Cara Simmonds

Brogdale Cider Festival will take place near Faversham on August 29 and 30, offering locally produced ciders, beers, cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, food vendors and live music. Family activities include tractor-trailer rides, apple-juicing demonstrations, crafts, games, a bouncy castle and reptile encounters. Tickets remain frozen at £15 for adults, £5 for children and £35 for families, with under-threes admitted free; free parking and a shuttle bus from Faversham station will be available.

The free Faversham Hop Festival will return on September 5–6, 2026, marking its 37th anniversary with more than 100 acts across five outdoor stages, pubs and other venues. The programme includes live music, parades, Morris dancing, street entertainment, food, craft stalls, funfair rides and a Sunday Hop Blessing ceremony. The festival costs about £100,000 to stage and is funded through programme sales and public donations, while Shepherd Neame will offer brewery tours and local beers during the weekend.

A guide to five entertainment events taking place across Kent in August 2026: Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre, Adventures of Peter Rabbit at open-air venues around Maidstone, a Native Oysters performance at Godinton House and Gardens near Ashford, SIX at Tunbridge Wells’ Assembly Hall Theatre, and Treasure Island at Hever Castle in Edenbridge. The events offer family theatre, outdoor performances, live music and musicals, with the Ashford concert also raising money for the local Samaritans branch.

Cara Simmonds gives Mereworth Winery and Taproom near Maidstone a strongly positive review after a sunny brunch visit. She praises the rustic outdoor setting, friendly and attentive staff, well-presented hot smoked salmon on toast, fluffy bacon and maple syrup pancakes, and the winery’s sparkling wine. Minor drawbacks include insufficient hollandaise, slightly under-crisp bacon, uncomfortable metal seating and the £5 iced latte. The two-person bill was £50.80, judged reasonable overall, and the venue is recommended for a more distinctive dining experience, with afternoon tea, wine tastings and stone-baked pizzas also available.

Herne Bay Summer FEASTival will return to Clock Tower Plaza from August 14 to 16, offering free entry, international street food, artisan groceries, crafts, gifts, live music and entertainment during the school holidays. Organised by Zoom Events, the festival will feature dishes including Greek souvlaki, Mexican food, burgers, loaded fries, crepes, ice cream and piña coladas, alongside independent shopping stalls. Opening hours are 11am to 7pm on Friday, 10am to 7pm on Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday.

The Hythe Venetian Fete will return to the Royal Military Canal on August 19, 2026, after its biennial break. The event will feature community-built themed floats, an illuminated evening procession, live music, street food and fireworks, with concerts scheduled from August 16 to 17. Gates open at 4pm, the main programme begins at 5.15pm, and tickets cost £20 for adults and £15 for children aged five to 13, with under-fours admitted free. Organisers expect large crowds and recommend booking tickets and parking in advance.

Applications are open for solo singers, bands, choirs, dance groups, musicians and other live performers to appear at Maidstone’s Christmas Lights Switch-On. One Maidstone is asking applicants to email their details and a short performance video by September 4, with successful acts invited to perform on the main stage in Jubilee Square on November 19.

Canterbury Live launches at Canterbury’s St Lawrence Ground with more than 40,000 fans expected across three days. JLS, Becky Hill and Madness headline the festival, joined by acts including The Wanted 2.0, Pixie Lott, Ella Eyre, Cast, the Beat featuring Ranking Jnr and the Ordinary Boys. The event is family-friendly for ages six and over, with gates opening in the afternoon, cashless payments, food and drink vendors, and support for public transport because no public parking is available at the venue. Visitors can bring small bags, picnic blankets and limited water, but not outside food, camping chairs or animals other than assistance dogs.

Nursery owners Laura Hollands and Eve Poynter have opened Little Market Cafe in Leybourne after taking over and renovating a former hairdressing unit. The cafe serves City Roast coffee, homemade cakes from local baker Hand and Heart, sandwiches, toasties and other hot food, with seasonal specials planned. It opened to a positive community response and offers undercover dog-friendly seating, loyalty cards and potential future additions such as matcha drinks.

