this DECEMBER we are ... SENDING ...
GOING TO ... iK BOOK CLUB
WELCOME
WELCOME
It ’ s here . It ’ s actually here . Not in a mince-pies-in-thesupermarket-in-November way , but in a proper Mariah Carey , Slade and The Pogues on-the-radio way . CHRISTMAS IS HERE ! One of our favourite times of the entire year here at iKHQ is the yuletide season , not least because we ’ ve all been beavering away extra diligently , not unlike Santa ’ s elves in fact , to bring you this bumper festive issue .
There is method to our over-excitable madness though , and it ’ s a method we ’ ve tried to put into practice throughout this jam-packed seasonal special . Yes , there ’ s always a frisson of excitement when we first spy the annual John Lewis ad on TV , but Christmas is , first and foremost , a traditional time of giving . And our gift to you is inspiration ! Kent is at its glittering best at this time of year , so much so that we like to champion ‘ Kentmas ’ in all of its glory wherever we can .
Find out what some of the county ’ s most familiar faces are planning to do across our wonderfully Christmassy county from p36 ; check out all of the fabulous opportunities to serenade the season with cathedral choirs , brass bands and party nights on p41 ; plan a festive trip to one of Kent ’ s grottos , markets or magical fairgrounds from p46 ; and , if you ’ re still checking essentials off your shopping list , head to p53 for all your seasonal shopping needs . Crucially , there are many people less fortunate than ourselves who ’ ll be feeling that extra pinch this December – turn to p67 for some ideas on how to give back this Christmas .
All I want for Christmas is … food . I ’ d love to pretend it wasn ’ t so , but I ’ m a bit of a glutton at this time of year ( who isn ’ t ?!) and the thought of hot mince pies dripping with brandy butter fills me with glee . We ’ ve got some romantic and cosy date night dining options for you from p116 ; eight glorious pages of festive feasting recipes from p132 ; and , if you like a tipple or two over Christmas ( no judgement here !), our beautifully boozy bottle tree on p73 has a drink for every occasion .
Last but definitely not least , we are beside ourselves to announce the 2024 Great Christmas Gift Giveaway , where ONE LUCKY READER can win over £ 6,000 of prizes ! That ’ s right , our legendary Christmas competition is back and this year ’ s haul is record-breaking ! Our gift to you this Christmas , don ’ t forget to turn to p103 for full details on how to enter !
Don ’ t forget to follow us on our socials - @ insideKENT – we ’ ll see you again in 2025 !
Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year , Kent !
Sam x
@ samjready
this DECEMBER we are ... SENDING ...
CHRISTMAS LOVE BY LETTERBOX
GOING TO ... iK BOOK CLUB
Merry Christmas Milk Choc 7-inch Personalised Christmas Cookie , £ 17.50 ; Blondies Kitchen Christmas range is available from blondieskitchen . co . uk
READING ...
THE CRISP SOMMELIER NEIL RIDLEY Bloomsbury Price : £ 12.99 Stockist : Amazon
Crisps and drinks go together like Batman and Robin and , with over 130 crisps and 80 drinks to choose from , Channel 4 Sunday Brunch presenter Neil Ridley draws upon his years of expertise to show you how to find your perfect crisp and drink pairing in his indispensable guide . Learn more about the secretive world of crisp flavourings ; delight in humorous titbits ( did you know there used to be hedgehog flavoured crisps ?); and design your own snacktravaganza ! This is the only guide you ’ ll need for your festive snacking escapades !
PETER PAN AT THE MALTHOUSE !
“ Oh yes we are !”
Starring the hugely talented Joseph Gardner Hodges , making pantomime history this season as the dastardly Captain Hook , alongside Ruby Dixon making her professional debut as Wendy Darling , Duncan Shelton ( Harry Potter ) as Peter Pan , JD Johnson ( Saturday Night Fever ) as Smee and Emily Dawson ( Grease ) as Tinkerbell , get ready for high-flying adventure and festive family entertainment as panto returns to the Malthouse Theatre , Canterbury .
Boasting stunning sets and costumes , side-splitting comedy , catchy songs and dazzling special effects , you can enjoy Peter Pan at the Malthouse Theatre Canterbury from Wednesday 11 December 2024 until Saturday 4 January 2025 . Tickets are on sale now from the online box office : www . malthousetheatre . co . uk .
CanterburyPanto
The Snowman Letterbox Biscuits , £ 27.50 , Biscuiteers Baking
Christmas Cooks Garden Gift Box , £ 18 , The Gluttonous Gardener
8 • www . insidekent . co . uk