ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT intheDIARY MAY 2025
3- 5 MAY ROCHESTER SWEEPS FESTIVAL 2025 High Street, Rochester visitmedway. org Time: 10am- 6pm Price: Free
Returning for its 43rd year, Rochester Sweeps Festival, the international festival of folk music and dance, is one of the largest May Day celebrations in the world. Taking place in the heart of historic Rochester, the vibrant festival showcases top folk musicians and bands, while hundreds of morris dancers from across the country fill the high street with rhythmic sounds and displays. Alongside the eclectic programme of music, international dance groups and workshops, look forward to plenty of local food and drink, crafts and interactive activities for all ages.
10- 11 MAY RAILWAY 200- STEAM AND DIESEL GALA Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, New Romney rhdr. org. uk Time: TBC Price: From £ 26( adult), from £ 7.50( child)
Joining the 2025 celebrations up and down the country for the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway will be pulling out all the stops for their annual steam and diesel gala to mark the momentous occasion, having all available RH & DR locomotives in service plus Shelagh of Eskdale, which is on long-term loan from the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. Weekend tickets will be available and an‘ Enthusiasts’ timetable will be released shortly.
11 MAY RIDE CASTLE Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge tonbridgecastle. org Time: Various start times from 5.45am Price: From £ 28
Pack up your bike and head to the grounds of Tonbridge Castle for a joyous community charity cycle event by Time Outdoors for Action Medical Research for Children. Starting from the magnificent Tonbridge Castle, this event offers options for cyclists of all levels with four routes to choose from ranging from a tremendous 124 miles to a more accessible 33-mile course. Feed stations, medical assistance and mechanical support are stationed throughout the longer routes and all rides offer spectacular views of the beautiful Kent countryside.
11 MAY IMAGINE THE BEATLES- LIVE AT THE ORANGERY Chiddingstone Castle, Chiddingstone chiddingstonecastle. org. uk Time: From 1.30pm Price: From £ 21( adult), £ 6( child), under 5s free
Join Chiddingstone for a marvellous afternoon this May as, back for their fourth year due to popular demand, is one of the UK’ s leading Beatles tribute bands, Imagine... The Beatles. Set to perform all of your favourite hits from across the iconic band’ s career, all in the setting of the beautiful orangery at Chiddingstone Castle, this is a performance you won’ t want to miss. Bring your picnic blanket and chairs and arrive early to enjoy the glorious grounds and tea room.
12 MAY KEEP IT WILD: FORAGE AND FEAST THE PIG- at Bridge Place, Bridge thepighotel. com Time: From 11am Price: From £ 815 for two overnight
THE PIG- at Bridge Place is teaming up with internationally renowned wild foods teacher, author and expert, Miles Irving, for a special woodland foraging experience to showcase just how important homegrown wild ingredients are to the hotel’ s signature dishes and how you can get started with your own foraging journey. Alongside a hands-on workshop and locally gathered nature lunch, tickets include a three-course dinner cooked by head chef Andy and hosted by Miles, a sumptuous overnight stay in a Hop Pickers’ Hut( subject to availability) and breakfast.
www. insidekent. co. uk • 17