The touring production of Mean Girls at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre is praised for capturing the film’s most memorable scenes while delivering fast-paced staging, strong comic performances and inventive props. Georgie Buckland as Janis and Max Gill as Damian are singled out for stealing the show, while Sophie Pourret and Faye Tozer also receive particular praise. The production runs on high energy, embraces the musical’s irreverent humour and leaves the reviewer thoroughly entertained; performances continue until August 8.

Broadstairs Folk Week will return from August 7 to 14, 2026, with more than 400 events across the Kent coastal town. The programme includes performances by Martin Barre, Eliza Carthy, Elephant Sessions, Tankus and The Men They Couldn’t Hang, alongside parades, ceilidhs, workshops, poetry sessions, family entertainment and a craft fair. Barre will open the celebrations with a pre-festival concert on August 6, while Shepherd Neame will sponsor the Festival Bar. Day tickets start at £65, with many performances free to attend.

Bird & Blend has launched its limited-edition Iced Pickle Matcha at all 31 UK stores, including branches at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe and The Parade in Canterbury. The £5.25 drink combines Lemon Matcha, tonic water and pickle juice, topped with crunchy pickles and lemon slices. It is available until 13 August 2026, reflecting growing online interest in pickle-flavoured products and matcha-based drinks. A home recipe using matcha, lemonade syrup, pickle brine and tonic water is also provided.

Dungeness RNLI will hold a free open day on August 2 to mark its 200th anniversary. The event will feature lifeboat displays, including a demonstration by the Shannon-class lifeboat Morrell at about 12:30 p.m., along with live music, stalls, food, family activities and railway access. The station has served the Romney Marsh coastline since 1826, launching 1,473 rescue missions and helping save 473 lives.

Maidstone town centre will host Monster Mash, a free family trail featuring giant inflatable monsters during the October half-term. One Maidstone BID, supported by Maidstone Borough Council, is inviting people of all ages to design the official Monster Mascot. The winning entrant will receive a print, a Monster Mash Mystery Pack and recognition as the mascot’s creator, with entries closing at 5pm on 28 August 2026.

The Aero Legends Battle of Britain Air Show will be held at RAF Woodchurch near Ashford on August 8 and 9, featuring Spitfires, a Hurricane, Douglas Dakota aircraft, a mass warbird formation and a parachute-drop display. Visitors will also find a recreated 1940s village, military vehicles, period re-enactors, demonstrations and performances by the D-Day Darlings. Gates open at 10am, flying displays begin at 1pm after a remembrance service, and advance tickets start at £28 for adults and £60 for families, with free admission for under-fives, carers and veterans.

The award-winning Mean Girls musical will run at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre from August 3 to 8, following its Broadway and West End success. Emily Lane plays Cady Heron and Vivian Panka plays Regina George, while Steps singer Faye Tozer performs three roles. Based on Tina Fey’s 2004 film, the production combines high-school comedy and drama with themes of friendship, identity and authenticity.

The Margate Soul Weekender will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Thanet from July 31 to August 2 with three days of soul, funk, disco, lovers rock and reggae. Headliners include Incognito, Odyssey, The Real Thing, the Brit Funk Association and Brass Construction, alongside performers such as Shaun Escoffery, Leee John, Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson and Peter Hunnigale. DJs will continue the entertainment throughout the weekend. Founder Eli Thompson says the event has grown from local street parties into a major celebration of soul music and Black British culture. Day passes start at £77.

Rochester Airport will host its first air display since 2015 on August 1, featuring the Jump Dogs Parachute Display Team, formation flying, a Second World War re-enactment, historic aircraft and a UK-first display pairing the Pitts Special with the Spirit of Kent Spitfire. The family event, supported by Jet Bean Coffee and Invicta Aero Club, will donate 25% of net proceeds to Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex, which says it relies heavily on donations to fund its lifesaving operations. Tickets cost £19.31 for adults and £5 for under-16s, with advance booking required for limited parking.

A large community celebration of Kate Bush’s 1978 hit Wuthering Heights returns to Folkestone Harbour Arm, spurred by renewed interest from Emerald Fennell’s recent film adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Hundreds of participants dressed as the singer are expected for choreographed performances, with expanded space due to growing attendance. The event includes warm‑up sessions, live music from the KT Bush Band, a DJ set, and dance rehearsals leading up to the gathering, which runs on July 26 with free entry.

