes place underground in the caves of Fort Amherst.
National Fruit Show, Kent County Showground, Detling
A chance to sample and buy Kent’s finest fruits.
Rochester Food & Drink Festival, Rochester
A fantastic international market featuring culinary delights and other goods. More than 30 unusual and original stalls will also be featuring goods from various corners of the UK and Europe.
Tenterden Folk Festival, Tenterden
A full weekend festival of folk song, music and dance.
November
Autumn Birds of the Pinetum, Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Goudhurst, Saturday 17
Enjoy the beautiful landscape, but also learn about the varied and interesting bird life at this unique visitor attraction.
Bonfire Night Family Party, Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone
The spectacular musical firework display and grand roaring bonfire will light up the sky over Maidstone.
Canterbury Eurofair, Dane John Gardens, Canterbury, Late November
Kent’s largest Christmas market.
Christmas Extravaganza, Hildenborough
All your fair trade Christmas shopping under one roof. Be dazzled by exotic embroidery, textiles and home furnishings, sumptuous silk and cotton clothing, in-house designed jewellery and stocking fillers. Lunch available – bring your friends and make a day of it!
Christmas Gift Fair, The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood
Enjoy stress-free Christmas shopping and festive entertainment in the beautiful country setting of The Hop Farm.
Crafts for Christmas, Kent County Showground, Detling
A unique opportunity to purchase inspirational crafts from over 200 of Britain’s finest and most talented crafts people. Shop in the warm and comfortable Kent Pavilion and delight in the festively decorated shopping arcade.
Fireworks Spectacular, The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood
Live music, licensed bar and 2 fireworks displays.
Grand Firework Display, Leeds Castle, Hollingbourne
Spectacular fireworks display and evening’s entertainment.
Sandwich Christmas Carnival, Sandwich Town Centre, Sandwich, Late November
Numerous community floats, walking entries, bands, KMFM radio and a traditional fairground.
December
Boxing Day Walk, Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Goudhurst
Why sit in front of the television feeling bloated when you can have a brisk walk round the Pinetum and warm yourself up afterwards with mulled wine and mince pies.
Christmas Extravaganza, Hildenborough
Father Christmas at The Hop Farm, Hop Farm Paddock Wood, Maidstone.
Hoodening, St Nicholas-at-Wade
An East Kent winter custom dating back many centuries. In its current form, a small band of villagers spend around four days before Christmas touring local pubs and private parties, performing a humorous play along the theme of death and resurrection, drinking a lot of beer, and collecting some money for charity.
Sandwich Christmas Fayre, St Peters Church, Sandwich, Early December
Numerous unusual stalls for good ideas for Christmas presents. Raffle for Christmas dinner, mulled wine, refreshments and seasonal music.
Tankerton Christmas Market, Tankerton Road, Whitstable, Early December
Plenty of Christmas markets as well as a small fairground with children’s rides, catering, and other attractions.
Traditional Christmas Pantomimes at Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone and The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury.
Winter Treasure Trail, Leeds Castle, Hollingbourne
There’s one for grown-ups and another for under-15s.
