25 marvellous things to do locally this March

It’s Spring! From major art exhibitions to food and drink festivals, here are your curated Muddy highlights to make the most of where you live in March.

OUTDOORS

Easter Food Festival, Broadstairs, Fri 29 – Sun 31 March

Spring’s in sight to pop down to the beautiful coastal town of Broadstairs for this wonderful food festival. FREE to enter and brimming with the best local and Kentish produce and traders like; Anno Distillers, Cheesemakers of Canterbury, Crumbs & Treacle, Lone Star BBQ, The Halloumi Stop, Tini’s Tacos, The Tipsy Bakery and lots more! Spanning three days this festival is fun for all the family with a variety of workshops to get involved with and a sandy beach to play on too.

FREE Cinema, Folkestone Harbour Arm, Fri 29 March

It’s time to get alfresco because Folkestone Harbour Arm’s summer of cinema is returning this March. Watch absolute classics to family favourites every Friday from 29 March at 7pm as the sun sets. No ticket needed, just turn up but we’d advise to go early to get a good seat. Potter the pier packed with food and drink pop-ups and admire the views of Folkestone. Just add sunshine. Programme with films will be announced very soon so watch this space…

Dazzling Daffodils, Hever Castle, Mon 18 – Sun 24 March

With close to 250,000 blooms, Hever Castle & Gardens will be dazzling with daffodils this March. Explore at your own pace or join a Garden Tour from Mon 18 – Sun 24, running twice daily with Johnny Walkers and Head Gardener, Neil Miller. Johnny and Neil will take you on a magical mystery tour through time, revealing the secret delights of heritage bulbs that flower for decades (some for centuries), and the new varieties that you’ll love. Who knows maybe you’ll learn something new?

STAGE

The Magic of Terry Pratchett, Trinity Theatre, Fri 22 March

Just performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023 to rave reviews and named one of the best reviewed shows of the fringe by the British Comedy Guide, The Magic of Terry Pratchett is coming to Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells this month. This is a multimedia comic lecture delivered by author and comedian, Marc Burrows as he embarks on a journey through the life and work of Sir Terry Pratchett OBE. Exploring his life, influences, and the impact of someone who is arguably one of the greatest storytellers of all time. Warning: includes bad puns and unnecessary footnotes which will leave you in stitches.

YolanDa Brown, Gulbenkian Arts Centre, Sat 9 March

I think we’re all in need of a bit of sunshine music so go see saxophonist YolanDa Brown perform at Gulbenkian Arts Centre, bringing her delicious fusion of reggae, jazz and soul to Canterbury – watch and listen above, thank us later! Sit back, relax and enjoy a night of music from the double MOBO award-winning artist who’s just scooped up an OBE. It’s not too bad living in the sticks, is it?

Ray Bradshaw: Doppelginger, Hazlitt Theatre, Sat 9 March

Comedian Ray Bradshaw is forever being told “you look just like my mate” wherever he goes. In his brand-new show, Doppelginger, Ray is going to use the latest in genetic research to try and put an end to this once and for all and he’s on a quest to find the person who looks most like him. If you have a bald, ginger-bearded friend in their 30s, then bring them along, they could be The One!

An Evening Concert with Joe Stilgoe, Balfour Winery, Sat 2 March

Your next date night never looked so good. Score some serious brownie points and book your tickets as the phenomenal Joe Stilgoe is bringing his jazz, wit and style back to Balfour Winery this month. Set to be an inspiring evening of music, dinner and wine with Joe, who’s known globally as one of the best singer-pianists in the world. Enjoy a glass of sparkling Balfour Wine on arrival, followed by a delicious three-course meal. £95pp.

On Track, The Alex, Fri 8 March

Love cycling? Don’t miss this International Women’s Day exclusive coming to The Alex in Faversham. It’s March 2020 and Kit is a resourceful working mother of two who thrives in a fast-paced world, but when lockdown hits, her world shrinks. With the walls closing in, two wheels become her sanctuary, and her escape. This is a new play drawing on true stories which will leave you inspired to pump up your tyres and ride out on a new adventure. So what are you waiting for?

FOOD & DRINK

Discover The Rhone Valley Wine Tasting, Macknade, Thurs 7 March

Macknade is bringing France to Faversham this March with a wine tasting in their Wine Store on Thurs 7 March from 6pm. Try some of the finest wines from the legendary M. Chapoutier estate, one of the oldest winemakers in the Rhone Valley with Sue Brooker from Hatch Mansfield. Tickets are £25 which include a tutored tasting of eight wines, complimentary nibbles and exclusive offers available on the night. Taxi!

Murder on the Jubilee Queen, The Ferry House, Fri 8 March

The Ferry House are dying to invite you to their secluded waterside location for a night of solving crime on Fri 8 March. Grab the girls, board the river boat ‘Jubilee Queen’ and help investigate whodunnit. A fun evening of award-winning dining and immersive entertainment. Tickets include a three-course meal, show and arrival drink for £65pp.

Pinot Noir Vertical Tasting and Lunch, Gusbourne, Sat 23 March

Wino-s! Head to Gusbourne for a behind-the-scenes tour of their winery, expert-hosted tasting of their acclaimed still Pinot Noir and three-course lunch. You’ll get to try new releases alongside library vintages and a special limited-edition wine. Tickets are £115pp.