Kent hosts six major July music events, including Alex James’s Britpop Classical show in Margate, the Blue Reef Festival in Linton, OMD’s outdoor performance at Dreamland, the three-day Rock the Mote tribute festival in Maidstone, The Proclaimers’ concert in Canterbury, and the four-day Chickenstock Festival in Stockbury, featuring diverse lineups and activities across multiple venues.

The Detling Antiques and Vintage Fair returns near Maidstone with more than 500 stalls offering items from various eras and attracting thousands of visitors. BBC’s Bargain Hunt will film multiple episodes on-site, adding to the event’s draw. The fair features indoor and outdoor vendors, free parking, food stalls, and free entry for accompanied children under 16, with admission prices varying by day and time.

Carol and Kevin James retired after 15 years running the historic Plough Inn in Lewson Street, citing Kevin’s health and a desire to spend more time with family. The couple, known for fostering a welcoming atmosphere and hosting local events, handed the pub over to new landlords Jessica Clark and Lacey Stowell. Their well‑known parrot Bob has moved to a residential home, and the pair thanked patrons for years of loyal support.

Family members pay tribute to Sarah Gilkes, who died after being struck by a lorry on the A20 in Dover. Her sister launches a fundraiser to cover funeral costs and highlights that Gilkes’ organ donation helped save four people. Police continue to investigate the incident, with the arrested driver released while inquiries continue, and appeal for witnesses and a man seen with Gilkes earlier that morning to come forward.

Water supplies were restored to about 7,000 properties in Tunbridge Wells and Pembury after an instrument failure at South East Water’s treatment works, compounded by exceptionally high demand during an extended heatwave. Hawkhurst and surrounding areas also faced an outage caused by a difficult-to-repair burst trunk main, affecting about 800 homes. South East Water distributed bottled water at several collection points and warned that restored supplies might initially appear discoloured. The disruption follows major winter outages, substantial repair costs and financial difficulties at the company, which recently saw its chairman and chief executive resign.

South East Water faces financial uncertainty after spending £55 million on compensation and operational costs from major outages over winter, prompting the need for new loan facilities beyond July 2027. The company reported operational challenges from the 2025 drought and subsequent incidents affecting more than 77,000 customers across Kent and Sussex. Ofwat has required the firm to fund network improvements rather than pay a fine, while shareholder contributions of £30.5 million have also been mandated. Ongoing supply issues continue to affect areas around Tunbridge Wells.

Steven Long, 59, was sentenced to eight years in prison after admitting two counts of fraud by abuse of position involving £11,577,762 stolen from 115 victims over a decade. Through Universal Wealth Preservation and related companies, he marketed supposedly secure, risk-free trusts to elderly and vulnerable people, then diverted their money into high-risk overseas investments and used it to fund luxury holidays, property rentals and other interests. Associate Raymond Simpson, 79, was convicted in his absence and sentenced to five years and four months. The case was investigated by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit and will now be examined under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

A combine harvester caught fire in a field off Bredgar Road in Tunstall, near Sittingbourne, on July 17, with the flames spreading to the surrounding crop field. Four fire engines attended and crews used breathing apparatus, main jets and compressed air foam to extinguish the blaze. No injuries were reported, and the fire service later assessed the cause as accidental.

Eight Kent attractions are recommended for families seeking activities during the summer holidays. Options include waterslides and adventure courses at Hangloose Adventure Bluewater, electric karting at BattleKart, trampolines at AirHop, dinosaur-themed activities at Quex Adventure Farm Park, a treasure hunt at Betteshanger Country Park, interactive challenges at Activate Maidstone, outdoor watersports and land activities at St Andrews Lakes, and free-roam virtual reality at Dreamland Margate. The piece provides opening times, age or height requirements, booking information and selected promotional details.

Mathew Horne will make a special DJ appearance at the Sausage and Cider Festival at Quex Park in Birchington on July 18, joining Shaun Williamson’s Barrioke and a DJ set by Pat Sharp. The event will feature more than 30 ciders, over 20 sausage varieties, tribute acts, food stalls, market vendors, sausage-eating contests and family activities. Tickets start at £34.95 for adults, with reduced prices for teenagers and children.

