Amazing August! 40 things to do locally this month
The social calendar’s full and celebrating summer! From hilarious comedy, cutting-edge theatre and toe-tapping music. Here’s what’s on in Kent this August.
OUTDOORS
Tonbridge Pride, Sat 3 Aug
Celebrate Pride with Tonbridge at their third annual event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and spreading love, acceptance and understanding. The event kicks off at midday with a march through the High St, then lots of free family fun with a live mural, sign language workshop, kids storytime and sensory sessions. From 7pm, there’s plenty of adult entertainment with music, dancing and drag so you won’t want to miss this! Plus a wide range of stalls and food vendors available all day.
Summer fun at Woolton Farm, Sun 4 – Sun 25 Aug
Visit Woolton Farm near Canterbury not only for their wonderful cider and award-winning wines but also huge range of fun events this summer like; Classic Car Show (Sun 4 Aug) with free entry see a fantastic range of Classic motors and enjoy freshly made sourdough pizzas, The Sound of Kent Festival (Sat 17 Aug) is a day of live music from Kent’s best up-and-coming musicians and closing the summer season is the End of Summer Party (Sat 24 – Sun 25 Aug) with garden games, freshly baked pizza, live music, face painting, bouncy castle, BBQ, large selection of craft cider and beers!
Biddenden Tractorfest, Holden Farm, Sat 17 & Sun 18 Aug
Biddenden Tractorfest is returning to the fields of Holden Farm in Biddenden this August. Now in its 10th year, it’s a fun day out for all the family! The tractors are definitely the centre of attention with over 200 expected to exhibit over the weekend plus plenty of stalls, vehicle demos and children’s entertainment. Arena demonstrations will include falconry, fun dog show and sheep agility, to name just a few. Not forgetting food and drink, live music and so much more.
Rookie Rumble, Whitemills Wake, Sandwich, 24 Aug
Get ready for a 3 stop, jam-style, UK series of Rookie Rumble presented by The Peacock Brothers. Whether it’s your first season wakeboarding, or looking to prove yourself as a competitive pro rider, you’ll love this. The series will be held over 3 weekends with competitors collecting points throughout the events and the winners will be corned based on their total point score from the series. Stop 3 is at Whitemills Wake & Aqua Park in Kent – it’s free entry for spectators!
KIDS
Metro Bank One Day Cup, Beckenham & Canterbury, 4, 11 & 14 Aug
It’s nearly time for the Metro Bank One Day Cup 50-over competition to return to Beckhenham and Canterbury this month. They are brilliant family-friendly events, which make for an action-packed day out, with the ebb and flow of the dramatic 50-over one-day game and fun activities for all the family off the pitch! Best of all KIDS GO FOR JUST £1! Tickets need to be booked in advance.
Hever Castle, NOW – Tues 3 Sep
Set in 150 acres of open space, Hever Castle has plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained this summer. Experience over 600 years of history at the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, take part in a series of hands-on activities and challenges, watch exhilarating jousting tournaments and falconry displays, take on the yew maze, blow off steam in the playgrounds, explore the gorgeous gardens and enjoy wonderful walks. Your trip awaits!
The Game is Afoot, Historic Dockyard Chatham, NOW – Sun 1 Sep
Become a Dockyard Detective this Summer. The year is 1887 and Chatham Dockyard is awash with whispers of treachery so channel your inner Sherlock Holmes, follow the clues and discover if you have what it takes to solve a mystery lost to history. This is an interactive trail full of activites, clues, twists and turns where only the sharpest minds will triumph.
Summer Value Tickets, Howletts Wild Animal Park, NOW – Thurs 8 Sep
Howletts, Kent’s original wildlife park, houses some of the world’s most endangered and rare animals. With over 390 animals, including Kent’s only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK and more gorillas than any other zoo in the country. But that’s not all! This summer they have a theme for each week running til Sun 1 Sep where you can enjoy wild animal face painting, expert animal talks & feeds and themed activity trails. Let the children run wild in the play areas, bring a picnic to enjoy or try out some of the on-site catering options. You can also save a whoppin’ 35% on your tickets. One five-person family bundle is now £80, instead of £125 – a massive saving of £45!
Penshurst Place, NOW – Sun 1 Sep
There’s a super packed schedule of events throughout the summer holidays at Penshurst Place from archery, axe-throwing and laser clay shooting for the more adventurous of you, to panto-style storytelling in the gardens with The Wind in The Willows and summer crafting in The Old Coach House, there’s plenty on offer to provide a fun and engaging day out for all the family.
