www. insidekentmagazine. co. uk insideKENT
PUBLISHER: Adam Ready, adam @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk EDITOR: Samantha Ready, insidekent @ sidewaysmedia. co. uk
EDITORIAL: Deputy Editor: Polly Humphris Features Writers: Emily Sturgeon
OPERATIONS: Operations Manager: Karlene Gannon
DESIGN: Design Director: Lorna Morris Designers: Melanie Johnsson, Nic Craig
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DIGITAL: Digital Content & Marketing Assistant: Sophie Shorter
Contributors: Becca Collier-Cook, Becca Stern- Mustard Made, Eddi Taylor, Eloise Pfeiffer, Florrie Gannon, Jo Ginn, Jo Gurr, Jodie Gilbert, Katie Ginger, Kirsty Barton- Alternative Flooring, Neil Miller, Owen Gartside, Shelley Cochrane- Furniture Village, Tom Raffield
Cover: © Creative Folkestone
insideKENT Magazine is published by Sideways Media Ltd, Sideways Studios, Unit 3 Eden Business Centre, South Stour Avenue, Ashford, Kent, TN23 7RS
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WELCOME
Creative, colourful and wonderfully inspiring( and perhaps a little bit messy, too)... No, I’ m not talking about the iK team( although, if the shoe fits …), I’ m of course referring to our fabulous annual June arts issue.
This month, we take a deep dive into the people, places and events that keep Kent firmly on the Arts Map. From bold artistic vision to behind-the-scenes brilliance, this issue is a celebration of creativity in all its many forms- and trust us, there is plenty to discover.
Inside, you’ ll find a spotlight shining on the often unsung heroes of the arts world- the curators, creators and cultural champions working to bring extraordinary experiences to life. Alongside interviews with talented artists, stylists and chefs, we also urge you to indulge your own creative side too as we bring you The Kent Creator Trail of classes to try and skills to learn, as well as design-forward places to stay on your own Kent‘ new wave’ staycation that are every bit as inspiring as the art itself.
Ready to channel your inner collector? We’ ve even thrown in a practical guide to sharpening your antique-hunting skills, alongside the latest trends for curating stylish, personality-filled interiors of your own.
Of course, art and food have always gone hand-in-hand, and this issue proves it beautifully. Discover The Art of Cocktails and the best places to sip something special, before diving fork-first into our curated collection of small plates as our Small but Mighty feature rounds up some of the county’ s finest tapas and sharing-style dining destinations. Because sometimes the very best things come in small packages.
If the distinctly unpredictable British weather is leaving you feeling a little grey around the edges, we’ ve got a few colourful antidotes lined up for you, too. As well as our annual guide to Pride, you can escape into the drama and delight of The Belle Affair supper club cabaret experience at The Royal Bell, Bromley; take an artistic-led journey to Seaside Los Jameos in Lanzarote; be inspired to embrace your inner artist and get messy at Splatter Studio, Gravesend; or, if all else fails- lean into the universal truth that chocolate fixes almost everything. Find out all about our hands-on visit to N2 Sweet Labs, where we got to make our own sweets treats and take them home( dangerously good fun, as it turns out!).
And of course, while this issue is rich in creativity, you can still count on us to bring you the very Best of Kent ® with our usual round up of days out, events, local businesses, news and all the brilliant people and places making our county tick.
Here’ s to a June filled with creativity, culture, curiosity and perhaps a cocktail and chocolate in hand while you enjoy it.
Get messy, Kent!
Samantha
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