Amazing April! 35 things to do locally this month
From flower festivals to award-winning theatre and plenty of fun in the sun (April showers, begone!), here’s our bumper guide to the best of Kent this month.
OUT & ABOUT
Celebration of Spring, Hever Castle, Mon 15 – Sun 28 April
From blossom to bluebells, Hever Castle & Gardens have got spring covered this year with a colourful celebration that promises to delight this April. See the thousands of flowers popping up this month and join in the two-week celebration with a tour with the gardening team (sessions available Mon-Sun at certain times) or take part in a range of lively workshops from a ‘Scratch & Sniff’ hanging basket workshop or learn how to create an eco, seasonal and foam-free flower arrangement.
Maidstone’s Medieval Fayre, Sat 6 April
Step back in time and enjoy this free family fun-filled day in the town’s centre beautiful Brenchley Gardens taking place early April. See re-enactors bringing traditional crafts and skills to life along with talks and demonstrations, including spinning, woodworking and calligraphy, as well as a barber surgeon and a blacksmith working at his forge. Learn more about medieval crime and punishment, meet the beautiful birds of prey and why not let the kids join Knight and Princess training? Open 11am – 4pm.
Green Fun Day, Tenterden Railway Station, Sun 7 April
For £1 entry, pop along for a fun-day guaranteed with living green at the heart of it. The whole family can enjoy live music, a kid’s activity trail (with prizes), free face painting, stalls selling children’s books and pre-loved toys, interactive recycling games and a gardening quiz plus nature and gardening talks from Sissinghurst Garden experts and nature storytelling with local authors. Just add sunshine!
Scotney Castle Flower Festival, Sat 20 – Sun 28 April
Flower power! This flower festival is not to be missed, see the mansion house ablaze with beautiful flowers this April. Walk around the sunshine or sit on a blanket and enjoy a picnic in some gorgeous surroundings.
THEATRE & MUSIC
Claire Martin, The Alex, Faversham, Fri 5 April
Join multi-award-winning jazz vocalist and BBC Radio presenter, Claire Martin OBE and the acclaimed pianist, Graham Harvey, for a celebration of some of the greatest Jazz vocalists of the 20th Century. Expect stylish reworkings of classics from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Shirley Horn, Carmen McRae.
Gavin Bryars’ Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet, Canterbury Cathedral, Fri 5 April
Are you ready to be immersed in an unforgettable evening of music? Presented by Gulbenkian Arts Centre in the atmospheric surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral, this promises to be an evening you won’t want to miss. Composer Gavin Bryars will be conducting his own ensemble of the world recognised, Jesus’ Blood, first released in 1975. It features a looped recording of a homeless man singing a religious song, the music gradually builds in intensity and complexity to a moving crescendo. It’s ethereal, haunting and powerful. The performance will be rising money in aid of Torchlight, Kent’s largest health and housing charity.
Blood Brothers, The Assembly Hall Theatre, Tues 16 – Sat 20 April
For more song and dance, see Blood Brothers, fresh from the West End and coming to Tunbridge Wells. Only a few musicals have received such acclaim as this multi-award-winning show, surpassing 10,000 performances, it’s only one of three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. So save the journey to the city and catch this moving story at a theatre near you.
COMEDY
The Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone, Fri 19 & Sat 20 April
If you’re looking for a good giggle, get to The Hazlitt Theatre this month to see award-winning comedian Aurie Styla back on tour on Sat 20 April and there’s Josh Baulf who will be taking to the stage on Fri 19 April accompanied by a line-up of the best comics on the UK circuit.
Tonbridge Comedy Nights, EM Forster Theatre, Fri 19 April
Start your weekend off right at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge, their sell-out comedy nights featuring some of the best comedians is back. Get your tickets now for Fri 19 April (£14) to see headline President Obonjo, Rob Deering and Jen O’Donnell. It’s a fab night of comedy and the chance to see not 1 but 3 different comedians in one sitting.
The Gulbenkian, Canterbury, Sat 6 – Fri 19 April
Comedy is hotter than ever here! Don’t miss Alsadair Beckett-King and his gorgeous locks (Sat 6 April), the nation’s uncle Nick Helm‘s box fresh show (Thurs 11 April), BAFTA award-winning Iain Stirling (Fri 12 April), multi-viral, social media sensation Tom Houghton (Sun 14 April), trail-blazing comedian Paul Foot (Weds 17 April) and finally, the Funny Rabbit Comedy Club is back on Fri 19 April with Scottish comedian Vlad McTavish.