Kent Life, NOW – Sun 1 Sep
Kent Life’s summer holiday schedule is packed full of entertainment so get ready for an action-packed summer filled with; Olympic-themed games from relay races to sack races, Dinosaur Week (Mon 12 – Fri 16 Aug) where you can meet George the Jurassic Dinosaur, a different Big Top show every week, get up close and personal with their animals with feeding and grooming activites, owl-flying demonstrations, the Vintage Village, indoor and outdoor play areas, fun farm rides and the chance to get arty in the Paint-a-Pot studio. Phew!
Spymaster Trail, The Beaney, Canterbury, NOW – Sun 18 Aug
Become a Beaney Spymaster this summer and explore their brand new exhibition exploring the dramatic life and work of Canterbury’s Aphra Behn, the first professional women writer in English. She became a spy and then a fantastically successful playwright, poet, translator, and fiction-writer, who was buried in Westminster Abbey. So test your skills, creativity and knowledge by completing 5 Spymaster asks around the museum inspired by Aphra Behn. Pick up a trail from the information desk, complete the tasks, collect five stamps to become a certified Beaney Spymaster. All ages welcome. £2 suggested donation. Closed on Mondays.
Newly Refurbished Boleyn Apartment, Hever Castle, NOW
You heard it here first! Hever Castle have JUST unveiled the newly refurbished Boleyn Apartment. These are the only surviving suite of rooms lived in by the Boleyn family and incredibly they’re largely structurally unaltered. You’ll see that the display tells the story of the social climbing of Anne’s ruthlessly ambitious family, her winning the heart of Henry and the crown of England and her brush with death along the way when she caught the dreaded Sweating Sickness but recovered – all at Hever. Pop along to the wonderful Hever Castle this summer and walk in this famous family’s footsteps.
Pottery Painting, The Pottery Room, Faversham, Thurs 1 Aug
Fancy a hand at crafts and pottery painting? Bring the whole family along and choose between painting pottery with acrylic paint or glaze paints, decorating pottery with foam clay, turning pottery into magnets, canvas painting and bubble blowing to decorate your pottery. Studio fee is £5pp and you pay for the pottery on the day. Savoury snack bowls included to share.
Stefanie’s Art Studio Holiday Camp, 5 – 7 Aug & 12 – 14 Aug
Stefanie’s Art Studio will be hosting two Summer Camp Workshops in August where they’ll take place over the course of three days. You can choose to attend one, two or all three days. No day will be the same, with all six days following different themes and projects. For ages 7 years old and up.
The BEAST, Betteshanger Park, Sat 24 – Mon 26 Aug
The ultimate inflatable obstacle course returns to Betteshanger Park this August bank holiday – as well as The Mini Beast for the little ones! Run and bounce your way around the inflatable obstacles, then sit back, relax and enjoy delicious food and drink from local suppliers. Early Bird Tickets are available now at a discounted price so book now asap.
Creative Workshops, Millbrook Garden Centre Staplehurst & Gravesend, NOW – Fri 30 Aug
Both Millbrook locations are offering fun summer holiday activities and workshops for the kids, ranging from crafts to slime to clay workshops to comic club and a gaming extravaganza, there is something for all interests!
FOOD & DRINK
Summer at Mereworth Wines, Mereworth, NOW – Mon 26 Aug
Nestled in Mereworth, there’s no better time than right now to visit this Winery producing award-winning world-class English Sparkling Wine from fruit grown in their own vineyards. You can expect live music every first weekend of the month as well throughout the August bank holiday weekend. Also to celebrate National Wine & Cheese Day on Thurs 25 July they’re hosting a masterclass, due to go live very shortly so keep checking back for that.
Woodland in The Winery Festival, NOW – Sun 4 Aug
Love rosé? Book your FREE ticket asap to this brand new wonderful wine festival at Balfour Winery in Staplehurst with vineyard tours, wine tasting, art and live music. In partnership with the Kent Wildlife Trust, experience the art installation designed and created by RHS Gold Award-winning floral designer Louise Roots. Celebrate all things rosé with a free tasting of Balfour’s highly-acclaimed Nannette’s Rosé wine while you enjoy the panoramic views across Nannette’s Vineyard. Just add summer sunshine.
Summer at The Dog, Wingham, NOW – Thurs 29 Aug
Summer has certainly arrived at The Dog with plenty of events to keep you entertained over these upcoming warmer months. Don’t miss live music on the terrace with Joe’s Jazz Quartet (Thurs 18 July), The Best of British Fish & Seafood Celebration Dinner (Thurs 25 July), an evening with Jazz with George Styles & Ian Hooks (Thurs 1 Aug), Villager’s Summer Lunch (Sat 3 Aug) and finally, A Taste of Spain Celebration Dinner (Thurs 29 Aug). Book your tables asap, you’ve been warned.
