ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
FESTIVALS ARE BACK CONT .
BLUE REEF FESTIVAL
LEEDS CASTLE CONCERT
KENT GIN FEST
Kent County Show , Detling // 8-10 July
The Kent County Show is a time-honoured event that has featured on Kent ’ s summer calendar for almost a century . Established in 1923 by the Kent County Agricultural Society , the event showcases all aspects of farming , agriculture and rural life . Crowds flock every year to the three-day event to celebrate the region ' s finest animals , food , vintage vehicles , retail stands and more , all at the stunning Detling showground . Discover some of Kent ’ s finest food and drink offerings at the show in one of the many tents along the way . From gourmet takeaways , pies and cheese , to sweet treats such as fudge , strawberries and ice cream , there ’ s sure to be something to tickle every visitor ' s taste buds . All washed down with your favourite Kentish tipple of course ; you may even stumble across Kent ’ s very own Biddenden Vineyard team . Join the team in celebrating quality farming with a visit to one of the animal tents . Spot cattle , sheep , chickens , goats and lots of other furry friends ; all the finest of their kind . While bringing together the best of Kent ’ s animals and food , there are also plenty of exciting activities to watch and take part in . Discover the flower and woodland craft workshops . www ./ kcas . org . uk / kent-county-show
Leeds Castle Concert , Maidstone / 9 July
This iconic Kent event is a highlight of the summer season , set in the most timeless and spectacular location and natural amphitheatre in front of beautiful Leeds Castle , otherwise known as the loveliest castle in the world . People in their thousands have attended the stunning setting for over 40 years to be entertained by open-air classical music from the world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and many other famous musicians and performers . 2022 will yet again welcome the RPO and world-class conductor , Dr John Rigby set to take to the stage for another year as compere and host . Groups of friends , families , colleagues and strangers are welcomed to join the crowds at this prestigious , unforgettable event in the Kent calendar to eat , drink and be serenaded . The exhilarating programme also features an iconic spitfire display and superb firework finale that ’ s not to be missed ; don ’ t forget your picnic ! www . leedscastleconcert . co . uk
Kent Life Ice Cream Festival , Maidstone // 9-10 July
Kent Life welcomes back the Ice Cream Festival for 2022 . A little earlier than usual this year , head along to sample tastors from the many ice cream vendors who will be showcasing over 40 different varieties . If you love ice cream , this one ’ s definitely for you ! www . kentlife . org . uk / event / ice-cream-festival
Music at the Mote , Sevenoaks // 11 July
Get your picnic blankets , mini Scotch eggs and deckchairs ready to sing along to Music at the Mote this summer . Sit back , unwind and dance away the evening as you listen to live music from professional three-piece band , Masterclass , in the grounds of the stunning , 14th-century Ightham Mote . www . nationaltrust . org . uk / ightham-mote
Blue Reef Festival , Linton // 15-17 July
Returning for its second year and now expanded to two days , delight in classic cars , campers , live music , skateboarding and a wealth of local food and drink set in the glorious setting of Loddington Farm . www . bluereeffest . co . uk
Kent Gin Fest 2022 , Tonbridge // 23-24 July
Now in its fifth year , The UK ’ s widely acclaimed and biggest outdoor gin festival is travelling to glorious Kent this summer and taking up residency at the spectacular Tonbridge Castle with its first full weekend gin fest experience . With Kent produce at its heart , you ’ ll also discover small batch , global gins , local craft beers , fizz and a Pimm ’ s bar , with tempting international culinary delights to complement each tipple . www . kentginfest . com
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