ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
BRING YOUR DIARY ALIVE IN 2025 !
From joyful celebrations of Kent ’ s most famous past inhabitants and unforgettable anniversaries paying tribute to our illustrious heritage , to the county ’ s most beloved annual events , festivals and family showcases announcing their anticipated return , the 2025 Kentish calendar is shaping up to be a vibrant celebration of both Kent ’ s endearing history and its very promising future . You are not going to want to miss these key dates !
ALL YEAR
RAILWAY 200
Celebrate year-long as 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway ! Visit railway200 . co . uk to inspire your future rail travel and raise a toast to the past with events and activities at various Kent locations
JANE AUSTEN 250
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of frequent Kent visitor and English novelist , Jane Austen . Retrace her footsteps at Goodnestone Park , Godmersham Park , Knowle and Seal and step into the stories in Ramsgate , mentioned in Pride & Prejudice and Mansfield Park .
Easter at Leeds Castle
40 • www . insidekent . co . uk
January
24 - 25 January CIRCUS OF LIFE : GRAVESEND LIGHTS FESTIVAL
Bring your new year alive with colour and creativity at Gravesend ’ s Annual Lights Festival .
February
NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME : SNOWDROP GARDENS
Swathes of snowy white blooms to colourful mixtures of aconites , hellebores , iris and crocus under early blossom there is a garden visit to lift your spirits as the year begins . Find yours at : findagarden . ngs . org . uk .
» Spring Platt , Maidstone : 2 , 5 & 7 February
» Knowle Hill Farm , Maidstone : Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 February
» Copton Ash , Faversham : Sunday 2 & Sunday 16 February
» Doddington Place , Sittingbourne : Sunday 16 February
» The Old Rectory , Fawkham : by arrangement * throughout February
» Fairseat Manor , Sevenoaks : by arrangement * 3 February to 14 March
21 February - 2 March 8th FAVERSHAM LITERARY FESTIVAL
Enjoy 10 days of events including talks , readings , a poetry hub and an open mic ; featuring well-known authors , leading thinkers , up-and-coming writers , and local talent .
March
REMINDER :
Enter the Kent Big Weekend Draw ! Entries open for Visit Kent ’ s Kent Big Weekend Ballot ! Win thousands of free tickets for entry Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April : kentbigweekend . co . uk .
8 March INTERNATIONAL WOMEN ’ S DAY
April
5 - 6 April KENT BIG WEEKEND
Visit an amazing Kent attraction on a FREE day out - with tickets won in the annual ballot .
5 - 21 April EASTER IN KENT
Check out Easter at Leeds Castle for special activities , trails and more ! leedscastle . co . uk
23 April 250th BIRTHDAY OF J . M . W TURNER
What better way to mark the milestone and remember and celebrate the renowned artist and his Margate sunsets , than by a visit to his namesake gallery : Margate ’ s Turner Contemporary . turnercontemporary . org