ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
FESTIVALS ARE BACK CONT .
Broadstairs Dickens Festival , Broadstairs // 17-19 June
Kent is brimming with literary history and is pretty proud of its notable writers , one of the most significant being Charles Dickens who visited Broadstairs frequently between the years of 1837 and 1859 . In 1937 , to commemorate the centenary of the author ' s first visit , Gladys Waterer , the then resident of Dickens House , conceived the idea of putting on a production of David Copperfield and of placing people around the town in Victorian dress to publicise it . Fast forward 85 years and the celebration continues . Join the crowds this June dressed in costume and witness fascinating talks and performances across the seaside town at this Thanet Dickensian birthday bash . www . broadstairsdickensfestival . co . uk
Foodies Festival , Maidstone // 24-26 June
The UK ’ s biggest touring celebrity food festival is making its way to Kent this summer with a stop at Maidstone to celebrate the very best of al-fresco dining . Across the weekend , visitors will be treated to a great selection of celebrity chefs who will be cooking live on the stage including Kate Humble and Atul Kochhar from Saturday Kitchen , as well as a number of stars from Masterchef and The Great British Bake Off . Sample new wines , Champagnes and cocktails in The Drinks Theatre . Eat delicious street food from around the world and experience new flavours . Kids can also join in the fun at The Kids Cookery Theatre . Food wouldn ’ t be the same without a little music too ; expect performances from Scouting for Girls , Lee and Simon from Blue , and East 17 . www . foodiesfestival . com / events / maidstone
Canterbury Wine Festival , Canterbury // 25 June
Kent is the epicentre of England ’ s viticulture scene , often referred to now as the Vineyard of England , and Canterbury Wine Festival is a celebration of exactly that . Indulge in a one-day tasting event with Master of Wine , Clive Barlow and get introduced to and sample some of the region ' s finest wines right in time for summer . After the session you will , of course , be able to buy your favourites – the perfect gift to yourself . www . westgatehall . org / canterburywine-festival
Wealden Literary Festival , Boldshaves Gardens , Woodchurch // 25-26 June
Launched in 2015 , the Wealden Literary Festival returns to the picturesque Boldshave Gardens in the quaint village of Woodchurch . The festival offers the chance to pause from everyday life and celebrate the great outdoors , nature and creativity , offering a mix of activities to suit all ages from author talks ( some from local writers ), craft workshops and tree climbing to wild cooking . Confirmed appearances include headline act Poet Laureate , Simon Armitage , who has published more than a dozen poetry collections and written two novels and three bestsellers . Wealden will also welcome two of the most acclaimed female nature writers of the past decade - Helen Macdonald ( Vesper Flights ; H is for Hawk ) and Raynor Winn ( The Wild Silence ; The Salt Path ) - as well as leading scientists and environmentalists Jim Al-Khalili , Anil Seth and Jake Fiennes . Shining a spotlight on local talent , Kent ’ s Alex Preston ( Winchelsea ) will be joined by former Wealden Literary Festival writers-in-residence , Tanya Shadrick ( The Cure for Sleep ) and Lulah Ellender ( Grounding ), who are both from Sussex . There ’ s also workshops for adults and children , which are available to view on the website . www . wealdenliteraryfestival . co . uk
St Edmunds Festival , St Edmunds School , Canterbury // 29 June-5 July
Otherwise referred to as The Festival on the Hill , St Edmund ' s School Canterbury have been playing host to this now well-established arts festival since 2017 . Originally planned and delivered with a clear vision to celebrate fantastic young talent , the event has done exactly that and now attracts world-class performers to its stage . The summer arts festival offers something to everyone with a week ’ s lineup of musical acts , theatre and art . This year , the annual celebration of arts continues to reinvent itself with world-class musicians Sheku and Isata Kanneh- Mason , and Tony-award-winning musical legend Jenna Russell . As well as performances from Strictly stars James and Ola Jordan . At the heart of the festival is the opportunity for young people to showcase their own talents and watch , listen and play alongside inspiring international performers . www . stedmundsfestival . org . uk
Spirit of Tenterden Festival , Tenterden // 1-3 July
A very popular gathering amongst the locals , the Spirit of Tenterden brings together great food , drink and music over the three-day weekend celebrations . Wander round and sample some of the local ale on offer from close by breweries , take a trip to the gin bar or pick something up at the arts and crafts stalls . Keep an eye on the event lineup for news on the planned dog show and vehicles event . www . spiritoftenterden . co . uk
Canterbury ’ s Medieval Pageant and Trail , Canterbury // 2 July
Celebrate the legacy of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury ’ s seventh annual medieval pageant and trail this summer . Expect a colourful parade of historical characters , reenactment groups , music and even giants , as well as a family trail across this historic city . Join in the family fun and get involved in a range of activities including craft and the chance to meet the medieval characters and visit a medieval encampment . Visit the places to get your booklet stamped along the way ; collect a minimum of five stamps and you ’ ll receive a free giant chocolate coin from the cathedral shop . Fun for all the family . www . canterburybid . co . uk / canterburymedieval-pageant
FOODIES FESTIVAL
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