MUDDY’S PICK OF THE MONTH

Hever Festival Theatre, Weds 1 June – Tues 30 Aug

For your guaranteed summer of fun, you’ll want to know about The Festival Theatre, this 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 this June featuring Jane Eyre, Peter Pan, Guildhall Strings, Charles Court Opera with ‘Patience’, a celebration of Father Ted with Joe Rooney, internationally acclaimed Stacey Kent (pictured) and even sing-along cinema favourites – see the full line-up here. Book your tickets asap!

Darling Bugs of May, Wildwood, Sat 28 May – Sun 5 June

Wildwood will be celebrating the bug’s life this May half-term with a host of fun bug-themed activities and a line-up of furry favourites. Daily activities include face painting, bug hunts, bug crafts and even ‘I Spy’ sheets for detectives to go bug-spotting. Spread your wings and meet the experts from the Butterfly Conservation on the interactive and educational Moth Trail. After all this fun, keep your energy levels up at the Woodland Café who will be serving up a delicious “darling” spread of summer picnic favourites including of course, Butterfly Cakes. It’s not just about the bugs, don’t miss the new baby ravens, chough chicks and baby storks (pictured) – aww!

Summer Cocktail Evening, Balfour Winery, Thurs 2 June

Start the four-day Bank Holiday Weekend with an evening of specially crafted cocktails made with Balfour Wines. Experience the breathtaking views of the Estate from the balcony over-looking the vineyard, whilst sipping a selection of cocktails. 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. 7pm. £45pp.

Park Feast, Canterbury, Thurs 2 – Sat 5 June

Don’t miss this delicious 4-day Street Food Festival, a wonderful new event, coming to Canterbury for the first time this June. The foodie festival will be taking place across the 4-day extended Queen’s Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend in the Dane John Gardens. Expect international street food vendors arranged in ‘zones’; craft beers, ciders and ales; hand-made cocktails; music and entertainment. These mouth-watering Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations are delivered by the team behind Park/City Feast. Running daily from 12:00pm – 7:30pm.

Dino Expedition, Betteshanger Country Park, Open now

Join the Dino Expedition this summer at Betteshanger Country Park. Find your own fossils at Fossil Park and learn about our collection of dinosaur fossils including a tooth from one of the fiercest carnivores ever to have roamed the planet – Spinosaurus! With educational boards and games, this is a great activity for 2022, when every child will be obsessed with Dinosaurs as the new Jurassic World film hits cinemas. Complete your session by Hunting the Hybrid dinosaur in the woods and have your photo taken with it.

Platinum Jubilee Event, Whitefriars, Canterbury, Thurs 2 – Sun 6 June

Diaries out! Whitefriars in Canterbury are hosting a weekend of celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this June. We hear there’ll be music, dancing, afternoon tea, croquet on the lawn and much more! More details to be announced soon…

Jubilee Dickens Weekend, Rochester High St, Thurs 2 – Sun 5 June

Visit Rochester and immerse yourself in this cultural celebration of literature and entertainment over the 4 days of Dickens and Jubilee celebrations. Watch the character parades, listen to the eclectic live music performances, prose and poetry readings and comedy skits as you stroll the high street. Plus meet with family and friends in Rochester Castle Gardens to watch the big Jubilee events taking place in London on a massive screen, including The Queen’s Birthday Parade.

The Handlebards: Twelfth Night, The E M Forster Theatre, Fri 3 June

Join the hugely popular Shakespearean troupe, The HandleBards, at The EM Forster Theatre this summer, for a bicycle-powered, laugh-out-loud production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. They arrive in Tonbridge part way through their UK tour on Fri 3 June and will be performing in the outdoor theatre in the Library Gardens, doors open at 6pm for the show to start at 7pm. Don’t forget your picnic and blanket!

Pedal and Paddle, Canoe Wild, Canterbury, Sat 4 & Sat 25 June

Our new pedal and paddle tours are perfect for those who love the outdoors, see Kent in a whole new light – we’ve brought these tours to you with Cols Kent bike tours and Eurocycle Adventures. Take in all of Kent whilst riding along at a leisurely pace, then experiencing the river first-hand on your choice of craft with a pub lunch afterwards and many stops along the way. We will also be offering our 3-day bike and camp weekend where after a lot of exploring, wild swimming and more, your last day will include a paddle with us along the stunning river with a guide. Check out our website for more details.

