OUT & ABOUT

Free Family Highlight Tour, Turner Contemporary, Sat 4 – Sat 25 Jan

Explore the world of art with your family at Turner Contemporary! Join the fun and interactive Family Highlight Tours, where you’ll discover the stories behind Anya Gallaccio’s stunning preserve exhibition. These tours are perfect for families, with exciting activities designed to engage children and adults alike in new ways. Starting in the Sunley Gallery, the free tours run every Saturday til 25 Jan, from 11:30am to 12pm. Ideal for families with children aged 12 and under, these 30-minute tours are a great way to enjoy art together. Best of all? The tour is free – so bring the whole family and get creative!

Wassail, Loddington Farm, Linton, Sat 4 Jan

Shake off the winter blues and embrace an age-old tradition at Loddington Farm’s Wassail Celebration. This lively event blesses the fruit trees, awakening them from their winter slumber and ensuring a bountiful spring harvest. Arrive at the farm by 5pm, ready to follow the drumbeat on a circular walk through the orchards. Take part in a traditional Wassail ceremony, warding off evil spirits and calling forth good fortune for the year ahead. After the ceremony, head back to the cosy tractor shed for refreshments, including Loddington venison burgers, Turner’s mulled cider, and Musket Brewery beer. Enjoy lively Morris dancing, hearty singing, and a wonderful sense of community. Just don’t forget your wellies!

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.

Gravesham Annual Lights Festival, Fri 24 & Sat 25 Jan

Get ready for a dazzling display of lights at the Gravesham Light Festival this January! With the theme Circus of Life, the streets of Gravesend will come alive with creativity, interactive installations, and a joyful celebration of fun – it’s completely FREE to enjoy. Expect to be wowed by dazzling circus performers, a roaming Disco Turtle, and atmospheric light installations, including a huge hourglass and illuminated jellyfish. It’s an unmissable spectacle that brings together the magic of light and the thrill of the circus, perfect for all ages to enjoy!

Superhero Day, Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford, Sat 25 Jan

Calling all little superheroes! A real-life superhero is on the way to Rare Breeds Centre and can’t wait to meet you. Snap a photo with the superhero as you enter the farm and enjoy a jam-packed day of activities. Head to the Discovery Zone at 11am and 1pm for special storytelling sessions, embark on an exciting farm trail where you need to keep your eyes open for clues and challenges, transform into your favourite superhero from their face-painting stations and enjoy food from the Granary Restaurant. Dress up encouraged!

How to Use Your Telescope, Bore Place, Thurs 30 Jan

Did you get a new telescope for Christmas or just fancy trying something new? This January 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 – 8pm. Suitable for all levels, no previous experience or knowledge required. Tea, coffee and squash included. Adults: £10. Children: £7.

WELLBEING

Spa & Yoga Retreats, Green Farm, Fri 10 – Sun 12 & Fri 24 – Sun 26 Jan

Kickstart 2025 with a dose of indulgence and wellness at Green Farm’s Spa and Yoga Retreats, running this January. Nestled in a restored 15th-century house, this escape has everything you need to reset: four yoga sessions, a 55-minute ESPA treatment, and access to luxurious spa facilities, including a sauna and outdoor hot tubs. The food? Locally sourced and utterly divine, crafted by Michelin-trained chef Ian. Plus there’s guided countryside walks, free time to explore, and cosy touches like fluffy robes and Egyptian linens. Don’t hang about, spaces are limited.

Sound Bath & Afternoon Tea Experience, Brandshatch Place, Sat 25 Jan

Start 2025 with clarity and intention at Brandshatch Place’s transformative afternoon of manifesting, relaxation, and goal-setting. Taking place on Sat 25 Jan, this unique experience blends a dynamic Manifesting Workshop, a deeply soothing Sound Bath, and an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) session. Together, these practices will empower you to let go of what no longer serves you, envision your best year, and create meaningful goals for growth and abundance. You’ll also enjoy a comprehensive workbook, a thoughtful gift, and a delightful afternoon tea. The session runs from 12:45pm to 4pm and costs £55pp. Can’t make it? It’s coming back in May!

