Sponsored Feature

Jimmy Bullard and former US Open champion Michael Campbell will face golf content creator Peter Finch and former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley in a match-play contest at Chart Hills Golf Club in Biddenden on August 27. The free event will precede the Staysure English Legends tournament, which runs from August 28 to 30 and features major champions, Ryder Cup players and Staysure Legends Tour winners.

The Yarrow, a late-Victorian venue near Broadstairs’ coast, is promoted as a historic yet contemporary destination for dining, drinks and relaxation. Its gardens, solarium, bar and hospitality are highlighted, while head chef Tim Cooper is credited with creating seasonal menus using locally sourced produce. Visitors are encouraged to book through the venue’s website or by phone.

Southern Water says it is preparing for hotter, drier summers by reducing leakage, fixing more than 10,000 leaks so far in 2026 and improving leakage performance by 12% year on year. The company is adjusting water transfers across its network, using more groundwater than river water during dry spells, and encouraging customers to reduce consumption. It also plans longer-term investments, including new reservoirs, to protect supplies for households, businesses and the environment as population growth and increasingly frequent dry periods put pressure on limited water resources.

Lydden Hill near Dover will host the Thunder 650 Oval Racing Festival on August 22–23, featuring several oval-racing categories, live country music, family activities, superhero appearances and a hot-dog eating competition. Day tickets cost £15 in advance or £20 at the gate, while weekend tickets cost £25 in advance or £30 at the gate; children aged 13 and under enter free, and American-car exhibitors can receive a 50% discount when booking in advance.

Sittingbourne professional boxer Tony Curtis is preparing for his first title fight at the O2 Arena on August 29, where he will face unbeaten Nathan Gonzalez over eight rounds on the Moses Itauma–Filip Hrgović card. Curtis has trained at Snap Fitness Sittingbourne for nearly three years with club manager and personal trainer Alex Palmerton, using its gym, recovery facilities and strength-and-conditioning support. He is also trained by Roy Jones Jr. Snap Fitness is encouraging local supporters to attend the event and has made tickets available.

A sponsored KentOnline travel feature promotes four UK city-break destinations paired with Radisson hotels and family attractions. Liverpool is recommended for Beatles history, waterfront activities and the Liverpool Pass; London for landmarks, the London Eye, Monopoly Lifesized and Frameless; Birmingham for Cadbury World and nearby Warwick Castle; and Manchester for Sea Life Manchester and the Legoland Discovery Centre. The feature encourages readers to book Radisson accommodation and notes that KentOnline may receive commission from resulting sales.

The West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is marking its 10th anniversary after more than 2.5 million visitors and 1,762 performances. The original two-part version is booking through September 20, 2026, before reopening on October 9 as a reimagined single-part production lasting 2 hours 55 minutes. Tickets start at £25, and the play has won nine Laurence Olivier Awards and six Tony Awards.

Egypt continues to attract millions of international visitors, including large numbers from the UK, despite FCDO warnings covering North Sinai and areas near the Libyan border. Major tourist destinations remain accessible and benefit from strengthened security at archaeological sites, museums, airports and major roads. Tourists are more likely to encounter scams, touts or overpriced taxis than serious crime, while travel insurance, bottled water and current travel advice remain important precautions. With reputable tour operators, Egypt is presented as a comparatively safe long-haul destination offering historic sites, Nile cruises and Red Sea resorts.

Whitemills Wake & Aqua Park near Sandwich offers family activities including an inflatable aqua park, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, open-water swimming, cold plunges, sauna sessions and Ringo Rides. Visitors can stay in lakeside lodges or camp beside the water, with an on-site restaurant serving locally sourced food. The sponsored feature encourages families and groups to book for summer visits.

A sponsored KentOnline feature promotes The Hunger Games: On Stage at London’s Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre. The production adapts the first Hunger Games novel, following Katniss Everdeen after she volunteers to take her sister Prim’s place in the deadly games. Directed by Matthew Dunster and adapted by Conor McPherson, it features stunts, immersive effects, illusions and large-scale choreography. An exclusive offer provides up to £10 off each ticket for performances booked between August 26 and October 18, with prices starting at about £25; the production is recommended for audiences aged 12 and over.

A 25% discount on English Heritage memberships provides unlimited access to more than 400 historic properties, free entry for accompanying children, exclusive events, parking benefits, and a members’ magazine. Membership fees support the preservation of castles, monuments and historic houses, offering opportunities to visit sites such as Dover Castle, Tintagel and Stonehenge.

