ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT intheDIARY FEBRUARY 2026
UNTIL
1 MAR 2026
TALKS IN THE CASTLE Leeds Castle, Maidstone Various dates until 1 Mar
Led by the expert storytellers of Leeds Castle, this informative and fascinating series of talks offers visitors the unique opportunity to delve into the lives, legacies and secrets of the castle and its famous residents. During talks taking place on the select dates at 11am, interesting insight into the castle’ s Stoneworks Conservation Project will be shared, while the 2pm sessions will cover a range of thrilling topics- from castle portraits and the life of Lady Baillie to the six queens of Leeds Castle and the 1920’ s restorations.
11am & 2pm Included with general admission leeds-castle. com
6 FEB 2026
KENTISH SPARKLING SHOWCASE 2026 Macknade Wine Store, Faversham
Join Macknade this February for a delicious deep-dive into the very best Kentish fizz. With Kent fast becoming one the UK’ s most exciting regions for sparkling wine, this celebratory special will give guests the chance to taste, compare and discover their new favourite bottles through a showcase of standout local wineries including Squerryes, Silverhand Estate and Westwell. The evening will also feature expertly paired Kentish nibbles prepared by the Macknade deli team and exclusive retail offers, with additional glasses and bottles available to purchase.
6.30pm- 8pm £ 35 per person macknade. com
FROM
10
FEB 2026
WHALES AT ROCHESTER CATHEDRAL Rochester Cathedral, Rochester 10 Feb- 7 Mar
An enchanting art installation is arriving at Rochester Cathedral this month with three majestic sperm whale sculptures suspended in the cathedral’ s nave. Created by artist Tessa Campbell Fraser and presented in partnership with MESSUMS ORG, this award-winning artwork invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of whales and to reflect on humanity’ s increasing ecological impact on the global climate. Whales will also be accompanied by a programme of seainspired special events, including a BBC Big Band specially curated performance.
Various times Free happyglorious. co. uk
FROM
11
FEB 2026
CAPTURING A QUEEN: THE IMAGE OF ANNE BOLEYN Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge
Bringing together the largest ever gathering of portraits believed to depict Anne Boleyn, including a groundbreaking newly identified contemporary image unveiled for the first time, this exhibition has been developed from thrilling new research by esteemed Hever Castle historian, Dr Owen Emmerson, and traces how Anne’ s image has changed over 500 years. The anticipated showcase will also reveal new fascinating scientific findings.
13
FEB 2026
FASTLOVE: A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE MICHAEL Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone
Fastlove, one of the world’ s top tribute spectaculars, will arrive from London’ s West End to the beloved Leas Cliff Hall stage for one night only this February. Celebrating the late, great George Michael and playing all the hits from Wham! right through to his fantastic solo career including‘ Wake Me Up’,‘ Too Funky’,‘ Father Figure’,‘ Freedom’ and‘ Faith’, Fastlove is expected to sweep Kent’ s George Michael fans off their feet with its dazzling tribute to the extraordinary artist.
12pm- 4.30pm Included with castle admission hevercastle. co. uk
7.30pm From £ 27 atgtickets. com / venues / leas-cliff-hall
www. insidekent. co. uk • 17