MUDDY’S PICK OF THE MONTH

The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle, NOW – until 30 Aug

For your guaranteed summer of fun, you’ll want to know about The Festival Theatre which is an open air venue set in the gardens of Hever Castle. They plan music acts, operas, films, plays and family shows every year all summer long and this year will be no different! They have a whole calendar of exciting events and this summer you can expect family favourites The Hug (22 July), David Walliam’s Awful Auntie (29 July) and Rapunzel (30 July) plus BAFTA award winning comedy Jon Holmes with The Skewer: DJ Live Set (29 July), the hottest comedy talent in the UK at Comedy at The Castle (28 July), cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote (30 July) and lots, lots more!

Luna Cinema, Tonbridge Castle, Fri 1 – Sun 3 July

The Luna Cinema is back to transform the grounds of the majestic Tonbridge Castle into an impressive setting for open air cinema. Enjoy a unique cinematic experience under the stars with a superb line-up of films on the giant screen like: Rocketman, Dirty Dancing or Notting Hill. Enjoy refreshments from The Luna Bar or delicious Arancini from Sicility StrEATS. Why not go all out and upgrade your experience? Book the Luna Luxe Sofa and get entry for 2 with premium sofa seating in prime position with a fire pit, snuggly blankets and a bottle of Prosecco. Cheers!

Adventure Cinema, Whatman Park, Maidstone, Fri 1 – Sun 3 July

This 18-acre beauty spot includes wildflower meadows, treetop walks, a skate park and now an open-air performance area! See West Side Story, Mamma Mia! or The Rocky Horror Picture Show in idyllic surroundings for an unforgettable evening of movie magic. Picnics are welcome or visit The Bean Box for delicious drinks and snacks. Gates open 8.15pm, films starts 9.45pm.

Cider Saturday with Canterbury Cider, Bilting Grange Farm, Sat 2 July

What could be better than a relaxed and chilled afternoon, sitting on a straw bale with a delicious cider in hand? The answer: NOTHING! Canterbury Cider are hosting their first Cider Saturday on Sat 2 July from 12 midday to 5pm at Biltinig Grange Farm.

Perry Court Farm will be selling their strawberries and juice with The Doughlicious Pizza Company serving pizzas plus Canterbury Cider’s delicious cider in bottles and on draught to enjoy. Grab the family and go!

The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, Bateman’s, Sat 2 & Sun 3 July

Quantum Theatre are back with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. Grab the kids, a blanket and a picnic and join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures – a magical afternoon of fun at Bateman’s for all the family! Performance is 11:30am – 2pm. Adult tickets: £15, Child tickets: £10 and Family (2+2) is £45.

Wimbledon fun, Whitefriars, Canterbury, NOW – Sun 10 July

Wimbledon is coming to Whitefriars Square from Mon 27 June through to Sun 10 July. Shoppers will discover a giant screen with all the matches screened for free plus a Pimm’s and champagne bar, Strawberries and Cream and deckchairs.

Balfour Dining Club, Staplehurst, Sat 2, 9, 16 & 30 July

You won’t want to miss this! Set in their beautiful tasting room, The View, experience a four-course meal and a glass of Balfour Wine amongst family or friends. Arrive at 7:30pm for a welcome drink, before being seated to enjoy a delicious four course dinner at 8pm. Their Balfour Wines have been chosen to accompany the beautiful menu which highlights the delicious and locally sourced produce. There’s 4 dates in July: Sat 2, Sat 9, Sat 16 and Sat 30 July for £95pp. View the menu here and book now!

Strawberry Afternoon Tea, Salomon’s Estate, NOW – Sun 10 July

Why not celebrate National Cream Tea Day and Wimbledon with a Strawberry Afternoon Tea? Indulge in sweet strawberries with delicious afternoon tea treats and a glass of Pimm’s until Sun 10 July, every Weds and Fri. Just £26.50 per person. Email to book: reception@salomons-estate.com or call 01892 515152.

Medieval Pageant & Trail, Canterbury, Sat 2 July

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Canterbury’s seventh annual Medieval Pageant and Trail will be taking place on Sat 2 July, celebrating the role pilgrimage has had on the historic city. Expect a colour parade featuring historical characters and re-enactment groups, music and giants along with a family trail through various locations in the city.

The Westgate Towers, The Beaney, St Augustine’s Abbey and many more will be welcoming families with a range of activities including crafts, a chance to meet medieval characters and you can even visit a medieval encampment! Don’t forget when you visit the places in the Family Trail, get your leaflet ‘stamped’ and collect 5 stamps to receive a FREE giant chocolate coin at the Cathedral Shop in the Buttermarket. Allow a whole afternoon to complete the trail, suitable for children of all ages.