A £1.15 million detached seafront home in Whitstable is listed for sale through Purplebricks, featuring three floors, panoramic Thames Estuary views, contemporary interiors and a bespoke glass spiral staircase. The property includes a principal suite on the top floor, open‑plan living areas, multiple bedrooms with en‑suite options, a south‑facing garden and an outbuilding for flexible use. Located on the Granville Cliff Estate near Seasalter, it offers convenient access to Whitstable’s harbour, shops and coastal attractions. The feature also promotes Purplebricks’ free home valuation service.

A four-bedroom home in the Eden Hall gated development near Hever Castle is listed for £1 million, offering contemporary interiors, expansive living space and access to 35 acres of communal parkland. The property features an open-plan kitchen and family area, multiple living spaces, two en-suite bedrooms and scenic countryside views. Its location provides a secluded setting with convenient access to nearby towns and commuter links. The feature highlights the development’s exclusivity and promotes Purplebricks’ valuation and property services.

A four‑day Contemporary Craft Fair organised by Craft In Focus will return to Hever Castle Gardens in September 2026, featuring over 150 designers, demonstrations, live music and food. Visitors booking online before early September can use the code CRAFT2026 to save up to £8.70 on adult tickets. Entry to the fair is included with garden admission, and the event offers family‑friendly attractions throughout the castle grounds.

The West End production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow will close at London’s Phoenix Theatre in December, giving audiences a limited time to see the award‑winning show. The promotional feature highlights its 1959 Hawkins storyline, immersive special effects, acclaimed creative team and popularity among fans of the Netflix series, encouraging readers to book tickets before the run ends.

Blenheim Palace is offering reduced admission prices and discounted children’s meals through the Great British Summer Savings, alongside a full programme of summer activities. Attractions include the new Marlborough Mini Farm, horse displays, Adventure Play features with a Pip and Posy‑themed treehouse, full‑scale Megalosaurus sculptures, the Butterfly House, and interactive bee exhibits. Visitors can also enjoy the Walled Garden, mini train, and Marlborough Maze, with annual passes providing year‑round access to the grounds and events.

A four-bedroom detached home in Kennington, Ashford is listed for £550,000, featuring a glass‑roof patio, solar panels, a converted garage, multiple reception areas and a landscaped garden with a children’s play area. The property includes energy‑efficient upgrades, driveway parking and modern interiors and is marketed by Purplebricks as a versatile family home with strong access to local schools and transport links.

St. George’s Church of England Foundation School invites prospective Year 7 students and their families to an open evening on 21 September 2026, offering activities, tours, and talks from senior staff. The event aims to showcase the school’s facilities, ethos, and curriculum, emphasizing individual growth and support. Contact information and further details are provided for attendees seeking additional guidance.

A 25% discount is available until the end of November for Monopoly Lifesized, an immersive, giant-scale version of the Monopoly board game located on Tottenham Court Road in London. Visitors play on one of four themed boards, completing challenges and puzzles to acquire properties, with guidance from live human tokens. The attraction includes a themed bar, restaurant and shop, and is promoted as suitable for families, groups and corporate events.

A detached home in Penenden Heath, Maidstone, is listed for £745,000 through Purplebricks, offering up to five bedrooms, landscaped gardens and woodland views. Built in 1932 and sold chain‑free, the property includes a new kitchen, flexible ground‑floor rooms, multiple bathrooms, balconies and a log burner. The location provides access to schools, Maidstone East station and the M20. The listing highlights extensive parking, an integral garage and a quiet gated cul‑de‑sac setting, with Purplebricks promoting its valuation services alongside the sale.

Adult learners across East Kent Colleges Group are using part‑time and evening courses to gain new skills, build confidence and pursue creative or professional interests. Testimonials highlight supportive tutors, inclusive learning environments and flexible study options across colleges in Ashford, Broadstairs, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Sheppey. Courses range from beginner‑level hobbies to recognised qualifications in fields such as IT, beauty therapy and healthcare, offering opportunities for personal and professional development close to home.

MedwayGo offers a range of summer activities for children from Reception to Year 11, including sports, drama and outdoor programmes, with free access for those receiving benefit-related free school meals and low-cost options for others. Participants receive a healthy meal, and specialist SEND sessions and family attractions are also available. Bookings open on June 29 for activities running from July 27 to August 21.

