insideKENT Magazine Issue 159 - July 2025 | Page 44

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RIVERHILL GARDENS
LEEDS CASTLE CINEMA
CLIFTONVILLE OPEN AIR CINEMA

SUMMER NIGHTS IN KENT

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF CAPTIVATING OUTDOOR CINEMA AND THEATRE

Imagine watching your favourite films or live performances against the backdrop of rolling countryside, historic castles or serene seaside settings. Gather your loved ones, pack a picnic and settle in under the stars for a truly unique cultural experience. Whether it’ s a classic blockbuster or a stirring live production, Kent’ s outdoor venues promise an unforgettable evening.

Hever Castle
The Hever Festival Theatre returns this summer with an exciting lineup including Anne Boleyn: The Musical, a new immersive production staged within the castle grounds running from 2- 30 August. With a transparent roof over the auditorium, you can enjoy performances rain or shine.
Curzon Open Air Cinema
Film fans can catch the latest hits, live sports and classic films outdoors at Canterbury’ s Curzon Riverside. Grab your popcorn and sit back under the evening sky. Why not make a night of it and take advantage of unlimited evening bus travel with Stagecoach’ s South East Group Evening Rider ticket?
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
This summer Riverhill’ s Walled Garden transforms into the ultimate outdoor stage. On 26 July, Changeling Theatre returns with Twelfth Night, a tale of shipwrecks, disguises and love triangles; perfect for a magical evening under the summer sky.
Medieval Pageant and Family Trail
On Saturday 5 July, Canterbury’ s streets fill with knights, pilgrims and merry medieval mischief, with colourful costumes, reenactments and a free Family Trail weaving through the city’ s ancient lanes. Keep your eyes open for the Shakespeare Festival in July and August with performances of The Tempest and Measure for Measure.
Isle of Thanet
If you find yourself on the east coast of Kent this summer( and we highly recommend getting over there!), Thanet’ s cinematic spectacle is one to look out for. Picture it now- warm evenings, your favourite snacks and some wonderful open-air entertainment. Whether you go otherworldly with a screening of E. T. at the Oval Bandstand, or watch a theatrical retelling of Shakespeare at The Royal Albion Hotel in Broadstairs, make it a summer to remember!
Strode Park Theatre in the Park
Strode Park’ s charming outdoor amphitheatre welcomes audiences all season. Tucked in beautiful gardens near Herne Bay, this inclusive space offers live performances in the open air- pack a picnic, book your tickets online and enjoy theatre as it should be.
Leeds Castle
Immerse yourself in the magic of outdoor cinema with a stunning castle backdrop. Leeds Castle’ s Cedar Lawn will play host to a series of classic films including The Greatest Showman, Grease and Bridget Jones’ s Diary. Gates open at 8pm, giving you time to find the perfect spot, unpack your picnic and soak up the sunset before the big screen lights up.
Belmont House
Set against the lush backdrop of the Kentish countryside, Belmont House provides a stunning setting for open-air theatre. This July, join the Changeling Theatre company as they present Twelfth Night in the beautiful gardens. Expect romance, mistaken identities and a dash of Shakespearean mischief on 11 July.
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