EVENTS
Author Events, Sevenoaks Bookshop, Fri 12 – Fri 26 April
Book lovers there’s plenty to get stuck into at the award-winning Sevenoaks Bookshop this April, if you’ve never been to an Author Event, why not? Listen up cos this April you could hear from and meet; Percival Everett and his new novel James (Fri 12 April), practical gardening tips and sumptuous photography of floral displays from Sean Pritchard (Thurs 18 April), the long-awaited collection from one of Britain’s finest living poets Jackie Kay (Mon 22 April) and Amber Guiness introducing her new book Italian Coastal (Fri 26 April).
Feel Good from Top to Toe, Faversham, from Mon 15 April
Summer is just around the corner so it’s time to get serious in the gym and if the words barbells, squats and deadlifts scare you, you’ll want to join this friendly 6-week course led by Top To Toe Fitness at Macknade, Faversham. Learn how to lift safely and confidently plus the importance of good technique and form, what muscles you’re targeting and how to progress with your movements – most importantly you’ll gain strength and feel great! Open to all abilities, ages and genders.
Paddle Cabin Presents: A Night of Adventure, Kingdom, Thurs 11 April
Watersport venture, Paddle Cabin based in East Peckham, are hosting a motivational evening at Kingdom in Penshurst with inspirational adventurers, Jo Moseley, Skip Innes, Craig Sawyer and Jackie Scully. Gather together and hear their stories and what they’ve learnt along the way. The perfect evening for anyone who is happiest outdoors and you will leave feeling inspired for your own adventures, however big or small. Plus you’ll have the chance to win amazing prizes in the raffle, with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Now. Tickets are £27.25, book up quick!
Songbird Sessions, Green Farm, Shadoxhurst, Sun 28 April
Explore posture, breathing, sound meditation, gentle singing, sound meditation and nature walking in this 3-hour endorphin-releasing workshop. The day will begin with a special brew to warm your heart and voice where you’ll then take part in an immersive sound and singing workshop. We all know the uplifting benefits of music and singing but what’s special about this workshop, is that you’ll be in the tranquil surroundings of Green Farm. Seriously, it’s beautiful. It’s worth mentioning that an ability to sing is irrelevant, just a love of music and sound is all you’ll need. £80pp.
FOOD & DRINK
A Taste of the Middle East, The Dog at Wingham, Thurs 25 April
The Middle East is making its way to Wingham, for one night only, Executive Chef and Owner of Queen of Cups, Ayesha Kalaji, of Masterchef: The Professionals will be collaborating with The Dog’s Head Chef Robert Mantegna for this month’s celebration dinner. Arrive at 6pm for drinks, dinner to be served from 7:30pm. £60pp. The menu looks amazing!
Dining with Nightingales, Green Farm, Sat 27 April
This completely outdoor event, is a food and nature experience like no other. Taste delicious dishes created by their in-house chef Ian Waghorn, around the campfire with drinks, canapés and a 3-course meal, all set in the woodlands of the Green Farm estate. After dinner, you’ll be led on a walk to listen to the song of these remarkable birds. From 6:30pm til midnight. £95pp. Spaces are limited.
An Evening with John Bingley, The Firepit, Tues 23 April
Swishy hotel Cave’s restaurant The Firepit is the place to be this April. Don’t miss this extraordinary culinary experience with Chef John Bingley and try a specially curated tasting menu featuring a selection of his signature dishes from innovative starters to delectable desserts. Wine flights from Chapel Down also available. Limited availability. £120pp.
Winemakers’ Editions Masterclass & Lunch, Gusbourne, Fri 26 April
Don’t miss a chance to experience this boutique English winery sitting in the stunning Kent countryside of Appledore. Discover why they are the most awarded English Sparkling producer and try limited-edition wines and meet the people who made them. Following the tasting, enjoy a seasonal three-course wine lunch and finish your day with a late afternoon stroll through the vineyards. 12pm til 3:30pm. £115pp. Just arrange a taxi.