Edible Seashore: Shrimps & Swimming with The Wild Kitchen, Kingsdown Beach, Sun 5 June

A nourishing day out in the wilderness ,foraging for prawns and coastal veg on a low spring tide at Kingsdown Beach followed by a gourmet wild food picnic and a refreshing sea dip. 11am – 3pm. £120 each.

No Time To Die with Q&A from screenwriter, The Gulbenkian, Tues 7 June

Don’t miss this! The Gulbenkian will be hosting a very special screening of No Time To Die preceded by a 45min Q&A with the film’s screenwriter Robert Wade. Robert Wade is best known for co-writing four James Bond films so have the chance to delve into the tales behind the story, discuss the evolution of the iconic 007 over the last 20 years and how Wade approaches his creative process. Then finish off the evening with a dramatic end to the Daniel Craig era, with a screening of No Time to Die. Starting at 6:45pm and tickets are £8.95.

Young Paddlers Club, Canoe Wild, 6, 13, 20 & 27 June

Join Canoe Wild’s fantastic young paddler sessions this summer after school and learn to kayak and paddle board with Canoe Wild’s trained instructors whilst being safe and having fun. This brilliant water sports company is your one-stop-shop for all the messing-about-on-the-river fun you can possibly imagine. Join the friendly team on the beautiful River Stour where you can hire canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and much more on Monday evenings, 4:30-5:30pm. Suitable for 8-14 year olds. £15 per 1 hour session.

Creative Arts Workshop, Studio Collective, Tunbridge Wells, 8 & 15 June

Studio Collective is a brand new arts community based in Tunbridge Wells bringing relaxed art & design courses to connect, inspire and boost wellbeing. So get stuck in with mark making, ink drawing, painting with colour, collage and texture at one of their upcoming workshops. All abilities are welcome to enjoy the process in the cosy setting of The Zero Waste Company on The Pantiles, perfect place for coffee and to switch off and enjoy some YOU time. Join the full 6 weeks (£200) or pop-in just for one session (£35) on Wednesdays at 9:30-11:30am. To book email: studiocollectivetw@gmail.com

SUP & Sketch, Paddle Cabin, East Peckham, Fri 10 June

Paddle boarding gives you some incredible new perspectives of the river and we want to capture them with a pencil not just a photo! Come join our SUP & Sketch evening and have a lot of laughs, learn how to paddle board and sketch on the go from your paddle board. With tuition from the fabulous artist China Jordan from the amazing ArtistAnd, we will stop at our special spot on the river for some guided sketching of our gorgeous river. Cue lots of laughter, poses, perspectives and mindful relaxation. Open to all abilities and beginners, no paddle boarding experience or drawing skills is required, just a curious mind and a splash of creativity and a ‘give it a go’ approach. 6-9pm, £50pp.

Yoga Lunch Club with The Cooking Apple, St Mary’s Platt, Fri 10 June

This event is a delicious treat for the body and soul! Back AGAIN due to popular demand, enjoy a morning of yoga, yummy food and an informative demo from Pip, founder of The Cooking Apple. Learn yummy brunch ideas that you can recreate at home and Yoga by Lucy will be guiding you through a restorative yoga class. Then wander into the dining area and taste an English Garden style lunch. At St Mary’s Platt a 10min drive from Sevenoaks, 10:30am – 1:30pm. £40pp.

Full Moon Retreat, Samsara Retreat, Fri 10 – Sun 12 June

Join Samsara Retreat and Wellness during this upcoming full moon on Fri 10 – Sun 12 June for a weekend filled with Yoga, meditation, breathwork, soul-nourishing foods, a healing sound bath and ultimate relaxation. Stay for the whole weekend or book a Saturday ticket to experience their idyllic retreat nestled in the Kent countryside – and yes, they have hot tubs!

Secret Garden Outdoor Theatre, Emmetts Garden, Sat 11 June

Head out into the sunshine to see New Creations Collective’s performance of The Secret Garden at Emmett’s Garden this June from 2:30pm. Join Mary on her journey to discovering The Secret Garden in this family-friendly, dance adaptation of the best-selling novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Performed by an accomplished cast of dancers and musicians, the iconic story is brought to life like never before, in this high-quality, one-hour ballet. With a brand-new score and original choreography, The Secret Garden offers an enchanting, unforgettable experience for adults and children alike. Adult tickets £16 and child tickets £8.

