What's Ons, Easter and Mother's Day, Theatre

WHAT’S ON MARCH APRIL

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March

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.

2 MARCH 1.45pm (1.15 for NCT members) NCT Maidstone Nearly New Sale Invicta Grammar School, Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, ME14 5DS. Bag a bargain at this local event. For further info email Advertising. Maidstone@nct.org.uk

TUES-SUN MARCH & APRIL 10am-4.30pm Rare Breeds Centre Highlands Farm, Woodchurch, Ashford, TN26 3RJ. Farm animals, falconry displays, indoor & outdoor play areas and more within 100 acres of beautiful Kent countryside. Info at www.rarebreeds.org.uk

Make sweet music at Leeds Castle - with junk!

From 19-22 April, join the Junk Orchestra at Leeds Castle in Kent for daily musical ‘jamming sessions’. Create and play with instruments that have been cleverly constructed using bits of old rubbish.

Founded by former STOMP member Saul Eisenberg, the Junk Orchestra uses a super-sonic recycled collection of objects to create fun and fabulous music for the whole family to enjoy.

Also in April, Leeds Castle will be opening a brand new Adventure Golf modelled on the Castle, and a thrilling new children’s playground

named Knights’ Stronghold to celebrate its 900th anniversary!

Admission tickets to Leeds Castle are valid for 12 months and include access to many family friendly events including Motors by the Moat, the Medieval Jousting Tournament in May, and the magnificent Carnival of History in July in partnership with the Arts Council.

4 MARCH 2.30pm-4.30pm Bee Bonanza Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, Upper Grosvenor Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3GG. Pop into the Hub to learn more about our friendliest pollinators, with crafts and a mini trail. Free drop-in event, suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Info at www.fogh.org.uk/events

8 MARCH-5 APRIL Fridays 9.45am-11.45am Nature Tots Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Bradbourne Vale Rd, Sevenoaks, TN13 3DH. Nature Tots is based on Forest School, specifically for pre-school age children. Paid activity. Info at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events

12 MARCH 2.30pm-4.30pm Spring Babies Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, Upper Grosvenor Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3GG. Free craft event themed around the new spring life in the park. Free event, drop into the Hub. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Info at www.fogh.org.uk/events

15 MARCH 7pm-9pm Astronomy Evening Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, TN8 7AR. Join the Edenbridge and District Astronomers for an evening looking at the night sky in the farmyard. The team will talk you through the

observations and give hints and tips about other key astronomical objects or events you can look out for over the coming months. Paid event. Info at www.boreplace.org

16 & 17 MARCH Lambing Weekend Hadlow College, Hadlow, Tonbridge, TN11 0AL. Celebrate the arrival of spring at Hadlow College. A fun filled family day with something for everyone: newborn lambs, various animals and reptiles to view, tractor trailer rides and hovercraft rides (weather permitting), birds of prey display and more. Paid event. Info at www.hadlow.ac.uk

22 MARCH 2pm-5pm World Water Day Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, Upper Grosvenor Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3GG. Drop in and join the CEO in the Hub to try some experiments using water, and to create your own recycled boat to test in the stream – please bring along any materials you’d like to use. Suggested donation £1, suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Info at www.fogh.org.uk/events

22 MARCH 6pm-10pm Galaxy Explorers - Astronomy and Space Evening Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Bradbourne Vale Rd, Sevenoaks, TN13 3DH. A fun filled evening for the whole family

For information visit www.leeds-castle.com

exploring the wonders of the night sky and night time wildlife. Info at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events

24 MARCH 10am-2pm Penshurst Spring Fair Grove Road, Penshurst, TN11 8DU. The Spring Fair indoor market has a wide selection of gifts, jewellery, candles, art, craft, clothing and much more all from small businesses in Kent. Free entry. Info at www.supportlocalpopup.co.uk

24 MARCH 11am-12.30pm A World of Wildlife - Exotic Animal Show Tyland Barn Visitor Centre, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3BD. Join the Kent Owl Academy for a talk about wildlife and their conservation around the world, and meet a bunch of exotic animals. Info at www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events

26 MARCH 2.30pm-4.30pm Print It! Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, Upper Grosvenor Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3GG. The chance to recycle and give your old clothing a new lease of life. Have a go at screen printing a natural design onto old T-shirts or cloth bags. Suitable for all ages, drop in. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suggested donation of £2 towards materials. Info at www.fogh.org.uk/events

To advertise in our May/June 2019 issue contact editor@familieswestkent.co.uk 07980118626. Booking deadline April 1, artwork deadline April 5

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WHAT’S ON MARCH APRIL

Acorns to Oaks - The Sevenoaks Parenting Show

Meet the editor of Families West Kent Magazine at the first Sevenoaks Parenting Show on Saturday, April 6.