Kent audiences can watch the coming-of-age comedy-drama Sunny Dancer for free on July 27 at the Silver Screen Cinema in Folkestone, Kavanagh Cinema in Herne Bay and Gulbenkian Cinema in Canterbury, ahead of its nationwide release on August 14. The film stars Bella Ramsey, James Norton, Jessica Gunning and Neil Patrick Harris, follows a teenager attending a summer camp for young people affected by cancer, and was written and directed by George Jaques. The screenings are part of the Escapes initiative, supported by the British Film Institute, which has distributed more than 240,000 free tickets since 2024.

Thousands gathered at Leeds Castle for the final edition of the long‑running summer concert, celebrating decades of music and tradition under clear skies with picnics, performances and a festive atmosphere. The programme featured Motown hits, jazz and classical pieces performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, culminating in a Spitfire flyover and fireworks to Abba’s Dancing Queen. The emotional finale marked the end of a cherished Kent cultural tradition stretching back to the 1970s.

A hidden vegan café inside Sisu Fitness on Medway City Estate has become a popular spot for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and inventive speciality coffees. Despite minor issues such as limited menus and some items selling out quickly, the food and drinks were praised for freshness, generous portions and flavour. Prices were slightly high but considered fair for the quality. Busy with families, friends and laptop workers, the café offers a cosy alternative to its industrial surroundings and continues to attract growing attention.

Leeds Castle will host a new interactive event, A Cracking Christmas Caper, featuring Wallace and Gromit as part of its winter festivities. The experience, included with standard admission, offers an immersive journey through the castle and complements the venue’s established Christmas lights trail. Running from November 21 to January 3, the attraction adds to the castle’s expanding seasonal programming, with further details to be announced.

The final Leeds Castle Concert will take place this Saturday, offering music from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a Spitfire flypast and a fireworks finale. Attendees are advised on parking, arrival times, accessibility, what to bring and restrictions such as no barbecues or pets. Standard tickets remain available, and visitors should expect large crowds and potential delays when leaving. The event coincides with the Norway v England football match, meaning attendees will likely miss the start unless they depart early.

A popular seaside food festival returns to Tankerton Slopes with two days of international street food, local produce, live music and family entertainment. Organised by Zoom Events, the weekend features food stalls, craft vendors, a bar serving local drinks and activities for children. Director Paul Kennedy highlights preparations for a busy mid-July event, which runs July 11–12.

The Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival will return for its 14th edition over the August bank holiday, featuring four days of concerts held primarily at St Mary’s Church in Rye. Mica Paris headlines the finale, supported by performances from the Van Morrison Alumni Band, Ray Gelato & The Giants, Alice Armstrong, Myles Sanko, Elles Bailey, and Earl Thomas with The Gospel Ambassadors. The programme includes both ticketed and free events across the town from August 28 to 31.

A guide to Kent’s top flower fields highlights lavender, sunflower and wildflower destinations offering walks, tours and pick-your-own experiences. Castle Farm in Shoreham provides guided lavender tours and picnics in early July, while Beck Evans Farm in Sidcup offers flexible access to its fields alongside a farm shop and restaurant. Sunflower season begins later at Lower Ladysden Farm and Bloomfield Fruit Farm, both popular for photography and pick-your-own. Blooming Green and The Flower Farm in Denstroude provide hands-on bouquet-picking experiences with seasonal British blooms. Each location includes details on access, costs and seasonal timings.

A vibrant production of Annie at Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre delivers an uplifting and nostalgia-filled performance anchored by strong musical numbers and energetic young cast members. La Voix gives a standout comedic turn as Miss Hannigan, while Alex Bourne brings warmth to the role of Oliver Warbucks. Audiences respond enthusiastically to multiple renditions of Tomorrow, leaving the theatre with a feel-good tone that highlights why the musical remains a classic.

TV explorer Steve Backshall has partnered with the Historic Dockyard Chatham to create an interactive family trail focused on marine habitats, conservation themes and hands-on activities. The experience guides visitors through six ocean zones with species-collecting challenges, child-friendly tasks and Backshall’s narration. It launches alongside the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition and includes an “Ocean of Hope” pledge wall encouraging children to commit to protecting marine life. Organisers aim to link Chatham’s maritime heritage with modern environmental awareness, with the trail running from July 11 to August 31 as part of standard admission.