KIDS
There’s an entire bumper guide dedicated to the little people for the Easter hols! It’s a beast, and will have everything you need for the next two weeks. But here’s some more suggestions…
Easter Egg Hunt, Betteshanger Park, Deal, NOW – Sun 7 April
Not sure what to do with the kids this April? Get in the Easter spirit and head to Betteshanger Park for their legendary Easter Egg Trail plus get to meet their very special guest rabbit. Find hidden gems to claim chocolatey rewards around their beautiful park. £10 per child. Book tickets asap.
Pottery Painting & Cookie Decorating, The Alex, Faversham, Fri 5 April
Head to The Alex for a day filled with joy, art and mouthwatering treats with their Easter Pottery Painting & Cookie Decorating event. Paint Easter-themed pottery pieces and learn the art of transforming plain cookies into edible masterpieces. There’s 3 sessions across the day from 10am – 11:30am, 12pm – 1:30pm and 2pm – 3:30pm. Book up!
Spot’s Birthday Party, The Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury, Thurs 11 April
Happy Birthday Spot! Interactive family theatre tour Spot’s Birthday Party (based on the much-loved Spot the Dog stories), comes to Canterbury this April. Woof to that! The show, which promises songs and dance, and is being produced by the guys behind David Walliam’s Mr Stink, so it bodes well. For children 2+.
The WonderWorks, Margate, NOW – Sun 14 April
The WonderWorks has an egg-citing lineup of activities from delightful bunny trails to discounted entry fees, there’s something for everyone to hop into the Easter spirit! Til Fri 12 April, embark on the Easter Bunny Trail (£2) and hunt for hidden bunnies adorned with letters to try to find the hidden word and receive a tasty prize. AND from Sat 13 – Sun 14 April, children aged 5-15 years old can enjoy admission for just £1. Open 10am to 4pm.
The Amazing Bubble Man, Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, Fri 12 April
You won’t want to miss The Amazing Bubble Man who’s been thrilling audiences for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles and he always sells out so be quick to book your tickets cos these will be snapped up.
Kids Pizza Making, Macknade, Faversham, Fri 5 & Fri 12 April
Calling all pizza lovers! Get ready for a slice of fun at Macknade this Easter. So roll up your sleeves for a fun pizza making workshop and drop-in anytime between 11am – 2:30pm and for just £5 a ticket, your little chefs can create their very own pizza. There’s also Easter activity sheets and a paper egg hunt plus classic lawn games and plenty of delicious dishes for the adults to enjoy too.
WEDDINGS
Wedding Open Day, Goodnestone Park, Thurs 7 April
Planning a wedding? Need some inspo? Your dream wedding could be awaiting you in Goodnestone Park this April. See why Jane Austen was a regular visitor to this stunning, privately owned stately home and garden near Canterbury and upon arrival enjoy a glass of locally produced English Sparkling wine and canapés. Be led on a tour of the house and get free access to the gardens for the rest of the day. Meet their bookings team and handpicked selection of wedding professionals who will answer all your questions and can help you make your day come alive. Book your place asap.
Spring Wedding Showcase, The Ferry House, Sat 20 & Thurs 25 April
Idyllic & Co will be styling The Ferry House’s Barn ceremony and Event Suite wedding breakfast, so pop along between 11am – 3pm on Sat 20 April or between 5-8pm on Thurs 25 April to view this beautiful showcase. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see The Ferry House at dusk, with the festoon lights glowing, the fire pit burning and the sun setting over the fields. Simply come along, have a chat about your wedding day and pick up a brochure.
FURTHER AFIELD…
The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace
Love the pomp and ceremony of royal events? Head straight for the Royal Mews – a working royal stables responsible for the King’s road travel. A stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, you can get up close to the fairytale-like Gold State Coach used in coronations since 1821 and the Rolls Royce Phantom VI used in royal weddings. You can even climb aboard a reproduction landau for that essential photo opp, tack up a (wooden) pony, and ‘ooh and aah’ over the other carriages and shiny bits of kit. A great day out for all ages. Tickets: adults from £17, Kids (5-17yrs) from £8.50 and under 5s free.
Formula 1® Qatar Airways British Grand Prix 2024, Silverstone, 5 – 7 July
Don’t forget you can now book for Racing Green hospitality at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix too – there’s an exclusive Muddy offer where you only need to book the Sunday rather than the whole weekend.
Words by Mollie Manning