Romania’s Centers of Excellence programme seeks to strengthen the country’s research capacity by building large, interdisciplinary partnerships focused on key societal and technological challenges. The initiative aims to move beyond fragmented efforts by creating durable ecosystems that support high-quality science, international collaboration, researcher training and greater visibility within European networks. Success depends on strong scientific leadership, meaningful cooperation, sustained investment and effective engagement with society. By expanding the geographic distribution of research excellence in Europe, the programme has the potential to enhance regional resilience and position Romania as a more influential contributor to European scientific priorities.

A refurbished five‑bedroom detached home in south Canterbury has been listed for £820,000 through Purplebricks, offering extensive gardens, modernised interiors, underfloor heating and flexible living space with annexe potential. Located near schools and within walking distance of the city centre, the property includes two distinct garden areas, a cabin and parking for multiple vehicles. Purplebricks highlights viewing options and promotes its free valuation service for prospective sellers.

A five‑bedroom detached home in Offham near West Malling has been listed for around £1.3 million, featuring an open‑plan kitchen, multiple reception rooms, landscaped gardens and potential for further development. The property is presented as move‑in ready and located in a desirable Kent village with strong amenities and transport links. Purplebricks is marketing the home and promoting its valuation services as part of the sponsored feature.

A promotional offer provides visitors who book an overnight stay at Alton Towers, Legoland Windsor, Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park or Warwick Castle with a second day of entry for free. Each attraction highlights its featured rides, themed areas or live experiences, with new 2026 additions across several parks. The deal is available for stays booked between late June and October, with specific dates varying by location, and advance booking is required due to limited availability.

Kent enters the 2026 cricket season with coaching shifts involving Robbie Joseph and Iain Carlisle and renewed optimism for the T20 Blast as Tom Rogers returns for a third year. The team will compete across the County Championship, T20 Blast and One-Day Cup, offering extensive opportunities for supporters to attend matches at the St Lawrence Ground. The combination of squad continuity and nearby coaching developments contributes to a promising outlook for the summer.

A newly completed retirement development in Herne Bay has begun welcoming residents, offering coastal living, modern bungalows, communal green spaces and optional support services. Early buyers have settled in and the growing community is highlighted as a key attraction. A resident endorses the village for its quality, independence and access to nearby care services. Prices begin at £375,000, with viewings available through sales agents Miles and Barr.

Lukehurst is offering up to 30% discounts on major furniture brands along with 0% interest-free credit for up to 30 months. Sale items include discounted sofas, recliners and divan sets, with offers available at its Sittingbourne and Rainham stores through August 1.

The Blue Reef Festival will return to Loddington Farm from 24 to 25 July, offering two days of music, workshops, family activities, food and drink. Organised by a father‑and‑daughter team, the independent event promotes grassroots talent and a relaxed atmosphere inspired by skate and surf culture. Its focus on community, creativity and intimate performances distinguishes it from larger corporate festivals.

Sutton Vale Country Park will host an open day on July 4 to mark one year under the ownership of Lee Park Estates, showcasing improvements including a refurbished bar and function room. Visitors can explore luxury holiday homes available for purchase, with special deals offered during the event. Owner Albert Lee highlights significant investment and future plans for the park. The day will feature live music, games, a raffle supporting Dementia UK, and food from Howe & Co Fish and Chips, promoting the park as an ideal countryside retreat with a range of premium lodges and caravans available.

The Cow Shed is launching a Big Kids Summer Menu offering discounted dishes for adults alongside free children's meals following a government VAT reduction. The promotion runs from July 1 to September 1 at its Birchington and Ospringe locations, featuring sharers, mains, toasties, smoked meats, and burgers at special prices. The restaurant highlights its family‑friendly environment and encourages advance bookings due to expected demand.

Research investment in Western Romania is supporting international collaboration across climate economics, quantum matter, advanced materials, cancer immunotherapy, antimicrobial technologies and circular economy solutions. Six projects funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan are building scientific capacity, training researchers and connecting regional institutions with global research agendas. Three major initiatives at the West University of Timișoara focus on climate risk, quark‑gluon plasma physics and rare earth-based optical crystals. Additional projects address cancer immune activation, antimicrobial light-conversion materials and hydrogen recovery from kitchen waste. Together they strengthen the region’s long-term research infrastructure and demonstrate its growing role in producing scientific and technological solutions with global relevance.