Celebration Dinner, The Dog at Wingham, Thurs 28 March

Award-winning gastropub The Dog host monthly celebration dinners with an exciting and seasonal menu available for one day only and March is no different. Chef’s Charlie, Matt and Ciaran have curated a gorgeous menu, see here which is available on Thurs 28 March only so book your table asap. Arrive at 6pm for drinks with dinner are 7:30pm for £60pp. They’re also launching Bottomless Lunch on Saturdays from 2 March, 2 hours of Prosecco anyone? It’s a good job they’ve got rooms…

Guest Chef: Chantelle Nicholson, Updown Farmhouse, Fri 15 March

Chantelle Nicholson, multi award-winning chef and owner of Apricity Restaurant (Michelin Green Star 2023) in Mayfair will be the next guest chef at Updown Farm in Deal. Sit on communal tables and enjoy a mix of plated dishes and sharing platters. Chantelle will bring Apricity’s ethos of a circular economy to Updown, using sustainable produce from local small-scale farmers, makers, growers and foragers to champion Chantelle’s low waste approach to cooking.  Tickets are £70 to include a welcome cocktail.

Chef Series: James Cochran, Finbar’s, Weds 20 March

On the subject of celeb chefs, catch Great British Menu star James Cochran at Finbar’s in Westgate as part of their latest Chef Series. Bringing a 5-course taster menu from his restaurant 12:51 in Islington to the coast near you. His menu boasts mouthwatering dishes such as torched, cured mackerel, truffle buttermilk fried chicken and roast hogget. Tickets are £108 and on sale now so go, go, go!

EVENTS

In Conversation with Flavia Frigeri and Lauren Elkin, Turner Contemporary, Sat 2 March

Following the launch of the exhibition Beyond Form: Lines of Abstraction, 1950 – 1970 – it’s free to explore, you should definitely check it out – join guest curator for Turner Contemporary, writer and art historian Flavia Frigeri for a conversation with art critic and author Lauren Elkin. They’ll be discussing the celebrating the groundbreaking women artists featured in the exhibition and how using abstract artistic methods they transcended geographical and cultural boundaries. Get your fill of culture here.

RNLI 200: The Exhibition, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, 23 March – 1 Sep

Experience the exhilarating story of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution as the lifesaving charity celebrates its 200th anniversary in The Historic Dockyard Chatham’s brand-new exhibition for 2024. This must-visit exhibit allows you to discover the heroic tales of the men and women who have risked their lives to see others, in times of calm and amidst the most treacherous storms. This extraordinary showcase is included in your entry ticket.

Productive Greenhouse Experience, Powell Cotton Museum, Sun 17 March

For the green-fingered amongst you, learn how to make the most of growing under glass with the Quex Gardeners so whether you have a conservatory, greenhouse or homemade cold frames, be inspired on how to use them to grow plants as well as food for your table. Watch how to sow and grow tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and more to make the most from the forthcoming season and with a tasty lunch from Angela’s of Margate, you’ll leave not only with new skills but with seeds and seedlings ready to grow on for the season ahead. £35pp.

Spring Solstice Retreat, Sevenoaks, Weds 20 March

Nourish by Naomi breathing wellness

Lean into Spring and join this evening of magic, cacao and sound alchemy to celebrate the Spring Equinox. Join Holistic Wellbeing Expert, Naomi with this power of intuition setting and ritual this March. The evening will begin with an explanation of sound and ceremonial cacao, followed by drinking the cacao in an opening ceremony with intention setting followed by a relaxing and resetting sound bath with gongs, bowls and chimes. Taking place at The Bat & Ball Centre in Sevenoaks, 7:30-9pm.

LCRH Fertility Café, Tunbridge Wells, Fri 15 March

At the start of your fertility journey? Pop in for a chat and meet Dr Lynne Chaphan, leading Reproductive Medicine Consultant, MBBS BSc (Neuro) MRCOG and Jane Holman from her clinical team, who will be available to offer advice on a range of treatments; from IVF to IUI, as well as using donor eggs and sperm, fertility tests, egg freezing and more. LCRH Fertility Cafés are a fantastic opportunity for anyone exploring fertility treatments, including same sex couples, and those within the LGBTQ+ community, single women, and heterosexual couples. Spaces are limited so please register to book your place. 1pm – 2:30pm in Tunbridge Wells.

Caudalie Open Day at Sheldon Spa, Thurs 7 March

Sheldon Spa are hosting an Open Day with Caudalie, a day of wine tasting, gourmet nibbles and cutting-edge beauty treatments. Try the new Caudalift Muscle Stimulation Tool, the brand new lifting, anti-ageing tool for the face and neck whilst sipping on wine from Caudalie’s very own vineyard, Château Smith Haut Lafitte and culinary delights from Sheldon’s in-house Chef – what could be better than this? Just pop along between 10am – 6pm.

KIDS

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet, EM Forster Theatre, Sat 2 – Sun 3 March

Looking for something to entertain the little ones? Catch this charming play based on the original book Dogs Don’t Do Ballet brought to life using beautiful puppets, well-loved ballet music and dazzling comedy at E M Forster Theatre in Tonbridge. Biff isn’t like ordinary dogs, he likes moonlight, music and walking on his tiptoes. Biff doesn’t just think he’s a dog but a ballerina, this is a hilarious story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams.

Ninja Toddlers opens at The Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park, Chatham, from Mon 4 March

At what is possibly the biggest and best soft play you’ll ever experience, Chatham’s Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park will for the first time be offering 1-4 year olds the opportunity to enjoy its amazing, giant inflatable course from Mon 4 March. The space will be reserved exclusively for the young ones, every weekday morning from 9:30am til 11:30am. So watch them take on the giant inflatable course, complete with tunnels, battle towers and obstacle courses. Let the fun begin.

Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show, Sun 10 March

A regular at Edinburgh Fringe and awarded ‘Best Kid’s Show’, Mark Thompson is going on a national tour and will be stopping off at Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone this March. So if you think science is boring, think again. This is science like you’ve never seen it before, designed for children and adults alike, watch exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!

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