NEWS
‘ HOP ON BOARD ’ TO EXPLORE KENT
Famous faces are encouraging people to ‘ Hop on board ’ the train to Kent and East Sussex and explore some of the South East ’ s hidden gems as part of Southeastern ’ s new podcast series .
Featuring the likes of comedian Ed Byrne , who discovers some of Kent ’ s best countryside walks , historian Mary Beard , who visits the South East ’ s only spa town , Tunbridge Wells , and Kent ’ s own foodie , Gregg Wallace , who ventured from his Tenterden home to pour the perfect pint with Britain ’ s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame in Faversham , pit stopped in his former home town of Whitstable to visit the Old Neptune pub , and met local wine specialist Corkk , the series of podcasts promote the ease of train travel in each region , meet local experts and showcase fab days out .
Nikki Causer , head of marketing at Southeastern , said : “ The popularity of podcasts continues to grow , and we wanted to find a way to give listeners a unique view of the best that Kent and East Sussex have to offer . We decided that using celebrities was a great way to inspire and engage with listeners . Each episode transports the listener on a whistlestop tour of the fantastic places that can be discovered by hopping on board a Southeastern train .”
PRESENTER GREGG WALLACE WITH SHEPHERD NEAME ’ S MANAGING DIRECTOR , PUBS , JONATHON SWAINE , RECORDING THE HOP ON BOARD PODCAST
To find out more and download the first three episodes , visit www . southeasternrailway . co . uk / hoponboard .
THE CANTERBURY ART PRIZE 2023 OPEN FOR ENTRIES
With a commitment to promoting the arts and providing inspiring artistic opportunities for young people in East Kent , St Edmund ’ s Festival has proudly announced the return of The Canterbury Art Prize and is calling for entries .
With a theme of ‘ Environment ’, the competition is now open for 2023 , offering pupils across three age group categories ( in years 7 – 13 ) who attend East Kent schools the exciting opportunity to participate . The overall winner will be presented with a trophy and a £ 100 cash prize and the opportunity to have their work exhibited at the St Edmund ’ s Arts Festival 2023 and in the Lilford Gallery in Canterbury . There will also be cash prizes for runners up .
Launched last year , the inaugural competition , set up in partnership with The Canterbury Auction Galleries , awarded first prize to Selma Malasi ( Year 12 ) from Simon Langton Girls ’ Grammar School .
Full details and how to enter can be found at www . stedmundsfestival . org . uk .
PAINTING BY SOPHIE DE GEORGIO
ACADEMY AWARD ® WINNING DIRECTOR AND WRITER SAM MENDES SHINES A LIGHT ON MARGATE
Bringing the likes of Olivia Colman , Micheal Ward , Toby Jones and Colin Firth to Margate ’ s Dreamland , Mendes ’ latest release Empire of Light has opened across the UK , including a very special premier on Kent ’ s coast , to great acclaim .
With its art-deco architecture and role as one of the UK ’ s most treasured seaside destinations , Margate shines as the backdrop to the moving film , which reflects the pop-culture , passions , and turbulence of the 80s . Starring as the faded Empire Cinema , Dreamland ’ s iconic frontage is instantly recognisable , and provides the perfect backdrop to bring together Hilary , a cinema manager struggling with her mental health , and Stephen , a new employee who faces daily adversity . Both Hilary and Stephen find a sense of belonging through their unlikely and tender relationship and come to experience the healing power of music , cinema , and community . The film has already earned Olivia Colman a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama .
Eddie Kemsley , CEO Dreamland Margate said : " It has been a real joy to work with Sam Mendes and the team behind Empire of Light . Watching them bring the iconic Dreamland seafront buildings back to life has been thrilling and inspiring . We hope that the film will encourage people to come to Margate and sample the delights on offer at Dreamland and in the town as a whole ."
185