insideKENT Magazine Issue 110 - June 2021 | Page 33

BLUE REEF FESTIVAL
56 . Margate Caves , Margate
Welcoming visitors since 1863 , the Caves were originally dug as a chalk mine in the 18th century . Largely forgotten for over 100 years , it was rediscovered and restored for personal recreation and then , eventually , as a tourist attraction . Saved from its closure in 2004 by The Friends of Margate Caves and The Margate Caves Community Education Trust ( TMCCET ), the caves reopened in 2011 thanks to various fundraising initiatives , and major Lottery funding . TMCCET have since contracted geotechnical engineers and conservation specialists to restore the Caves and cave paintings for the next generation of visitors to enjoy . www . margatecaves . co . uk
57 . CHALKUP21 , Dover
The CHALKUP21 coastal walk was imagined by Dover Arts Development to raise awareness of the fine examples of art and architecture that have been built along the Strait of Dover – many of which received prestigious industry awards . CHALKUP21 links together 9 of these examples into a 17-mile Coastal Trail between Folkestone and Deal encompassing two of the finest long-distance trails in England and Wales ; the North Downs Way and the England Coast Path National Trail , passing through the Kent Downs AONB ( Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty ), the chalk grassland of the North Downs escarpment and heritage coastline to the beach . www . chalkup21 . com
48 HOURS ON ... THE CREATIVE COAST
58 . The Historic Dockyard , Chatham - see p59 .
FESTIVALS
59 . Wealden Literary Festival , Woodchurch
This family-friendly festival ( 26-27 June ) is a celebration of nature , creativity and the outdoors which promotes well-known names amongst rising stars and local talent . Expect contemporary writers , New York Times best sellers , celebrated poets , and acclaimed children ’ s authors exploring everything from mental health to the nourishment of nature . wealdenliteraryfestival . co . uk
60 . Leeds Castle Classical Concert , Leeds nr Maidstone
Taking place on Saturday 10th July , the infamous Leeds Castle Classical Concert , which has been running for over 40 years , will be a visual and audio feast , set in Kent ’ s most famous and imposing castle . The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returns , conducted by Dr John Rigby , who will also be acting as compere and host ; with Down for the Count Swing Orchestra bringing their electrifying show full of incredible energy and musicianship , alongside a surprise lineup of soloists , who will be announced soon . The event will once again include a spectacular fly-over with a Spitfire from the Aero Legends – a fitting tribute to this heritage event . www . leedscastleconcert . co . uk
61 . Blue Reef Festival , Linton nr Maidstone
The relaxed vibe of founders Blue Reef , the VW campervan restorers and handmade surfboards specialists , sets the tone for this laid-back , familyfriendly festival , with an ethos of celebrating and championing all that is wonderful about ‘ local ’ and the power of coming together as a community , happening on 17th July . Set in the valley of the visionary , regenerative-focused Loddington Farm , you ’ ll be able to camp , party and relax alongside the beautiful reservoir , overlooked by the rolling hills covered in fruit trees . Entertainment highlights include Jack Bessant ( Reef ), as well as Shake the Geek , BB , Liam Hannigan , and many more . Professional skaters will put on shows and host workshops from the 5.5ft mini ramp , alongside stalls from fantastic local artists , traders and producers , and great street food and bars ! www . bluereeffest . co . uk
62 . Kent Wellness Festival , Detling
This 2 day event , 7-8 August , is a celebration of all aspects of the wellness industry : fitness , nutrition , meditation , yoga , mindfulness , spirituality , and self improvement . Mixing the old with the new , it is an event for like-minded individuals to come together to improve and enhance all aspects of their own wellbeing , self improvement , self exploration , and self empowerment . www . thekentwellnessfestival . com
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