Out and about guide

Our packed 7-page summer leisure section

COMPETITION

Win tickets for family shows at Hever Festival Theatre!

Hever Festival Theatre’s 2019 season offers a programme of vibrant and varied performances from 4 May to 30 August. The popular annual open-air summer Festival, now in its 36th year, takes place in the gardens of Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Families has teamed up with Hever Festival Theatre to offer one set of four tickets for Tales from Adriamus with Anthony Browne on Weds 21 Aug 2.30pm AND one set of four tickets for Fizzlebert Stump: The Boy That Ran Away From The

Circus on Wed 28 Aug 2:30pm.

In Tales from Adriamus former Children’s Laureate and illustrator Anthony Browne narrates his book Willy the Wimp with musical

accompaniment from the Adriamus Ensemble, while Fizzlebert Stump is a brandnew children’s production featuring puppetry and magic. For the first time, a discounted theatre and Hever Castle gardens joint ticket is available to buy in advance to enable patrons to make a day of it and visit the castle gardens before the theatre shows. Tickets are bookable online www.heverfestival.co.uk or the Box Office is open for telephone bookings Monday-Friday 10am – 2pm on 01732 866114.

To enter email editor@familieswestkent.co.uk with your contact details, say which show you would like to see, and head the email ‘Theatre competition’. Two entries will be chosen at random on the closing day and the winners will be notified. The closing date is August 10.

Free theatre tickets for kids in August

For the whole of August, a child aged 16 or under can go to any participating show for free where tickets are available as long as they’re accompanied by a full paying adult.

Adults can also buy up to two extra children’s tickets at half price and there are no booking fees.

Kids Week includes a wide variety of London musicals, plays, operas, comedies and dance productions to choose from.

Throughout August some participating shows will also be holding special activities, including Q&As, dance workshops and behind the scenes tours.

For more information and to book visit https://officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week/

OUT AND ABOUT

CELEBRATING 900 YEARS

27th & 28th July

In celebration of Leeds Castle’s 900th anniversary, join us for the ‘Carnival of History’. A dazzling riot of colour, music, dance and giant costumes will travel through nine centuries of the Castle’s history across two days. Communities from across Kent will come together to bring this spectacular event to life.

leeds-castle.com

Make Memories thisSummer...

ALL INCLUSIVE TICKET VALID FOR 12 MONTHS

KIDS FOR A

QUID

See website for details

Including:

Doc. Yard Science Show Retro Beach A Pirate’s Life for Me

Family Summer Exhibition

Terms and Conditions - Kids for a Quid valid from 22 nd July - 1 st September 2019. Not valid in conjunction with any other offers. Further T&Cs apply, please see our website for details.

thedockyard.co.uk

OUT AND ABOUT

Enjoy a Summer of Family Fun at Hever Castle

Visit Hever Castle & Gardens this summer to enjoy an entertaining programme of events and activities set amidst award-winning gardens.

The Knights of Royal

England will once again delight crowds with the annual Jousting Tournament on July 13 & 14; 20 & 21; 27 & 28, August 10 & 11; 17 & 18; 23 – 26.

Kids can experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval time during Knights & Princesses School (from 24 July).

New for 2019 is Once Upon a Castle. Help locate a new shield for Flame the Dragon and the Princess’ missing cat on 27 and 28 July.

Enjoy a weekend dedicated to our four legged friends on 3 and 4 August with Castle Canines.

Jousting comes to an end over the August bank holiday weekend where visitors are also invited

to discover different eras with Journey through History, featuring

Hever Castle, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG www.hevercastle.co.uk 01732 865224

encampments, re-enactments and stalls and demonstrations.

Family day out at Weald of Kent Craft Show

Offering you a festival vibe but without the mud, The Weald of Kent Country Craft Show at Penshurst Place is set to host over 120 stallholders. Discover everything from handmade jewellery and furniture, to local food and drink - you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Visit our street food market,

stop by and listen to some live music or try one of our hands-on workshops. If you’re feeling competitive try some laser clay pigeon shooting, or visit the swing boats and colour-in caravan - perfect for the kids!

Tickets £8 (book before Monday 26th August). KIDS GO FREE!

Visit www.ichfevents.co.uk for more details, and follow us on Twitter: @countrycraftuk Facebook: Country Craft Shows Instagram: @countrycraftshows

A Carnival of History not to be missed at Leeds Castle

In its 900th year, Leeds Castle will welcome communities from across Kent for a spectacular two-day Carnival of History on the 27 and 28 July.

Visitors will be treated to a whole weekend of family friendly activities including

authentic re-enactment shows, pop-up music performances, large-scale costumes and a dazzling riot of colour and celebration.