Offham Garden Safari for the NSPCC, Sun 3 July

In aid of the NSPCC, the kind residents of the picturesque village of Offham (near West Malling, ME19 5NN) are opening 11 beautiful gardens to the public on Sun 3 July, 11am-4pm. Tickets are £7. There will be tea and homemade cakes for sale on the Green with a plant sale and of course, a raffle! The NSPCC relies on over 80% of its income from public donations so please go, show your support and give what you can.

JAM on The Marsh, Romney Marsh, Thurs 7 – Sun 17 July

JAM on the Marsh is an annual multi-art festival, hosting a wide range of events and exhibitions over a wide range of venues in Romney Marsh, including its famous medieval churches. Its internationally recognised as a creative, dynamic and forward-thinking festival, drawing an audience of over 17k every year. Enjoy visual arts, theatre, poetry, music and children’s events! See the full line-up here.

Ecstatic Dance, Samsara Retreat & Wellness, Thurs 7 July

Quickly becoming their most popular event, enjoy a space space to dance wild and free on the soft grass, under the stars. Join Samsara Retreat & Wellness in their idyllic surroundings in the countryside for a silent disco like no other, from 7:15-10pm, feel liberated and just be!

Pub in the Park, Tunbridge Wells, Fri 8 – Sun 10 July

Pub in the Park returns to Tunbridge Wells this summer! If you didn’t go last year – why not? It’s the biggest celebration of food and music with award-winning restaurants, live music and good times! The line up this year follows: Friday evening will see a DJ set from Faithless and Sophie Ellis-Bextor then Professor Green and Supergrass on Saturday night finishing with Melanie C and garage legends Luck & Neat on Sunday. Plus nationally-famous chefs such as James Martin and brilliant local pubs and foodie heroes. Tickets are now on sale!

Leeds Castle Concert, Maidstone, Sat 9 July

The iconic event has already established itself as one of the highlights of the summer season, set in the most stunning location and natural amphitheatre in front of the beautiful Leeds Castle. People in their thousands have attended the stunning setting for over forty years to be entertained by this amazing open-air musical delight. The Leeds Castle Concert is back on with world-classic music, a spectacular fly-over with a Spitfire and a fireworks finale. Bring the champagne!

The Importance of Being Ernest & Music On The Meadow, Emmetts Garden, Sun 10 & Sun 17 July

Soak up the sights and sounds of outdoor theatre and live music at Emmetts Garden this July. There’s outdoor theatre performance, The Importance of Being Ernest performed by Slapstick Picnic which a fantastically wild(e) new production which you’ll love! Don’t forget your chair or blanket, doors open at 6pm for the performance at 7-9pm on Sun 10 July. Or for live music lovers don’t miss the Biggin Hill Concert Band with Music On The Meadow with the beautiful gardens as their backdrop, relax with a picnic and listen to a mixture of popular music from Beach Boys to The Greatest Showman on Sun 17 July. It’s a free event but normal admission applies.

Dream Girls, The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, Tues 13 – Sat 23 July

Let your soul sing with this dazzling multi-award-winning musical. Direct from the West End, with an extraordinary story and the unforgettable spine-tingling vocals that send audiences wild, this spectacular musical production features the classic songs And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going, Listen, I Am Changing and One Night Only.

Summer Cocktail Evening, Balfour Winery, Thurs 14 July

Their Cocktail Evening in June was so popular that they’ve added 2 more dates this summer! Sip your chilled cocktails made with Balfour Wine and enjoy Nannette’s Vineyard from their balcony. Enjoy the company of your friends and family as you relax on the terrace to watch the sun set. Enjoy all of this alongside plenty of delicious canapés. £25pp includes 2 cocktails and 25% off their delicious sharing platters that evenings with locally sourced charcuterie, cheese, seafood and vegetable options.

Blue Reef Fest, Maidstone, Fri 15 – Sun 17 July

Now in its second year, Blue Reef Fest promises to be bigger and better! Now spread over 2 days on Loddington Farm in Maidstone, enjoy live music, good food, stalls from talented artists and makers plus classic and custom VW camper vans, motorcycles, scooters and much more. Expect rocking bands to mellow acoustic sets split over 2 stages so no matter what your vibe is, they’ll be something for you! Plus Muddy faves Vintage Vinyl Brother’s will also be playing classic dance tracks until 1am so you can party all night long too!

