Jolly Jan! 30 things to do in Kent this month
Well hello 2024! It may be cold outside but baby it’s scorching hot in here. Start off the year as you mean to go on with these 30 fantastic things to do in Kent this month.
OUTDOORS & WALKS
National Trust Sites, Open now
Despite no special/particular events happening, all these wonderful sites are still open for visiting! Discover your very own fairy-tale castle tucked away amongst acres of park and woodland at Scotney Castle or visit Chartwell‘s two-storey treehouse with lofty views across the 80-acre estate. Or at Sissinghurst Castle venture down to the play area by the lakes and encounter a den building and even a climbable carved dragon. Ightam Mote’s Natural Play Area is a great place to burn off some energy and keep the little ones entertained for the day.
How to Use Your Telescope, Bore Place, Fri 19 Jan
Did you get a new telescope for Christmas or just fancy trying something new? This Fri 13 Jan at Bore Place, learn how to properly set up a telescope to explore the skies and how to get the most from your stargazing from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Suitable for all levels, no previous experience or knowledge required. Tea, coffee and squash included. Adults: £8. Children: £6.
Gardening Course for Hobby Gardeners, Hever Castle, until 12 Jan
Join RHS-approved horticultural tutor Caroline on a journey of discovery from the ground up in these Gardening Courses for Hobby Gardeners. Take the next step in gardening; learn basic botany and the language of botanical nomenclature. Discover how to identify plants, their unique growth habits, and where each one thrives.
THEATRE
Shakespeare’s Fool, Trinity Theatre, Thurs 11 Jan
Craving culture? Go see this performance, Shakespeare’s Fool, now in its third year of touring that has delighted audiences and critics alike with five-star reviews, performances at 3 international festivals and sell-out runs across the UK. Sounds tempting but what it’s about you ask? Meet Will ‘Cavaliero’ Kempe, one of the finest performers of the Elizabethan age. Until… He fell out with Will ‘git-face’ Shakespeare. Kempe died alone and poverty-stricken, not very far from the original Globe Theatre, of which he was an original shareholder, and faded into obscurity. Join ‘Cavaliero’ Kempe on the streets of London as he gives his final performance to an audience of a mouse and a marrote and tells the tale of his life, his rise to stardom, and what really happened between him and William Shakespeare.
Agatha Christie’s ‘The Hollow‘, Gulbenkian Theatre, Thurs 25 – Sat 27 Jan
Love a murder mystery? Don’t miss this at The Gulbenkian Theatre this month. Lean in close and let us paint the picture. It’s autumn 1946, and the Angkatell family and their guests gather at their country estate, The Hollow, for a weekend together. As the weekend begins, cracks between the guests start to show. Within 24 hours, one of their number will be murdered. As tensions increase and the Met Police descend on The Hollow, everyone is a suspect and another murder is on the cards…
An Evening of Burlesque, The Hazlitt Theatre, Fri 26 Jan
Roll up, roll up! The UK’s longest running burlesque show is back touring the nation and is coming to Kent this month and we hear it’s bigger than ever. The ultimate variety show, blends cabaret, comedy, music, circus and burlesque featuring world-class entertainers. Expect fun, feathers, fabulous costumes and the finest selection of specialty artistes, cabaret and circus stars, comedians and champagne showgirls. Did someone say cocktails and cabaret o’clock? Only a handful of tickets left so be quick.
Rewrite the Stars, EM Forster Theatre, Sat 27 & Sun 28 Jan
Panto in January? We’ve officially heard it all! School of Panto returns to EM Forster Theatre this January for what will be their sixth winter pantomime. Luke Roberts, Vicky Hoyles, David Waller, and Laura Crowhurst all return, while panto veterans Michael J Batchelor and Jack Everson join the cast, for this imaginative tale. Tickets are £25.
COMEDY
The Alex, Faversham
Join the world-famous prankster, Lee Nelson creator and now the most viewed British stand-up comedian on TikTok, Simon Brodkin (Fri 13 Jan), as he warms up for his huge show at London’s Hammersmith Apollo. So catch the exact same show for much cheaper in your local theatre, winning! Plus Stephen K Amos (Weds 20 Jan) is back with a brand new show, join him for an hour of solid jokes and guaranteed belly laughs, fresh from a sell-out tour in Australia and the US.
The Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone
Not one but two fab comedians are coming to Maidstone this month. Hot off the back of a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe run Tatty Macleod (Weds 17 Jan) will be bringing her certain je ne sais quoi to the stage with her hugely popular English vs French TikToks – they’re SO funny. Or see the host of the global smash-hit podcast Have A Word and star of Live At The Apollo; Adam Rowe (Thurs 18 Jan) with his brand new stand-up tour. This promises to be a hilarious evening.
The Gulbenkian Arts Centre, Canterbury
Join the multi-award-winning star of Celebrity Gogglebox, Babatunde Aléshé (Sun 21 Jan), as he talks family and fatherhood in this highly anticipated debut tour. He’s one of the fastest rising stars British comedy and is phenomenal demand so you’re gonna want to book these tickets asap.
ART
Margo McDaid Exhibition, Albion House, Ramsgate, Thurs 18 Jan
January doesn’t have to be all kinds of dry. Go see Margo in Margate’s solo exhibition in support of POW Thanet at Albion House from 6pm.
Alastair Duncan Interactive Tapestry Weaving Exhibition, Tonbridge School, 27 Jan – 3 March
Working across fibre, photography and sound, Alastair Duncan brings craft and technology together in an exhibition of interactive tapestries that respond to proximity and touch.Through weaving soundscapes into his pieces, Alastair shows his enjoyment of their shared traits; texture and rhythm. Free entry and no need to book. Open most weekends, 12 – 4pm.
Storytellers, The Beaney, Canterbury, until 25 Feb 2024
Storytellers is a group exhibition that’s all about celebrating the connection between art and storytelling. Through the works of 23 contemporary artists across various disciplines and from all walks of life, each bringing their own unique flair, Storytellers explores the idea that artworks convey narratives that spark emotions and discussions. It’s not just about pretty pictures, colours, and shapes, it’s about the stories that are told. Go see!
Introduction to Screen Printing on Clay, The Ceramic Studio Brenchley, 2 Jan – 20 Feb
This exciting new course offers an insight into screen printing on clay. Students will have the chance to create wheel-thrown pieces or hand-thrown pieces (greenware and bisque) and learn how to use photographic print techniques using silkscreens and photographic gum. £370 for 8 sessions. 8-week course every Tuesday.
Sensing Culture: Eye-Dentity, The Beaney, Canterbury, Sat 13 Jan – Sun 10 March
A stunning exhibition by people with sight loss, sharing a sense of how they see the world through their collective artworks. Eye-Dentity is a unique exhibition inviting people to experience what it might be like to have sight loss. The ‘Eye Boxes’ in the exhibition reveal scenes that are obscured by various materials to stimulate the artists’ eye condition. Show show double, blurred, or no vision. A new experience to embark on this year.
BOOK NOW
Turner Lates, Turner Contemporary, Margate, Fri 12 Jan
Up for an alternative Friday night? Go along to Turner Lates this Jan, the free late-night social and opportunity to explore art after hours with the final weekend of the exhibition, In The Offing, edited by and featuring Mark Leckey. The Gallery will be open until 9pm with live DJ sets from Margate Radio founder Paul Camo, Ashley Holmes and ANGUSRAZE will host a drop-in talk on the D.I.Y music scenes and the video he made for the exhibition. See you at the bar!
Genevieve’s Wardrobe Pre-Loved Sale, Tunbridge Wells, Sat 20 Jan
Shop super stylish Victoria Genevieve’s fabulous wardrobe at this pre-loved sale at One Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells. If you haven’t met Victoria, where have you been? She’s a personal stylist working with clients throughout the South East and London and has been working in the fashion industry for 21 years. The sale is open 11am – 4pm. Just DM Victoria with your time slot. Bubbles at the ready!