The show is a one-stop shop for all things baby and small-child related in the Sevenoaks area with free demos and Q&A sessions. Exhibitors include toddler activity classes, breastfeeding experts, nanny agencies, paediatric first aid trainers, infant sleep experts, baby photographers and birthing coaches.

The event is from 10am-3pm at the Plaza Suite at the Stag Theatre and is free entry.

There will be free demos throughout the day from children’s activity providers such as Gymboree Play & Music, Jo Jingles and Hartbeeps. There will be presentations from Aqualife Swimming and Turtle Tots, life casting from Baby Prints, and Origami from The Paperdashery.

Plus for parents in need of a bit of expert advice, there will be Q&A sessions from Infant

Sleep Consultants, The Good Birth Practice and Rear Facing Car Seats for Toddlers.

All profits from the event are being donated to local organisation Friends For Families, set up to give practical help to families in need.

The Sevenoaks Parenting Show, The Plaza Suite, Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1ZZ. For more information see the Facebook page www.facebook.com/a2osevenoaks

MOTHER’S DAY

30 & 31 MARCH 11am-3.30pm Mother’s Day Weekend Hever Castle, Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG. Celebrate with a Mother’s Day Weekend Afternoon Tea (pre-booking essential) in the elegant Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant. Children can take part in a free craft workshop or for a small additional charge there will be cupcake decorating, decorate your own bookmark and face painting. Info at www.hevercastle.co.uk

WHAT’S ON EASTER

30 & 31 MARCH 10am-4pm A Weekend for Mum Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG Visit on 30th March to create a card and a special craft or two for Mum ready for the next day! On 31st March you can enjoy a variety of cream teas in the Porcupine Pantry or head to the Garden Restaurant for a two-course carvery. Info at www.penshurstplace.com

30 & 31 MARCH 11am-4pm Mothering Sunday Weekend Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR. Free cup of tea for mums in the café and drop-in kids crafts to create a special gift. Info at www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

31 MARCH Celebrate Mother’s Day by the Water Bewl Water, Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, TN3 8JH. Enjoy lunch at The Boat House Bistro this Mothering Sunday while admiring the views across the reservoir. Info at www.bewlwater.co.uk

31 MARCH 11am-3pm Make Mum’s Day Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT. Children can pop into the Squire’s Room to make mum a present. Or enjoy a treat with lunch or a cream tea in the café. Mums can also enjoy a touch of luxury with a hand massage in the shop. Info at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

3-14 APRIL (EXCEPT 8/9) 11am-4pm Stick Mania! Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR. A creative family experience for the Easter holidays – make whatever you want out of sticks! Info at www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

6-22 APRIL 11am-3pm Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Knole House, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0RP (Sat Nav TN13 1HU) Follow the Cadbury trail through Knole Park. Find the wooden bird boxes, solve the clues and claim your chocolate Easter egg at the end. Paid event. Info on this and Easter Egg Hunts at other local properties at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

6-22 APRIL 10am-4pm Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT. Follow the trail around the garden to earn your Cadbury chocolate prize. Extra activities and adventures to be had along the way, including a natural play area. Paid event. Info on this and Easter Egg Hunts at other local properties at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

6-22 APRIL 10.30am-6pm (Crafts:11am-4pm) What Lurks Beneath the Inky Sea? Penshurst Place, Penshurst, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG.

Across the centuries tales of beastly sea creatures and fascinating fish have dominated sailing stories, and this Easter Penshurst invite you to walk the garden rooms and discover the mythical creatures for yourselves. Entry fee. Info at www.penshurstplace.com

6-22 APRIL Kent Life Easter Event Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU. Meet the lambs, goat kids and piglets and have a go at bottle feeding the lambs and kids in sessions throughout the day. You can also hop on a fun farm ride, enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas, bouncy castle, animal feeding sessions, owl flying demonstrations and more. Entry fee. Info at www.kentlife.org.uk/event

6-22 APRIL Easter at Hever Castle & Gardens Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG Have fun with an Easter trail, Easter activities, bonnet making and parade with prizes, face painting and more, adventure playground and maze, plus enjoy the display of spring bulbs. Entry fee. Info at www.hevercastle.co.uk

19-22 APRIL Junk orchestra & Easter trail Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL Create musical instruments from junk, plus make Easter hats. New Adventure Golf modelled on the Castle, and a new children’s playground, opening in April. Entry fee. Info at www.leeds-castle.com