LoveFit Festival, St Clere Estate, Sevenoaks, Fri 15 – Sun 17 July

A 3 day adventure of fitness, well-being, and magical forest parties in the St Clere Estate in Sevenoaks. Enjoy 4 classes per day from Kobox, Gymbox, Another_Space, Broga, Farm Fitness, Fierce Grace and more. Relax in the wood-fired hot tub in the forest trees with a cocktail or enjoy the climbing wall, wild runs and the talks on health, fitness and nutrition. After an adrenaline fuelled day transcend into LoveFit’s majestic afterparties in the forest and dance the night away with live bands and DJ sets.

Wild Box Cocktail Masterclass, Macknade in Ashford, Fri 15 July

Macknade is hosting a very special cocktail masterclass with Wild Box using Kent’s finest spirits and local produce. Learn the secrets to shaking, making, stirring and of course – get to taste them! Gain in insight into the ingredients you need to use and then get the chance to make 3 seasonal cocktails for you to make and enjoy at home. Spend 2.5 hours with your own personal Wild Box mixologist and use all their premium products and professional bar equipment to make the best cocktails in Kent. Running 5-7:30pm, £70pp.

Othello, Belmont House & Gardens, Fri 15 July

Set in the stunning gardens at Belmont House near Faversham watch William Shakespeare’s Othello performed by renowned theatre company Changeling. Love, jealousy, deception, murder. Othello is an edge-of-the-seat thriller. Changeling’s production promises to fizz with passion, intrigue and dark humour – we love! Adult tickets: £24, Child (10-18 years): £14 and under 10s free. Gates open at 6:30pm, performance starts at 7:30pm.

Pasta Festival, Unita 4, Ashford, Sat 16 July

Ever been to a Pasta Festival? Now you can! Unità 4 in Ashford will be serving tasting menu style pasta dishes for you try because why should you just pick one? Don’t forget to hang around and take a seat at the stunning long brass bar with an Aperitivo in hand. Running between 12 midday to 11pm.

Pizza & Sparkling Wine, Gusbourne, Sat 16 July & Sun 28 Aug

Pizza and sparkling wine? It doesn’t get better than that! Martino’s Pizza is back at Gusbourne this summer for 2 days, set amongst the wildflowers of their Boot Hill Garden. Choose your arrival time (either 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 3:30pm or 4:30pm) on Sat 16 July or Sun 28 Aug and be seated overlooking the vineyards with a glass of their classic Brut Reserve in hand and the choice of a delicious wood fired handmade pizza from Martino’s truck (vegan, veggie, fish and meat options). £25pp.

Jousting Events, Hever Castle, Sat 16 July – Mon 29 Aug

Witness brave knights display spectacular jousting skills in an authentic arena at Hever Castle this summer. Watch exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and tights in an arena complete with medieval spectator stands and a Royal Box. Each tournament begins with a procession from the Castle forecourt when Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn lead visitors across the grounds to the Jousting Arena.

Ibizan Bottomless Brunch, Cave Hotel, Canterbury, Sat 16 July

Valentina Occasions, the immersive dining event and private dining pods company are coming to our fave luxury hotel Cave in Canterbury. Don’t miss their immersive Ibizan Secret Garden Brunch, expect tropical palms and faux florals, where you’ll enjoy a 2 course brunch with bottomless Prosecco for 2 hours. Plus a live performance with sax player, Robyn Taylor who’s best known for her glitter costumes and party vibe. 12-4pm and the dress code is GLAM. Be quick!

Yoga Daze, Flow Tunbridge Wells, Sun 17 July

Say hello to your Muddy Award Winner of Best Yoga Studio in Kent, not once but FOUR years running! You’ll want to get to know Flow the delightful Yoga Studio in Tunbridge Wells and their day retreats running one Sunday every month until September. Fall into the arms of Flow for a sublime day retreat from 9:30am – 6pm and come away feel completely restored. The Yoga Daze retreat this July will feature movement, breath work, restorative yoga and meditation with a delicious lunch served as a buffet in the Flow kitchen plus tea and afternoon cake. There’ll also be time for a sneaky dip in the hot tub at the end of the day – G&T optional! Limited to just 8 guests per day so book in quick!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, EM Forster Theatre, Mon 18 & Tues 19 July

Don’t miss this delightful family show this July at EM Forster Theatre. Watch as four master puppeteers weave their way through Eric Carle’s stories, bringing to life a menagerie of 75 enchanting puppets in a magical show that recreates the wonderfully colourful world of Carle’s illustrations. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features four classic titles; Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and, of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar which celebrated its 50th Birthday in 2019.

