ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND SUMMER CELEBRATION
6 JUNE Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration, Westenhanger winegardenofengland. co. uk
Get ready to sip and savour the finest Garden of England wines at this delightful summer soirée. Back for its fifth year, this time in an exciting new venue- The Castle in Westenhanger- the Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration is preparing for another wonderful day of sampling award-winning wines from nine Kent producers including Chapel Down, Yotes Court, Biddenden Vineyards, Gusbourne and Domaine Evremond. Enjoy live music in the main marquee, buy wines all day from the bar, relax in the grounds and tuck into tasty bites from the many food traders. Be sure to catch the exclusive interviews and special tastings taking place throughout the day. Tickets also include a tote bag of goodies, a Riedel tasting glass, the Wine Garden of England Handbook and tasting vouchers for the day’ s festivities.
ST EDMUND’ S FESTIVAL
24- 30 JUNE St Edmund’ s Festival, Canterbury stedmundsfestival. org. uk
Otherwise known as The Festival on the Hill, this splendid weeklong celebration of music, art and theatrical performances has gained quite the reputation for its gathering of world-renowned artists and spectacular showcases from talented students. You won’ t want to miss the festivities this year as The Horne Section Live! opens the festival with a high-energy blend of musical virtuosity and sharp comedy, The Art & Design Exhibition and presentation of the Canterbury Art Prize showcases incredible works from pupils across East Kent, and festival friend and renowned vocal coach Mark De-Lisser returns for a showstopping singing workshop.
3- 5 JULY Kent County Show, Detling kcas. org. uk / kent-county-show
Raising a toast to a remarkable 95 years of celebrating agricultural excellence across the Garden of England this July, the Kent County Show is back for an unmissable anniversary festival. Across the action-packed three days, livestock, horses, vintage vehicles and retail stands will converge at the beloved Detling showground for families to delight in all aspects of local rural life. Watch as hundreds of cows, sheep and goats compete to take home the prize for‘ Best in Show’, head to the Living Land Village to learn more about food, farming and the environment, and catch the wonderful displays of horses and riders at the Equine Village. Other show highlights include woodland crafts, excellent shopping from a wealth of local suppliers, live music and scrumptious feasts from artisan producers.
BIDDENDEN TRACTORFEST
15- 16 AUGUST Biddenden Tractorfest, Biddenden tractorfest. co. uk
2026 marks the 12th year for this joyous family-friendly extravaganza that takes over the fields of Holden Farm every August for a marvellous showcase of over 300 tractors alongside stalls, vintage vehicles, demonstrations, children’ s entertainment, animals and arena displays. Look forward to enthralling falconry and fun dog and sheep shows, as well as hands-on craft exhibits such as woodturning and chainsaw carving, with plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
UNTIL 10 MAY Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival, Tunbridge Wells twlf. co. uk
Lovingly curated for book lovers of all ages, join the exciting townwide celebrations of the written and spoken word as Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival brings together over 30 world-class speakers to a host of local venues. Don’ t miss bestselling poet Donna Ashworth and journalist and presenter Davina McCall MBE at the Assembly Hall Theatre as they prepare for an uplifting and deeply personal evening talk; award-winning novelist Monique Roffey as she hosts an insightful writing workshop at The Pump Room; and national treasure Gyles Brandreth as the festival celebrates 100 Years of Winnie-the- Pooh at the family festival in Calverley Grounds.
29- 30 MAY Lovebox Presented By Dreamland, Margate dreamland. co. uk
One of London’ s most iconic music festivals, Lovebox is being creatively reimagined and finding a new home at Dreamland, Margate’ s beloved seaside destination this May! Bringing together the acts who shaped the story of Lovebox and plenty of new faces, this greatly anticipated party by the sea presents a stellar lineup. Get ready to dance the night away as the likes of Rudimental, Armand Van Helden and Scissor Sisters promise a celebration to remember.
34 • www. insidekent. co. uk