KENTMAS |
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HEVER CASTLE |
FOLKESTONE OLD HIGH STREET |
“ Local Christmas events get me in the festive spirit - I love the Christmas Market at The Five Bells in Brabourne on 7 December or the Festive Marketplace at Folkestone Harbour . For gift inspiration , I always start with Produced in Kent ’ s Christmas Directory , signposting ideas from handmade chocolates and local wines to hamper collections . If you ’ re looking for wow factor this year , however , try the ice cream yule log at Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium in Whitstable ! I ’ m looking forward to fighting the kids for a taste !” |
“ At Christmas , my favourite places to visit with my kids are full of festive charm and local spirit . This year , we ’ ll kick off the festive season at the Christmas Market at The Woolpack Inn in Warehorne - such a lovely way to celebrate in a traditional village setting that really embraces community . We also love visiting Folkestone Harbour for some festive shopping , supporting independent businesses and picking out unique gifts . Back home , we get into the kitchen to bake and cook our favourite traditional festive dishes , often with a little Polish twist as a nod to |
my heritage . It ’ s a busy time of year for anyone working in hospitality , especially across The Rocksalt Group where I oversee all the festive happenings across our six venues in Kent , but it is also a joyful time , especially as we reflect on our achievements and hard work over the past year and celebrate the wonderful local suppliers and Kentish produce that we have the pleasure of cooking with every day .”
Marcin Szelag , executive head chef at The Rocksalt Group marcin _ szelka
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AJ Sharp , founder of Sharp Relations and host of Food Rebels ajsharpflavourfanatic |
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LEEDS CASTLE |
“ Festive food and drink has got to be one of my favourite things about Christmas – and for our own Christmas Day meal I always try to make sure as much as possible is sourced from across the county . You can ’ t beat one of Kent Turkeys ’ free-range turkeys and we always have some Biddenden sparkling wine on the table too – plus a tub or two of Solley ’ s Ice Cream to serve alongside our Christmas pudding ! Christmas lights bring cheer to the darker December days , and in particular Biddenden and Tenterden high streets look magical all lit up at night .” |
Vikki Eames , owner , That Little Marketing Co ; chair , Biddenden Tractorfest vikkieames |
“ I ’ m really looking forward to the new Christmas Market at Canterbury Cathedral . It ’ s a 600-year-old tradition and this year will see it back in the cathedral precincts . Kent shoppers will be able to choose from local gifts and there will be live music and lots of food and drink to choose from . Canterbury ’ s shopping scene is brilliant all year round , but this will give us an extra something to explore at Christmas .”
Nicky Russon , co-founder of Bloom Stays bloom . stays
“ Every weekend throughout December , the Folkestone Harbour Arm celebrates the coming of Christmas with its Festive Marketplace event . Stalls from local craftspeople , brilliant food and drink , and events for all ages will bring this vibrant space alive . I can ’ t wait to wander along with my family planning our next stop for some shopping .”
Rowena Owen , co-founder of Bloom Stays bloom . stays
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“ We obviously love Kent all year round , but Christmas here is extra special , so much so that the family descends ready to celebrate in true Kentmas style !
“ For us , Christmas wouldn ’ t be the same without our annual Christmas tradition trips : screaming “ We ’ ll have to do it again then won ’ t we !” in our matching Christmas jumpers at The Marlowe panto ; walking amongst the stunning light and music trails of both Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle and Christmas at Bedgebury ; and taking on special tasks at Mission Christmas at The Historic Dockyard Chatham . This year , we ’ re also excited to see the new Elf of the Shelf ® Christmas Adventure at Bluewater and to post our letters to Santa and complete our ELF Passports at the brand new ELFwick Post Office at Elwick Place in Ashford !”
Samantha Ready , editor , insideKENT insideKENT
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