Eating for Hormonal Balance, Monkshill Refectory, Sun 12 June

Are you on the Peri-Menopause or Menopause hormone rollercoaster? Suffering with headaches, joint pain, brain fog, just not feeling ‘with it’? Or want to make sure you’re ready for it when it happens? The good news is that you don’t have to suffer! Join Nutritionist Virginia Hills to learn the key foods to include in your meals to feel good, why good gut health is key and more practical tips and easy ways to incorporate the right food into your meals with her nutrition fact sheets and recipe sheets. This may just change your life! Join Eating For Hormonal Balance on Sun 12 June, 10am-1pm.

The PIG Book Launch, Macknade, Faversham, Weds 15 June

Join the celebrations as THE PIG celebrate the launch of their latest book, THE PIG: 500 Miles of Food, Friends & Local Legends on Weds 15 June at Macknade’s award-winning Food Hall in Faversham. Hear from co-author and chef Lex Bartlett-Woodnutt and who they champion homegrown and local produce, celebrating the talented artisans, growers, farmers, foragers and fishermen who supply each of the PIG hotels. Enjoy complimentary wine and enjoy the samples from the deli! There is also a prize draw to win one of several prizes, including dinner for 4 at The PIG at Bridge Place. The evening kicks off at 6pm!

Black Deer Festival, Fri 17 – Sun 19 June

Get your cowboy boots groove on. The UK’s only Americana and country music festival is back! This family-friendly festival has a stellar lineup of established and new Amerciana, country, blues, folk and bluegrass artists. Latest additions include personal faves (Oh, sit down) James, Van Morrison, Jake Bugg, Imelda May, Wilco, The Waterboys and oh so much more! There’s heaps of acts to enjoy and discover, with more than 100 across 6 stages in fact. Yee-haw!

Plus enjoy food and drink stalls – think classic American smokehouse BBQ. Showcases of all the best mean machines from classic American trucks to custom vintage motorcycles. Plus there’s tons of fun for the young folk!

Intro to the Paddle Life, Paddle Cabin, East Peckham, Fri 17 June

Open to all, these welcome evenings are perfect for those new to paddling, new to the area and those who want to join their loving and growing community. Enjoy a guided paddle from the cabin down towards the gorgeous River Medway and back. You’ll learn river etiquette, how to get on and off the water safely from their jetty and share what life at the cabin is like! 6-9pm, £20pp plus £15 board hire.

Simply Red & Keane, The Hop Farm, Fri 17 & Sun 19 June

Sing along to your favourite tunes from Simply Red and Keane this summer at The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood! Simply Red remains one of the UK’s most successful bands who continue to sell out tours across the globe so don’t miss them on Fri 17 June. PLUS After a six-year hiatus, Keane made a long overdue return with their 2019 studio album ‘Cause and Effect’, they’ll be performing on Sun 19 June and there’s still a few tickets left so book now!

Father’s Day Cookery Classes, Kent Cookery School, Sat 18 – Sun 19 June

It is a well-known fact that Dads LOVE their food so why not treat your dad to the ultimate foodie gift this Father’s Day? Join the fab Kent Cookery School on their Weber BBQ Classics Class on Sat 18 June at 3-7pm or Weber Essentials Class on Sun 19 June at 9am – 1pm.

Can’t do that weekend? Why not book your dad in on their Classic British Gastro Pub Food Course on Sat 25 June, 11am-4pm. This course celebrates great British food and incorporates locally grown ingredients to make delicious dishes like Homemade Pork Pies & Scotch Eggs, Beer Battered Onion Rings, Steak and Sticky Toffee Pudding – yum!

New-Release Wine Tasting & Lunch, Gusbourne, Sun 19 June

To celebrate English Wine Week (18-26 June) wine experts Gusbourne are collaboration on a unique lunch event with Alfred Enderby to bring you the perfect match between the finest wines and finest smoked fish. On Sun 19 June, be the first to taste their new vintage Chardonnay Guinevere 2020, released specially to celebrate the week! The day will begin with a vineyard tour where you’ll see the intricate detail that goes into growing the highest quality grapes for their wine and have the opportunity to learn the age-old traditions of smoking fish with their special guest! Then enjoy a tutored tasting and specially prepared lunch in the Garden Room overlooking the vines. Book your place now!