Intro to Pilates, MyTime Pilates, Penshurst, Sat 11 Jan

Kick off your New Year with strength and balance at this Intro to Pilates Workshop at MyTime Pilates. This dynamic 90-minute session is perfect for beginners, blending both Mat-based and Reformer-based techniques to give you a full-body introduction to the transformative power of Pilates. Learn the core principles of the practice while discovering how it can enhance flexibility, strength, and mind-body connection. Spaces are just £30 – secure your spot today and take the first step towards a stronger, more centered you!

New Year Forest Bathing & Firepit, Hever Castle, Sat 18 Jan

Kickstart your new year with a refreshing and relaxing experience at Hever Castle’s secret wooded spot, where Tansy from Tansy in the Wild will guide you through a soothing forest bathing workshop. This 2.5-hour session will help you reconnect with nature and unwind with a peaceful walk through the woods, followed by a cozy circle of herbal teas, wild snacks, and a heartwarming gratitude reflection around the firepit. Perfect for anyone seeking a reset and a sense of calm, the experience costs £30pp and includes food and beverages. Spaces are limited!

Surround | Yoga & Sound, Turner Contemporary, Margate, Tues 14 Jan

Join this deeply relaxing evening of yoga, guided meditation, sound bath, and a live DJ in the serene Foyle Rooms at Turner Contemporary, with stunning sea views. This immersive experience will guide you through a slow yoga session focused on breathwork, preparing you for a soothing sound bath. Bring comfort for the concrete floor – mats, blankets, cushions, or anything cosy you need. 7-9pm. Tickets are £25pp.

FOOD & DRINK

Winter Ball at Chilston Park Hotel, Sat 18 Jan

Experience an enchanting evening of elegance and celebration at Chilston Park’s Winter Ball this January. Starting at 7pm, the night begins with Champagne and canapés before a spectacular four-course dinner crafted by Head Chef Ali and his team. Dance the night away beneath shimmering lights in an atmosphere of sophistication and joy. Tickets are £75pp – dress to impress and let the magic of winter sparkle around you!

Burns Night Warm Up, Macknade, Faversham, Fri 17 Jan

Get ready to dance the night away at Macknade with their first-ever Ceilidh hosted by the sensational Bowreed! Celebrate the lead-up to Burns Night with lively traditional Scottish dances, guided by an expert caller and accompanied by exhilarating live music. Tickets are £25pp, including a welcome drink, with a menu of Scottish food, drinks, and an exclusive whisky tasting available.

The First Vintages Masterclass & Lunch, Gusbourne, Sat 25 Jan

Step into the world of Gusbourne’s finest vintages with an exclusive masterclass and lunch that promises to delight wine lovers and foodies alike. Savor a never-before-seen selection of Gusbourne’s oldest and most precious bottlings, the foundation of their award-winning English sparkling wine. Guided by Gusbourne’s Brand Ambassador, uncover the fascinating journey of these early vintages and their ageing potential. Indulge in a delicious seasonal menu crafted by Head Chef Anthony Coppard, paired with limited-edition wines to elevate every bite. Running 12:30pm to 3:30pm – just book your taxis! £155pp. Can’t make it? It’s coming back Sat 8 Feb!

Burns Night, Squerryes, Westerham, Thurs 23 Jan

Celebrate Burns Night at Squerryes with a six-course tasting menu inspired by traditional Scottish recipes and local ingredients from the Squerryes Estate. Paired with exceptional whiskies from Port Charlotte 10 and Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie, this evening promises to honour Scotland’s beloved poet Robert Burns in style. Tickets are £55 for members (£65 for non-members), with optional drinks pairings available for £43 (£50 for non-members), payable on the evening. The event begins at 7pm at the Squerryes Winery Restaurant. Kilts are optional.

Burns Night, The Leicester Arms, Penshurst, Fri 24 Jan

Celebrate Burns Night at The Leicester Arms in Penshurst with an unforgettable evening of Scottish tradition, hearty food, and fine whisky. Enjoy a delicious five-course feast featuring traditional favourites with a creative twist, three expertly paired drams of whisky, and the theatrical “Ode to the Haggis” tradition, all while toasting Scotland’s beloved bard, Robert Burns, with a touch of poetry. Whether you’re a fan of Scottish culture or simply love great food and whisky, this is the perfect way to banish the January blues. Spaces are limited!