Historical arena shows will recreate significant moments from the last nine centuries of Leeds Castle’s history while carnival performers and costumed characters will roam the grounds interacting with visitors. Living History encampments promise to conjure up the sights, sounds and smells of the past.

On July 28 around 1,000 performers, re-enactors, community groups and schools will take part in a magnificent grand finale procession. With a

roll of drums and a fanfare, the carnival groups representing each century of history will wind their way around the estate.

This event is included in the price of admission. Tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

For more information and prices please visit the website; www.leeds-castle.com

WHAT’S ON

JULY

& AUGUST

We aim for accuracy but do check with the venue before setting out in case details have changed after print... And don’t forget to tell them you saw them in Families West Kent.

July

JULY UNTIL 8 SEPT 10am-6pm A Pirate’s Life for Me The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TZ Piratical fun for all the family including a touring exhibition from the V&A Museum of Childhood. Entry fee. Info at thedockyard.co.uk

EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL 26 OCT 2pm Walking with Goats Experience Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats, Wierton Road, Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone, ME17 4JW Lead your own personal goat on a leisurely stroll along the various footpaths around the sanctuary. Suitable age 12+. Paid event (booking required). Info at www.buttercups.org.uk

JULY UNTIL 3 NOV 1-4pm (Sundays & Aug Bank Holiday weekend) Mrs Wolfe’s Recipes Quebec House, Westerham, TN16 1TD Recreate some of Mrs Wolfe’s 18th century recipes such as King or Queen Cakes or macaroons. Free event with general admission fee. Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quebechouse

5 – 7 JULY 8am-6pm Kent County Show 2019 Kent Showground, Maidstone, ME14 3JF Animals, food and fun at this three-day event showcasing the best of Kent farming, countryside and rural life. Paid event. Info at www.kentshowground.co.uk

5 – 7 JULY Tonbridge Music Weekend Tonbridge Castle, Castle St,

Tonbridge, TN9 1BG A weekend of music and festival fun on the castle lawn. Info at tonbridgemusicweekend.com

5 – 7 JULY 4pm-10pm (5th), 10am-10pm (6th), 11am-5pm (7th) The Spirit of Tenterden Festival Tenterden Recreation Ground, Tenterden, TN30 6RH Real ale festival, gin bar, antiques & collectables, arts & crafts, live music, dog show, food stalls. Info at www.spiritoftenterden.co.uk

6 JULY 11.30am-5pm Canterbury Medieval Pageant and Trail Canterbury City Centre, Canterbury, CT1 2BZ A host of activities for the family including medieval archery and sword fighting, arts & crafts and a historical parade. Free event. Info at www. canterburymedievalpageant.co.uk

6 JULY 10.30am-12.30pm Beeswax Wrap Making Tyland Barn Visitor Centre, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3BD Design and decorate your own beeswax wrap. A good way to reduce your plastic and general waste as they are eco-friendly and reusable. Paid event. Info at www.kentwildlifetrust.org. uk/events

6 & 7 JULY PLUS 3 & 4 AUGUST, 7 & 8 SEPT Railway Weekend The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TZ Go along and witness locomotives steaming through the historic site. Info at thedockyard.co.uk

6 & 7 JULY 11am-3.30pm Battle of Britain Air Show Headcorn Aerodrome, Ashford, TN27 9HX See Spitfires, Hurricanes and other aircraft from the Battle of Britain era. Paid event. Info at www.headcornevents.co.uk

7 JULY Deutsche Fest Brands Hatch, Circuit, Longfield, DA3 8NG An all-out celebration of German efficiency and engineering with German vehicle displays, German food and music. Paid event. Under 13s free. Info at www.brandshatch.co.uk

12 – 14 JULY 10.30am-5pm Volks Weald Family Volkswagen Show Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG Retro VWs, live music, stalls, food, an inflatable pub and family entertainment for the third year of the annual Volks Weald Family Show. Info at www.volksweald.co.uk

13 JULY VVS Super Car Saturday Bewl Water, Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH Some of the world’s rarest and most exclusive super cars at Bewl Water reservoir. £4 parking applies. Info at www.bewlwater.co.uk

13 JULY 12pm-4pm Ightham Summer Fair Ightham Recreation Ground, Ightham Village, TN15 9AU Bouncy castles, face painting, raffle/auction, dog show, pony rides, plus food & drink including BBQ, tea & cakes, ice-cream, Prosecco & beer tent. Info on Facebook: @ighthamsummerfair

13 JULY – 26 AUGUST (various dates) 1pm Summer Jousting Event Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena. Included in admission price. Also view the castle and gardens and try out the water maze. Info at www.hevercastle.co.uk