Changeling Theatre marks its 25th anniversary with its largest open-air tour, presenting a gothic-inspired Much Ado About Nothing across more than 20 Kent venues and several sites in neighbouring counties. The season includes the company’s first performance at the National Trust’s Sissinghurst Castle and features a range of historic and outdoor locations. Tickets are being released in phases, with prices starting at around £15 for children and £25 for adults.

Phil Wang has extended his UK stand-up tour into 2027, adding new dates across Kent following a successful run of his show Uh Oh and a busy year that included television appearances, film work and a judging role on Great British Menu. Tickets are now available for performances in Tunbridge Wells in 2026 and in Folkestone, Canterbury and Dartford in early 2027.

A summer festival at Macknade in Faversham will feature craft beer, ciders, street food, live cooking demonstrations led by Smokey Rebel, live music acts and a dedicated BBQ marketplace showcasing brands such as Big Green Egg. The family-friendly event includes children’s activities, bars serving a range of drinks and exclusive deals on barbecue equipment, running from noon to 9pm on June 27.

A nationwide Everywhere At Once Festival will replace the usual Glastonbury weekend during the event’s fallow year, bringing more than 2,000 artists to grassroots venues across Kent. Ten local venues in towns including Tunbridge Wells, Gravesend, Sittingbourne, Faversham, Folkestone, Dover, Deal, Ramsgate and Margate will host performances ranging from rock and electronic acts to folk and soul. Big-name artists and emerging talent will participate, with proceeds supporting charities such as War Child, Nordoff and Robbins, Help Musicians and Teenage Cancer Trust. Tickets are available through the festival website and individual venues.

A ticket giveaway offers families the chance to attend the Kent County Show 2026, a three‑day agricultural event in Detling featuring farming displays, live entertainment, stunt shows and hands‑on activities. Five family passes are available, and the show supports agricultural education through the Kent County Agricultural Society. Tickets are on sale, with children under five admitted free.

A new touring production of I’m Sorry, Prime Minister brings the iconic characters Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey Appleby back to the stage as they confront challenges of old age and modern political issues, including free speech, cancellation, diversity and the aftermath of Brexit. Written by Jonathan Lynn, the play blends nostalgic satire with contemporary themes and will run at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre in mid-June with performances featuring Clive Francis and Simon Rouse.

A vegan festival will be held at the Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford, offering more than 60 stalls of plant‑based food, ethical beauty products, clothing and crafts, along with talks and family activities. Organised by Vegan Events UK, the event will feature caterers including Greek Vegan Deli and Plant Based Chippy, and will highlight animal welfare and sustainability through groups such as Miracle’s Mission. Visitors will receive a complimentary pack of Clearspring tofu, and tickets range from £5 for standard entry to £15 for VIP access with a goody bag.

IntraFest 2026 will celebrate Medway’s creative community with live music, street entertainment, food, crafts and family activities along the stretch between Rochester and Chatham. The Intra Community Trust and local partners will host performances across two stages, alongside art markets, local food stalls and evening events at independent venues. The free festival on June 13 will feature established and emerging artists, reinforcing Medway’s grassroots cultural scene.

The Overtones are launching their Jukebox Idols tour with guest performers Louis Smith and Nadiya Bychkova, presenting a show inspired by 1950s and 1960s hits and featuring new music including the single Our Love. The group highlights their longstanding success and upcoming live performances in Bromley and Folkestone as part of the tour.

Kent’s 2026 Pride season features major parades, festivals and community events across the county, including large celebrations in Canterbury, Maidstone, Folkestone, Margate, Dartford, Ashford, Medway and Dover. Events include marches, live performances, drag acts, family activities, markets and afterparties, with many attractions free to attend. Several towns introduce expanded programming, milestone anniversaries and new event formats aimed at strengthening community engagement and supporting local LGBTQ+ groups.

Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu will bring their live show Reborn to Dartford and Tunbridge Wells, presenting a production themed around resilience and transformation with a mix of high‑energy and emotional dance performances. Dowden’s return follows her recovery from breast cancer, while Gu reflects on his personal journey since moving to the UK. Both dancers’ Strictly Come Dancing achievements are highlighted as they prepare to perform at the Orchard West and Assembly Hall Theatre.