Milk Fest 2024, The Milk House, Sissinghurst, Fri 23 – Mon 26 Aug
Now in its 10th year, Milk Fest promises to be the biggest and best one yet. This four day festival kicks off on Fri 23 Aug with Twilight Tunes and piccolo pizzas, the next day will see full-fat family fun with a bouncy castle, bubble-ologists, glitter tattoo artists and the evenings gives way to headline bands and a Silent Disco. If you’re after a chiller vibe, head on Sun 25 Aug for a day of music and chill rounded off with DJ AJK in the afternoon. Going out with a bang, Monday Madness has spin the wheel and a grand finale with The Generations Band. BBQ and pizza available all weekend long.
Ice Cream Festival, Kent Life, Sat 24 – Mon 26 Aug
Who doesn’t love ice cream? Join Kent Life Heritage Farm’s Ice Cream Festival running over the bank holiday weekend in August. Get to try a huge range of ice creams (dairy free and vegan options too!) and finish off your ice cream at their toppings station with a variety of syrups, marshmallows and sprinkles. Or why not try a waffle or sundae? Enjoy live music, food stalls and plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. Adult and Child tickets (aged 2 – 15 years) are £11.36 each.
MUSIC
Music at Dreamland, Margate, NOW – Sun 1 Sep
Get music festival vibes at the stunning outdoor theatre, Dreamland with a fab variety of artists playing throughout the summer. Go see Craig David with special guest Wes Nelson (Fri 21 June), Sam Ryder (Thurs 27 June), JLS (Sat 6 July), Jess Glynne (Fri 26 July), Paloma Faith (Fri 16 Aug), Busted (Fri 23 Aug) or Becky Hill (Sat 31 Aug & Sun 1 Sep).
Local and Live, Calverley Grounds, Sun 25 – Mon 27 Aug
And carrying us right through the summer, the popular free music festival will be returning to Calverley Grounds in Tunbridge Wells over the August Bank Holiday weekend. It’s a four-day celebration of the best live music and culture in the brilliantly creative town and beyond.
Green Room, Lenham, Fri 30 Aug – Sun 1 Sep
Say hello to this new three-day, music festival series featuring world-class artists that the whole family will love. Taking place in the UK’s largest medieval Tithe Barn, located in the picturesque village of Lenham, audience numbers are limited so you really get the best possible experience. Think 3 days, 5 concerts, classic cars, local refreshments, beautiful spaces and world class performers – including Lance Ellington, the resident vocalist on Strictly Come Dancing. This is not to be missed!
THEATRE/ARTS
The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle, NOW – Sun 1 Sep
The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle keeps raging on. Set in the stunning gardens of Hever Castle this open air venue has music acts, operas, films, plays and family shows planned all summer long. Over the next two months catch performances such as; The Circus of Curiosities (Sun 14 July), The Taylor Swift Show (Fri 2 Aug), The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars (Sun 11 Aug), Blackadder (Fri 16 & Sat 17 Aug), Horrible Histories Live on Stage (Thurs 29 Aug) and lots more! See the full line-up and see what takes ya fancy.
FREE Outdoor Cinema, Folkestone Harbour Arm, NOW – Sep
Catch the last few dates of free outdoor cinema at the fabulous Folkestone Harbour Arm with Top Gun (Fri 2 Aug) and Miss Congeniality (Fri 23 Aug). All screenings will take place at 7pm and are COMPLETELY FREE to enjoy.outdoor production of Mrs Armitage on Wheels coming to Tonbridge School this July featuring live music, puppetry and physical comedy.
Open Air Cinema, Cobham Hall, Thurs 15 – Sun 18 Aug
Pack a picnic and get ready for Adventure Cinema popping up a Cobham Hall this summer! The outstandingly beautiful red brick mansion, surrounded by ancient trees, creates an exquisite backdrop for a movie. So don’t miss classics and family favourites such as; Grease Sing-a-long, The Greatest Showman Sing-a-long, Mamma Mia! and Back To The Future. It’s a truly magical setting for your cinematic adventure and tickets are selling super fast here
The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex Park, Weds 21 Aug
Experience the magic of open-air theatre in the enchanting Quex Gardens at Powell-Cotton Museum. Brand new for 2024, Quantum Theatre presents a delightful new adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s much-loved The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck this August. Just don’t forget your chairs or picnic blankets.
bOing!, Gulbenkian Arts Centre, Sat 26 – Sun 27 Aug
Watch out cos bOing! is bouncing back to Canterbury this August. Expect an amazing weekend of the very best in theatre, dance, films, and fun for all the family, packed with magical performances and experiences. And as always, it’s free to enter so you can enjoy a brilliant festival day of outdoor performances and activities. Plus there’s a range of ticketed indoor performances (from £6).