EVENTS SHOWS MARKETS WORKSHOPS THEATRE WALKS FESTIVALS FAIRS CAROLS ACTIVITIES

14 Families West Kent March/April 2019www.familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON EASTER

THROUGHOUT EASTER HOLIDAYS: Workshops and crafts at A Touch of Clay ceramics studio 61 St Johns Hill, Sevenoaks, TN13 3NY. Fun with clay, pottery painting, crafts for Mother’s Day and Easter. Info at www.atouchofclay.co.uk or call Jackie on O779687837

9 APRIL 9am-11am Family Bird Walk Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ. Join birding enthusiast and local bird-ringer, Christine George, on a family-friendly walk around the Pinetum. Christine will help you find and identify some of Bedgebury’s migrant visitors as well as the resident birds that make Bedgebury their home. Paid event. Info at www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk

17-22 APRIL 10.30am-4pm The Bunny Hunt Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR. Hunt for the hidden bunnies amongst the rhododendrons and earn some chocolate egg rewards. Info at www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

19 APRIL 6.30pm-8.30pm Bat Walk Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, Upper Grosvenor Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3GG. Join the CEO on a walk around Grosvenor and Hilbert to spot some bats and learn a little more about them too. Booking essential, please email emma.peters@tunbridgewells.gov.uk to book a place. Info at www.fogh.org.uk/events

20-22 APRIL 11am-5pm Easter Egg Quiz Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford, DA4 0JA. Lullingstone Castle and The World Garden kicks off its season with an Easter trail and quiz. Plant hunters will be able to scour two acres of The World Garden for Easter clues and then report on their discoveries to claim a prize, plus the chance to meet some Easter characters. Info at www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

24 APRIL-6 MAY (EXCEPT 29 APRIL) 10.30am-5pm The Bluebell Festival Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Riverhill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RR. Bluebell walks and children’s trail, art exhibition and bluebell-inspired crafts. Info at www.riverhillgardens.co.uk

WHAT’S ON THEATRE & DANCE

9 MARCH 2pm & 6pm The Dance Studio The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ. The Dance Studio brings together over 300 pupils to present Showtime 2019. A mixture of ballet, tap, modern, street dance and musical theatre with pupils from age 2 to adult. The Tunbridge Wells and Paddock Wood branches will perform at 2pm with the Otford and Kemsing branches performing at 6pm. Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

10 MARCH 2.30pm AniMalcolm EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School, Tonbridge TN9 1JP. ANiMALCOLM combines physical theatre, puppetry and the company’s storytelling style to bring David Baddiel’s magical comic story to the stage. Age 5+ Info at www.emftheatre.com

12-16 MARCH AM & PM performances The Cat in the Hat Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU. Based on the much-loved book by Dr Seuss that has captivated generations of readers, The Cat in the Hat features feline frivolity aplenty, with his acrobatic accomplices Thing 1 and Thing 2. Info at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

20-24 MARCH 2pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7.30pm Cirque Berserk The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED. Combining contemporary cirque style artistry with adrenaline fuelled stunt action, this international troupe includes over 30 jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, drummers and stuntmen who will showcase traditional circus thrills and skills. Info at www. orchardtheatre.co.uk

28 MARCH 7pm Chance to Dance School Special The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ. Chance to Dance has staged performances annually at Stag Sevenoaks since 1995. The first ‘Schools Special’ performance was in 2011 and each Spring junior and senior schools which hold dance either as part of the

curriculum, or have after school dance clubs, are invited for a ‘chance to dance’. Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

3 & 4 APRIL 4pm & 6.30pm Love 2 Dance 2019 The Stag Theatre, London road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1ZZ. The annual school dance show. Local primary and secondary school pupils come together for an evening of dance. Info at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

11 APRIL 2pm Brainiac Live Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU. Watch from the safety of your seat as the Brainiacs delve into the mysteries of science and do all of those things on stage that you’re too scared to do at home! Expect exploding dustbins, combusting microwaves and more. Info at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

18-22 APRIL 10am, 1pm, 4pm In The Night Garden The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED. Join Igglepiggle and Upsy Daisy for In the Night Garden Live.You’ll see all your favourite characters brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. Info at www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

19-21 APRIL 1pm & 5pm The Jungle Book Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU. With brand new songs, creative staging and bags full of fun, The Jungle Book swings into town at the Assembly Hall Theatre.

EVENTS SHOWS THEATRE FESTIVALS ACTIVITIES

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