ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT in the DIARY cont..
14- 16 NOVEMBER KENT FESTIVE GIFT & FOOD SHOW Kent Showground, Detling kentfestiveshow. co. uk Time: 9.30am- 4pm Price: Adult from £ 9, Child from £ 5.50
When looking for a one-stop shop for gifts galore and magical entertainment this festive season, the region’ s biggest festive shopping fair, packed with Christmas presents for all ages and delicious festive food and drink, has got you covered. Sip, sample and shop from the fabulous foodie exhibitors selling everything from Christmas puddings to honey and browse endless thoughtfully handmade gifts from a wealth of wonderful Kentish crafters. Be sure to take a moment to refuel with a hot chocolate and a well-deserved sweet treat, and pay a visit to the reindeer!
22 NOVEMBER- 4 MAY 2026 BRIDGET RILEY EXHIBITION Turner Contemporary, Margate turnercontemporary. org Time: 10am- 5pm Price: Free
Exploring her continuing dialogue with the sensory experience of sight and her enduring connection with the natural world, this brand-new Turner Contemporary exhibition will proudly showcase an array of captivating works from one of Britain’ s most influential artists, Bridget Riley. Including works from the 60s, Riley’ s most recent paintings and wall paintings from the last decade, the exhibition also brings together Bridget’ s early figurative work with line, tone and colour – alongside later preparatory works on paper showing how the practice of drawing has underpinned her working life..
© Pepsoft Photographic
22 NOVEMBER- 23 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS AT KNOLE Knole, Sevenoaks nationaltrust. org. uk Time: 10am- 4pm Price: Included with general admission
The perfect setting to get in the Christmas spirit with the grand landmark splendidly decorated for the season, a magical Christmas is soon arriving at the wonderful Knole in Sevenoaks. Discover Beatrix Potter’ s original Christmas card designs in a charming trail, making sure at the end to post your Christmas wish in the festive post box to receive a cuddly bunny gift. With even a giant wreath set up for a selfie backdrop, this is a festive day out the whole family is sure to enjoy.
© National Trust Images David Sellman
10 DECEMBER WREATH WORKSHOP & AFTERNOON TEA The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Chatham thedockyard. co. uk Time: From 12.30pm Price: £ 60 per person
Join The Historic Dockyard Chatham’ s master ropemakers this December for a fun, creative and delicious afternoon making your very own festive rope wreath. With the base formed from rope made by the craftsmen and women from the dockyard’ s historic ropewalk, and using the same techniques used within the Royal Navy, the expert team here will helpfully guide you to craft a beautifully unique wreath creation. All decorations are provided, as well as a glass of mulled wine, tea or coffee and a delicious festive afternoon tea.
12- 31 DECEMBER HARE AND TORTOISE The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury marlowetheatre. com Time: Various between 10.30am- 2pm Price: £ 17
A joyful tale of friendship, music and one very famous race, this charming adaptation of Aesop’ s fable is brought to life by Tutti Frutti Productions, with fun, live music, unforgettable songs and delightful characters, all in the setting of The Marlowe’ s welcoming studio.
Two unlikely friends, the Hare and the Tortoise, meet for the greatest race on earth. A nail-biting, medal-winning contest to decide who is the quickest: the excitable Hare or the wise Tortoise. Recommended for ages three and above.
28 • www. insidekent. co. uk