JULY & AUGUST 10am-4.30pm, Tues-Sun Rare Breeds Centre Highlands Farm, Woodchurch, Ashford, TN26 3RJ Farm animals, falconry displays, indoor & outdoor play areas within 100 acres of Kent countryside. Info at www.rarebreeds.org.uk

13 JULY – 1 SEPT 11am-6pm Penshurst Maize Maze Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG Circumnavigate the Penshurst Place Maize Maze, collecting clues and stamps as you go. Entrance to the maze is included in the garden entry ticket price. Info at www.penshurstplace.com

EVENTS SHOWS THEATRE FESTIVALS ACTIVITIES

www.familiesonline.co.uk Please tell advertisers you saw them in Families West Kent Magazine. 13

WHAT’S ON JULY & AUGUST

Send your events in to editor@familieswestkent.co.uk by August 1 and if we have space we will try to include them

20 JULY 10am Bedgebury’s Butterflies Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ A guided walk to learn about the resident and migrant butterflies that can be found in the pinetum. Paid event. Info at www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk

20 – 22 JULY A Day Out with Thomas on the Kent & East Sussex Railway Kent & East Sussex Railway, Station Road, Tenterden, TN30 6HE Join Thomas and Friends for a day of family fun at the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Take a ride behind Thomas, meet The Fat Controller and say hello to Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty and Dusty. Info at www.kesr.org.uk/events

20 JULY – 1 SEPT 10am-4pm Children of Scotney Summer Adventures Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN Re-live the adventures of the Hussey children who lived at Scotney Castle in the late 19th century as you take part in the summer trail and activities. £2 per trail. Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ scotney-castle

21 JULY – 1 SEPT 11am-5pm Summer Sundays at Penshurst Place & Gardens Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG With garden pantomimes, crafts and falconry displays. Entry fee. Info at www.penshurstplace.com

21 JULY – 1 SEPT (various dates) 11am-4pm Dragon Eggs, Wizard Wands, Potion Making and other activities Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR A variety of children’s activities throughout the school holidays, plus Yeti spotting, included in admission price. Info at www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

27 & 28 JULY Carnival of History Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Using large-scale costumes re-enactors will travel through nine centuries of the castle’s history with extraordinary shows reimagining medieval battles, Henry VIII on his way to the Field of Cloth of Gold in 1520, the Battle of Maidstone in 1648 and other historic events. Admission fee applies. Info at www.leeds-castle.com

24 – 28 JULY Big Cat Sanctuary Open Days 2019 Big Cat Sanctuary, Headcorn Road, TN27 8PJ The Big Cat Sanctuary are once again opening their doors for their annual educational open days. Under 3s go free. Booking applies. Info at www.thebigcatsanctuary.org

24 JULY – 30 AUGUST Daily at 11.30, 12.30, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm Knights & Princesses School Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Free classes include hands-on activities for kids to experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval times. Suitable for children ages 7-14. Admission charges apply. Info at www.hevercastle.co.uk

24 JULY – 1 SEPT 10am-6pm Summer Holiday Fun – Animal Antics

Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU Animal Antics show with the livestock team, plus a variety of new shows in the Big Top. With the Vintage Village, indoor and outdoor play areas, tractor / train rides, donkey rides. Admission fee applies. Info at www.kentlife.org. uk/event

29 JULY – 2 AUGUST 10am, 11.30am & 2pm Animal Magic Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexleyheath, Bexley, DA5 1PQ Bearded dragons, bunnies, meerkats, pygmy hedgehogs and more. Get up close and personal with all the amazing animals from Animal Magic. Paid event. Info at www.kentattractions.co.uk/ attractions

29 JULY & 12 AUGUST 10am-5pm Big Tree Climbing Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN Join highly skilled instructors who will teach you how to enter a tree’s canopy using ropes and karabiners and gain experience that can’t be found on the ground. Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

August

3 AUGUST 7.30pm (film starts 9pm) Open Air Cinema: The Greatest Showman Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Dress up and soak up the atmosphere, take a picnic or enjoy food and drink available to purchase on site. Booking essential. Info at www.leeds-castle.com

10 & 11 AUGUST Family Living History Event at Rochester Castle: Medieval Merriment Rochester Castle, Castle Hill, Rochester, ME1 1SW Visit the castle to experience life in medieval times, with men-at-arms, archery & falconry displays, a courtly jester, have-a-go archery, traders’ stalls, refreshments and children’s crafts. Included in admission fee. Info at www.visitmedway.org

10 & 11 AUGUST 11am-5pm Great Comp Garden’s Annual Summer Show Great Comp Garden, Comp Lane, Platt, Sevenoaks, TN15 8QS A popular horticultural event; with crafts, local artists, Pimms and jazz on the lawn. Paid event. Info at www.greatcompgarden.co.uk