Jason Manford, Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells, Weds 20 & Thurs 21 July

He’s back! It’s been a busy few years for Jason since his last smash-hit stand up show but fans of his Absolute Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed a bit so don’t miss him in Tunbridge Wells this July.

Twelfth Night & A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Scotney Castle, Fri 22 & Fri 29 July

There’s two productions at the beautiful Scotney Castle this summer! See one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, chock full of love, mistaken identity, high comedy and lots of music! Heartbreak Productions brings you an open-air production of Twelfth Night as you’ve never seen it before. Orsino, Olivia, Viola and the others join reality-TV coupling show “Twelve Nights” – think Love Island meets Big Brother. Gates open 6:30pm, curtain up at 7pm. Adult tickets: £12. Child tickets: £8.

Or watch Quantum Theatre‘s outdoor production of Shakespeare’s classic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and soak up the magical atmosphere at Scotney Castle with an evening of love, intrigue, mischance and marriage. Gates open 6:30pm, curtain up at 7pm. Adult tickets: £14. Child tickets: £9.

Canterbury Shakespeare Festival, Fri 22 July – Sun 14 Aug

This open-air festival is back! Newcomer and avid Shakespeare fans alike will love this theatre festival experience with diverse productions that provide for all the family around various scenic venues across the historic city of Canterbury. Enjoy well-known productions with experimental experiences all performed by local talent such as: Henry IV, Peter & Ignez, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Richard II and Sir Thomas More.

An Evening with the Winemaker, Balfour Winery, Sat 23 July

Join the prestigious Balfour Winery for an evening of wine tasting and canapés with Balfour Winemaker Owen Elias. Joined by producers Leslie and Richard Balfour-Lynn, this will be a rare opportunity to taste the full collection, including their latest wines from the 2022 Winemaker’s Collection. Owen will take you through the three new wines alongside specially prepared canapés. £35 a head, 7-10pm.

An Evening with Michael Bublé, Kent Cricket Ground, Canterbury, Sun 24 July

Grammy-award winning global megastar Michael Bublé will return to the UK and coming to Canterbury this July. Need we say anymore? Book now!

Prose & Poses, Joy & Journaling, Flow Tunbridge Wells, Sun 24 July

Put the date in your diary for a mini garden festival of prose & poses, joy & journalling! Join Sarah Salway and Lucy founder of Flow, for a special healing and nourishing mixture of movement, poetry, meditation, and journal work, together with a healthy dollop of laughter, in the beautiful Flow garden. With a delicious vegetarian picnic lunch included you’ll not want to miss this one! 10am-5pm. £120pp.

The War & Peace Show, The Hop Farm, Tues 26 – Sat 30 July

The War and Peace Show Home Front is the greatest celebration of military history and vintage lifestyle in the world! It’s jam packed full of historical and educational displays based on a small village in the south of England during the Second World War, from shop fronts, military vehicles, classic cars and the world famous trade stalls at The Hop Farm this July. Better yet, kids go free!

East Asian Fusion Workshop, The Kent Cookery School, Weds 27 July

New for 2022! This course at the brilliant Kent Cookery School is for those that love flavour and want to add some exciting dishes to their skill set. Let your tastebuds take you to East Asia to try some delcious Korean Friend Chicken, sticky and sweet with a kick this should be in every cooks repertoire! Along side some Chinese favourites such as Chicken Sata or decadent Prawn toast as well as some healthy light snacks from Japan and Taiwan. This sort of food is great to shake up some mid week meals or even to enjoy with family and friends! With just a few simple ingredients you can recreate these dishes again and again at home. Running 6-8:30pm. £70pp.

Open Air Cinema, Leeds Castle, Fri 28 July – Sun 31 July

Roll out your picnic blanket and enjoy a night at the flicks with a difference at Leeds Castle, the perfect setting for cinema under the stars. Located on Cedar Lawn, it’s a magical setting! Watch West Side Story, No Time To Die, The Greatest Showman Sing-Along or Moulin Rouge– which one will it be?

Music Nights at the Mote, Ightham Mote, Sat 30 July

This summer, join for an evening of live music at the Mote with Masterclass, playing live music from soul and pop to rock classics. Bring a picnic or grab something tasty from our food stall and dance the night away with friends on the lawn. 6:30-10pm. Adult tickets are £15 each.

It’s July! So what’s on in Kent this month?

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