WELLBEING
Breathwork & Sound Bath Workshops, Nourish by Naomi, Jan
Join Queen of Cacao and holistic well-being expert, Naomi Buff at one of her sought-after workshops this month from Sound Baths with ceremonial Cacao on Mon 8 & Sun 28 Jan, and Bionic Breath & Beat Workshops on Weds 24, Thurs 25, and Weds 31 Jan. Held in locations like Orpington, Tonbridge, and Sevenoaks. See the magic for yourself.
Beauty & The Feast, Bank House & Number Eight, Jan
Celebrity chef Stuart Gillies has created a health and beauty-enhancing menu, coming available this month. Enjoy an eight-course, beauty-enhancing menu that will run at his two dining destinations throughout January. It’s been carefully designed to help heal and protect the body inside and out for the new year. Choose the option of a £65 meat or vegan menu with alcohol-free drinks, featuring tipples like Kombucha and Green Tea or carefully selected wines. Plus receive a complimentary Beauty Box of skin, hair and cosmetic products.
Nutrition Interactive Workshop, Green Farm , Thu 18 Jan
Tucked away in Shadoxhurst, make a trip to rural retreat, Green Farm for a relaxed 1-hour workshop with their nutritional specialist, Alice Yeats. Alice will guide you through the journey of making simple yet substantial changes to your diet and lifestyle to harness lifelong, easy-to-follow healthier habits. It’s the perfect chance to get your New Year off to the healthiest start possible!
Yoga Jam Retreat, Oxon Hoath Country Estate, Fri 19 – Sun 21 Jan
Now in its 8th spectacular year, FLOW (the award-winning Yoga Studio in Tunbridge Wells) is kicking off 2024 with its Yoga Jam Retreat at the beautiful Oxon Hoath Country Estate in Kent. The perfect opportunity to get away from it all and reset for the year ahead. Let’s slide into the New Year brand-spankin’ new.
Gut Matters Intro to Eating for Gut Health, Virgina Hills, Fri 19 Jan
Looking to understand more about your gut health or what to eat to balance your hormones? Then Wasted Kitchen’s ‘Bite-Sized Nutrition’ Season with Virginia Hills Nutritionist at Macknade is for you. Grab a seat at their Experience Bar from 10am – 12pm on Fri 19 Jan. Join Katy (Wasted Kitchen) and Virginia Hills (Gut & Hormone Health Nutritionist) to talk gut health and explore what it’s all about, what it can do for you and where to begin to improve your gut health. Virginia will be talking gut health basics and Katy will be sharing some easy gut health food ideas and hacks that will make a difference straight away. Each session is 2 hours with time to chat and ask questions.
Vegan Dinner, Balfour Winery, Sat 20 Jan
Veganuary’s never looked so good! Balfour Winery is hosting a special vegan five-course dinner in The Winemaker’s Kitchen on Sat 20 Jan. The evening starts with a pre-dinner glass of Balfour Wine followed by an inventive vegan five-course set meal. The entire range of Balfour Wines and Jake’s Drinks are vegan and will be available to purchase plus alcohol-free sparkling wine, Wild Idol. Starts from 7:30pm and is £60pp.
KIDS
Winners of our awards for Best Children’s Business category in Kent 2023, Kent Academy of Musical Theatre offers students wonderful opportunities to explore and express their creativity, passion and enthusiasm for Musical Theatre by taking part in classes such as acting and dancing! With locations in Cranbrook and Maidstone, here are their classes for January:
Cranbrook Primary School on Saturdays, 4-8 yrs, 12-2pm and 9-12 yrs, 12-3pm.
Mid Kent College in Maidstone on Thursdays for 4-8 yrs, 4:30pm – 6pm and Wednesdays for 9-12 yrs, 6-8pm and 13-16 yrs, 7-9pm.
St Dunstan’s Church Hall on Mondays, Ballet 4-4:30pm for 4-8 yrs, Tap 4:35-5:05pm for 4-8yrs and Street 5:10-5:50pm for 4-8 yrs.
Mid Kent College in Maidstone on Fridays, Ballet at 4-4:30pm for 4-8 yrs, Tap at 4:45-5:15pm for 4-8 yrs and Street at 5:30pm – 6pm for 4-8 yrs.
Compiled by Mia Jackson