11 AUGUST Buddhist Art & Activity Day Chiddingstone Castle, Chiddingstone, Kent, TN8 7AD Family activities themed around the castle’s Buddhist Collection. Paid event. Info at www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

13 – 21 AUGUST (various dates) 9am-12pm Summer Crafts, Teddy Bears’ Picnic and other activities Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, TN8 7AR A variety of fun children’s events from pizza making and cake baking to den building and summer crafts. Paid events. Info at www.boreplace.org

To advertise in our September/October 2019 issue contact editor@familieswestkent.co.uk 079801 18626. Booking deadline August 1, artwork deadline August 5.

14 Families West Kent July/August 2019www.familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

14 – 25 AUGUST (every Sunday) 3pm-5pm Tonbridge Castle Summer Band Concerts Live music on Tonbridge Castle lawn. Free event. Info at www.kentattractions.co.uk/events

17 & 18 AUGUST 9am-5.30pm Truckfest The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY Truckfest South East returns to The Hop Farm and is the must see show for enthusiasts, families and the road haulage industry. Paid event. Info at www.thehopfarm.co.uk/events

17 & 18 AUGUST 10am-5pm Biddenden Tractorfest and Country Fair Woolpack Corner, Tenterden Road, Biddenden, TN27 8BH A not-for-profit annual event. Tractors, country fair, crafts, food stalls and more attractions than ever for the whole family. Paid event. Info at www.tractorfest.co.uk

24 – 26 AUGUST 11am-5pm

Plant Hunters Weekend Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford, DA4 0JA Celebrating the lives of some of Britain’s most intrepid plant hunters. Visitors can experience an authentic expedition camp, complete with plant presses, roaring fire, porters and canvas tents. Info at www.lullingstonecastle. co.uk/events

25 AUGUST 12pm-9.30pm Music on the Green Bearsted Village Green, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4EJ A music event that showcases local musical acts, plus Kids’ Zone, food stalls and festival bar. Info at www.musiconthegreen.co.uk

30 AUGUST – 1 SEPTEMBER 10am to 5pm Weald of Kent Country Craft Show Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG Live music, marquees of artisan food and drink stalls, street food stalls, craft village of quality handmade crafts, jewellery, glasswork, craft demos, children’s entertainment, vintage fun fair,

adventure playground. Paid event. Info at www.ichfevents.co.uk or call 01425 277988.

31 AUGUST 10am-4pm Bewl’s Big Dog Day Out A fun day out for all the family, especially your four-legged-friend. The day includes a treasure trail, a dog agility course and stalls. Free event. Parking fee. Info at www.bewlwater.co.uk

September

7 & 8 SEPT 10am-6pm Taste of Kent Food Festival Bradbourne House, New Road, East Malling, ME19 6DZ

Artisan producers from Kent, food demos with top chefs and stars of the great British Bake Off, cookery masterclasses and children’s entertainment along with performances on the main stage. Paid event. Info at www.tasteofkent.co.uk

8 SEPT 12.30-2.30pm Family Dog Show & BBQ Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR Family dog show with fun classes for all abilities, plus food stalls and bar. Info and details of how to enter your dog at www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

WHAT’S ON THEATRE & DANCE

6 & 7 JULY 7pm (6th), 1.30pm & 4.30pm (7th) Dancin’ In the Rain The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ The pupils from the Laura Bruce Dance Academy will take you on a journey of musical theatre, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, lyrical and tap numbers to entertain all ages. Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

13 & 14 JULY 6pm (13th) & 2pm (14th) Over the Rainbow The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ Featuring ballet, tap, street dance, drama, singing and gymnastics. Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

24 JULY & 25 JULY 4pm (24th) 11.30am, 2pm (25th) We’re Going on a Bear Hunt EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School, Tonbridge, TN9 1JP Adaptation of the classic story with songs and adventure. Info at www.emftheatre.com

25 JULY 2.30pm Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG Featuring a menagerie of 21 loveable puppets, the vibrant colour and humour of the main character makes Elmer a great show for children of all ages. Info at www.heverfestival.co.uk

28 JULY 4pm Film: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ The classic film starring Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson and Peter Ostrum. Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

1 AUGUST 2.30pm Alice in Wonderland The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG A fun musical version of the classic story for all the family. Info at www.heverfestival.co.uk

10 AUGUST 11am Baby Broadway: An Interactive Family Concert The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ Sing and dance along to songs from popular musicals and films such as Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Frozen and many more. Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

10 AUGUST 8-10pm Wind in the Willows Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, ➺