The Three Musketeers, Hazlitt Theatre, Sat 17 – Sun 25 Aug
Are you ready for a Summer adventure? Don’t miss The Hazlitt Theatre’s open air summer tour this August. Catch The Three Musketeers on tour around Maidstone at select open air venues – including Little Fant Farm, Tithe Barn in Lenham and Blacksmiths Barn in Bredhurst and 7 more!
DATES NOW PASSED
Medieval Pageant and Trail, Canterbury, Sat 6 July
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Canterbury’s annual Medieval Pageant and Trail, brought to you by the Canterbury BID team, will be back this July, celebrating the role pilgrimage has had on the historic city and this year they’re celebrating King Henry II’s famous visit to Canterbury, 850 years ago! 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.
Kent County Show, Kent Showground, Maidstone, Fri 5 – Sun 7 July
Love the countryside and the great outdoors? The Kent County Show is the region’s showcase event for farming, agriculture and countryside life. For three days a year, animals, horses, vintage vehicles, retail stands and much more converge on the stunning surroundings of the Kent Showground for a celebration of the best in the county. Expect live entertainment, displays, demonstrations – so there’s always something new to see, do or try around every corner of this jam-packed event and a great family-friendly day trip option.
Military Festival & Country Fair, Betteshanger Park, Sat 27 – Sun 28 July
This fantastic Military Show & Country Fair is back this July in Deal and is even bigger and better than before! See re-enactments, military vehicles, a static Spitfire, 1940s fashion, live music and a whole host of children’s activities including Gel Master, Archery and much more. Plus new for 2024 is a comicon area, a celebration of all things comics, anime and pop-culture. See live appearances from Vaiders Raiders, The Real Kent Ghost Busters, The Taunton, The Deloreon, WALL-IE and Batman.
Foodies Festival, Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells, Fri 5 – Sun 7 July
For the first time ever, Foodies Festival is bringing top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music together to Tunbridge Wells. Don’t miss MasterChef champions, Michelin-starred and top local chefs cooking their signature summer recipes. Learn how to make show-stopping cakes with expert bakers plus Great British Bake Off stars. Sample new wines, champagnes and cocktails and eat delicious street food from all around the world. After all that, dance the night away with music headliners Peter Andre, Sister Sledge and Symphonic Ibiza. Tickets on sale now!
JoyFest, Squerryes, Westerham, Fri 26 July
JoyFest is Squerryes’ new event celebrating music, food and wine – what’s not to love? Enjoy music from International DJ, Marcel Mendez and Royal College of Music’s guitarist, Will Scott. As the sun sets over the picturesque Squerryes Estate, enjoy chilled Ibiza and feel-good summer vibes from 5-11:30pm. Tickets are £34.50pp which incudes a drink on arrival and food is available to purchase on the night.
Kent Beer Fest, Bowley’s At The Plough, Fri 26 – Sun 28 July
Bowley’s at The Plough will be hosting a beer festival with a huge selection of beers from local breweries in Kent and not forgetting the tasty bar food. In a nutshell: real ale, live music, BBQ, hosted over 3 days with a large selection of beers. Sign us up!
Leeds Castle Concert, Sat 13 July
Dust off your smartest smock for this one as the iconic event that is the Leeds Castle Concert. Set in the most stunning location and natural amphitheatre in front of the beautiful Leeds Castle. People in their thousands flock to see this amazing open-air musical delight. Expect world-class music from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a spectacular fly-over with a Spitfire and a fireworks finale. Fancy your chance at winning some tickets to go? Enter now asap!
The Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival, NOW – Sun 14 July
The vibrant annual Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival is coming BACK! If you don’t know (where have you been?), it’s two weeks of jam-packed events featuring up-and-coming artists and performers in a range of venues across the town. This year will see almost 200 performances with award-winning comedy, classical theatre, head-banging bands and everything in between from magic to children’s workshops, cabaret, dance and drag. The tickets range from being completely free up to £20. Explore the whole programme and get booking asap.
Mrs Armitage on Wheels, E M Forster Theatre, Tonbridge, Thurs 18 – Fri 19 July
Adapted from Quentin Blake’s classic tale, Scoot Theatre presents a 40min interactive, energetic show celebrating the joy of getting outdoors and being active. Don’t miss this
Compiled by Mia Jackson