Yoga and Meet & Greet Alpacas, Alpaca Annie, Tues 21 June

In honour of National Yoga Day on the 21 June, Alpaca Annie is hosting a one-off yoga in the paddock event! Experience a 45min yoga session and get to meet their adorable alpacas after including nibbles and a glass of Prosecco. Kicking off from 6pm for £25pp. There’s limited space so email info@alpacaannie.com or call 01303 870527 to book yours quick.

Summer Solstice Yoga & Campfire Supper, Green Farm, Tues 21 June

Relax at the beautiful Green Farm set in the idyllic Shadoxhurst conservation area and surrounded by 12,500 acres of ancient woodland and traditional pastures, Green Farm is a place where you can completely switch off. This June enjoy a beautiful evening of Summer Solistice Yoga with Caelia Butcher followed by a delicious campfire supper in their magical woodlands. Arrive at 6:45pm for Yoga at 7pm and Supper at 8:15pm.

Raisedwork Flower embroidery workshop, Knole Park, Weds 22 June

Try the ever-popular embroidery technique of raised work with Royal School of Needlework tutor Helen Jones at the historic Knole Park in Sevenoaks. This one day course will focus on one technique in particular, a wired shape. Learn wrapped wires and the use of silk wrapped purls, a 17th century material that happily is available again today. The workshop kit includes fabric, other materials, thread, needles and instructions. 10:30am – 4:30pm. £85pp.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, Thurs 23 – Sun 26 June

The Festival of Speed is the ultimate playground for every family. So much more than just motorsport; it is a showcase for cutting-edge technology, excellent food and family fun. A day at the Festival could see you covered in mud at the Rally Stage, enjoying a delicious organic pork fillet from Goodwood Home Farm for lunch and rounding off the day operating a CAT excavator. Plus Kids go FREE!

Rose Wine Tasting, The Leicester Arms, Penshurst, Thurs 23 June

Do you think you know your Provence from your Rioja? Come and find out from the experts. Taste 6 magnificent roses with a few nibbles under the guide of Berkmann Wine Cellars at the beautiful The Leicester Arms in Penshurst. Tickets cost £25. What could be more fun?

Wealden Literary Festival, Sat 25 – Sun 26 June

Immerse yourself in all things wholesome with a nature-inspired literary festival that the whole family will love this June! The Wealden Literary Festival is the perfect opportunity to pause and explore the living world around us; a moment’s respite from the hustle and bustle of life. Curated with all ages in mind. It’s a family-friendly weekend of nature, creativity and outdoor adventures in the enchanting setting of Boldshaves Garden in Woodchurch, near Tenterden. Alongside literary events, festival-goers can try their hand at tree climbing, wild cooking, wine tasting, weaving workshops, yoga plus writing workshops – family fun guaranteed!

Music at The Mote, Ightham Mote, Sat 25 June

Enjoy an evening of live music at the Mote, with The Dial. Grab a picnic and some friends and dance the night away on the lawn with soul, pop and rock classics – there’ll be something for everyone to sing and dance to! Bring a picnic or grab something tasty from the food stalls. £15 per ticket.

See The Gruffalo, Kent Life, Sat 25 & Sun 26 June

The Gruffalo makes a return to Kent Life to say hello once more! Guests will be able to visit the farm’s resident owls and other animals that appear in the Gruffalo’s story and spot him on the farm throughout the day. Adults £12, Concessions £12, Children (aged 2-15) £12, Family £44, Members Free. 10am – 5pm.

Running Festival, Penshurst Place, Sun 26 June

A festival of fun for the whole family with timed running races, colour runs, obstacle courses and walking routes. Recruit your friends and celebrate completing your challenge in our festival village with live music, food stalls, bar, shopping village, adventure playground and much more.Tickets: From £13 – £45 (Early Bird 15% discount ends on 28.03.22)

Wimbledon fun, Whitefriars, Canterbury, Mon 27 June – 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.

Sparkling Wine Master Class, The Rose, Deal, Tues 28 June

Join us for a special evening hosted by wine expert Charlie Blightman from Keeling Andrew & Co (wine importers from the Noble Rot team) and Orson Warr, from local vineyard Westwell. They will talk us through the processes involved in making English sparkling wine, teach us how it differs from Champagne and show us how to taste them. You will then get a chance to put your new expert tastebuds to work as you sample a selection of our favourite local fizz. 6-8pm. Tickets are £20pp including bar snacks. Why not stay and enjoy a 2-course meal for £20? See ya there!

33 fabulous things to do locally this June

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