Live Music with Rachel Rivers, The Hengist, Aylesford, Fri 31 Jan

Join this fun evening of live music with the incredible Rachel Rivers at The Hengist in Aylesford. From 7pm, Rachel will captivate you with her soulful blend of jazz, pop, and swing. Settle in with delicious food and drinks as the warm ambiance of The Hengist comes alive with Rachel’s stunning performance. Mark your calendars!

STAGE

Chump’s Comedy: Vittorio Angelone, Olga Koch, Huge Davies, The Gulbenkian, Fri 31 Jan

Chump’s Comedy is bringing its highly anticipated first-ever Gulbenkian show to Canterbury, featuring an unmissable line-up of comedy stars: Vittorio Angelone, Olga Koch, and Huge Davies, all hosted by Kit Proudfoot. Having exploded onto the UK comedy scene in just 18 months, Chump’s has become known for delivering a diverse mix of household names and the hottest new acts to packed-out crowds in Margate, Edinburgh, London – and now Canterbury. Don’t miss out on this exciting night of comedy!

The Light Princess, The Gulbenkian Theatre, Sat 25 Jan

Get ready to be enchanted by The Light Princess, a magical new musical adaptation of the beloved fairytale that will captivate audiences of all ages! With beautiful songs, interactive antics, and an inspiring story of self-discovery, this production follows a princess who floats, a queen who wishes she’d stay grounded, and a little girl named Orla who sparks change in a frozen kingdom. Brought to life by LAStheatre, The Light Princess features stunning video by BAFTA award-winning designer David Newton, a poppy electronic score by Eleanor Isherwood, and magical sets and costumes by Sean Turner. Plus, all performances include captions and live BSL signing, making this an inclusive experience for all. Don’t miss this heartwarming, whimsical adventure!

All Aboard, EM Forster Theatre, Sat 25 & Sun 26 Jan

Panto in January? We’ve officially heard it all! School of Panto (Kings Hill based youth theatre group performing alongside a professional cast of pantomine actors) returns to EM Forster Theatre this January for what will be their seventh winter pantomime. Set sail on The Water’s Edge, the world’s newest cruise ship, as it embarks on its maiden voyage across the Atlantic. With a desperate need to impress their billionaire guest of honor, the crew will do whatever it takes to ensure the voyage is a success. But with seven days at sea, what could possibly go wrong This hilarious panto promises adventure, laughs, and plenty of surprises.

Miles Jupp’s On I Bang, The Hazlitt Theatre, Weds 22 Jan

Get ready for a rollercoaster of laughs and life lessons with Miles Jupp in his brand-new show, On I Bang! Since last gracing the stage at The London Palladium in 2017, Miles has been everywhere – from The Full Monty on Disney Plus to The Durrells and Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? on ITV, plus unforgettable appearances on Frankie Boyle’s New World Order and Have I Got News For You. But in the midst of this whirlwind career, Miles faced an unexpected plot twist: a brain seizure, a cherry-tomato-sized tumour, and some pretty dramatic neurosurgery. Now, with his trademark wit and charm, he’s turning that harrowing experience into comedy gold. Join him for a hilarious and heartfelt evening as he shares a tale of surprises, fear, luck, love, and the magic of modern medicine. Don’t miss your chance to see Miles at his most candid, clever, and absolutely unmissable!

Matt Forde: End Of An Era Tour, The Alex, Faversham, Fri 31 Jan

The UK has a new government so that can only mean one thing: new people to take the piss out of. Leading political comedian and satirist Matt Forde (British Scandal, Spitting Image, The Last Leg) will be performing at The Alex in Faversham this month. Tickets from £17.50 so get to it.

WEDDINGS

Wedding Open Day, Betteshanger Park, Sun 19 Jan

Plan Your Dream Day at Betteshanger Park’s Wedding Open Day! Explore the beauty and charm of these stunning wedding spaces. Step into The Glass Room, styled to perfection for a celebration, and meet their expert in-house wedding team ready to turn your vision into reality. Discover inspiration from talented recommended suppliers and get all the details to make your special day unforgettable. Pre-register now to enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival, simply email events@betteshangerparks.co.uk or drop in on the day.

Words by Mollie Manning

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