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HEVER CASTLE ANNOUNCES CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2026
Hever Castle has announced the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Sussex Surrey( KSS) as its Charity of the Year for 2026, pledging year-long support. During critical medical emergencies and accidents, KSS brings the hospital to the patient’ s side, with their highly skilled and experienced doctors and paramedics performing life-saving procedures directly at the scene.
From the start of the 2026 season through to the end of the castle’ s Christmas celebrations in January 2027, the historic estate will be fundraising to help keep KSS helicopters flying and critical care teams delivering specialist treatment when it matters most.
WINNER OF DOVER CRUISE SEA AWARD ANNOUNCED
The ninth Dover Cruise Safety and Environment Awareness Award( SEA) has been awarded to Viking Sky, with Oslen’ s Borealis also scoring highly. The SEA Award is designed to help cruise lines evaluate the relative carbon footprint of their operations while in port, with a focus on recycling levels compared to category 1 waste, CO₂ emissions per nautical mile and safety procedures.
As a safe, secure and sustainable port with continual targets across the estate and various business areas, the SEA Award forms an important part of the Port of Dover’ s target of reaching carbon net zero.
“ We are proud that the Port of Dover is shaping a more sustainable future for the maritime industry,” said environment and sustainability manager, Megan Turner.“ The SEA Award is an important example of how we are empowering our partners and customers to come on their journey with us, so that together we can create a healthier and more resilient climate for our seas.”
The announcement follows another successful year of charitable fundraising at Hever Castle. In 2025, visitors raised more than £ 20,300 for Cancer Research UK. Throughout this year, visitors will be invited to support Hever’ s charity of the year by adding a voluntary donation when booking tickets online, as well as through collection points located across the castle and grounds.
“ It costs £ 20.8 million per year for us to be there for the thousands of severely injured and critically ill people among our shared community,” said Kerry Campbell from the Corporate Partnerships Team at KSS.“ 91 % of our total income is raised through the incredible generosity of our supporters. It’ s already been a wonderful start to the partnership, with many of Hever’ s staff excited to meet our crew, demonstrating that having the support of such an iconic destination as Hever Castle, is going to make a huge impact.”
A dedicated team is leading the port’ s ambition to decarbonise the world’ s busiest maritime corridor, which will have a significant impact on the UK’ s drive towards net zero shipping by 2050. Port experts often join cruise lines onboard their vessels while in port to advise on the best practices and efficiencies that support safe and sustainable operation.
CELEBRATING THE BEST OF KENT ® AT KENT COUNTY SHOW 2026
The Kent County Agricultural Society is once again inviting guests to celebrate all that is great in Kent at the county’ s annual showcase of farming, food production and rural life in the Garden of England, as the Kent County Show returns on 3, 4 and 5 July 2026.
This year not only marks the 95th anniversary year of the three-day event which sees livestock, horses, vintage vehicles, retail stands and much more, converge onto the Showground for the festival but also the announcement of insideKENT, which has been proudly celebrating the Best of Kent ® for 15 years, as its official media partner.
Visitors can expect educational and interactive demonstrations, displays from schools, community gardens and individuals, dog agility demonstrations, showjumping and the return of the Festival of Food, where artisan producers will offer delicious food from across the county.
The Astor Ring is the place to be for the pinnacle of the Kent County Show’ s schedule as the Grand Parade of Livestock takes place- a showcase of the winners from the breed classes adorning their newly appointed rosettes and champions’ sashes.
Early Bird Tickets( available until 29 March 2026) are on sale now at: kcas. org. uk / kent-county-show. www. insidekent. co. uk • 209