ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
IT’ S FESTIVAL SEASON! cont.
Broadstairs Folk Week
Leeds Castle Classical Concert
The Wealden Literary Festival LeeFest
KENT COUNTY SHOW // 7-9 JULY www. kentshowground. com
The Kent County Show attracts in excess of 80,000 visitors over three days each year, and it’ s little wonder. This showcase of farming and rural life offers the very best in Kentish food, animals and entertainment. There are interactive experiences to enjoy including the shire stables, woodland craft workshops and the‘ Why Farming Matters’ discovery zone. There is live music throughout each day, and you can taste some of the best produce from around the Garden of England too.
LEEDS CASTLE CLASSICAL CONCERT // 8 JULY www. leedscastleconcert. co. uk
A staple in the classical music calendar, the Leeds Castle Classical Concert never disappoints. Bring a picnic and enjoy the view of‘ the most beautiful castle in the world’ as you are entertained by live classical music( from tenor Anthony Flaum, soprano Katie Bird and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by John Rigby), with a spectacular fireworks finale.
THE VICAR’ S PICNIC // 14-15 JULY www. vicarspicnic. co. uk
The Vicar’ s Picnic is a great name for a great picnic. Located in Yalding just outside of Maidstone, the Vicar’ s Picnic was born out of disappointment. A group of friends did not manage to get tickets to Glastonbury, so they decided to create their own festival at home. It worked, and it has gone from strength to strength ever since! Acts for 2017 include The Fratellis, The Standard Lamps, The Native Oyster Band, The Kar-Pets and Lazy Habits. As well as the music, there are kids’ workshops, poetry recitals, comedy shows and plenty to eat and drink.
THE WEALDEN LITERARY FESTIVAL // 15-16 JULY www. wealdenliteraryfestival. co. uk
Launched in 2016 with the backing of awardwinning authors such as Robert Macfarlane, Wealden Literary Festival is an annual celebration of place and nature through books, food, arts & crafts. Set in the enchanting gardens and woodland of Boldshaves Garden near Tenterden in Kent, this festival, which takes place on 15th and 16th July 2017, offers a unique opportunity for both children and adults to explore the magic of the natural world. This year’ s programme includes talks from authors such as Nicholas Crane( copresenter of Coast), the award-winning garden writer Alys Fowler, Dame Fiona Reynolds( former Director-General of the National Trust) and acclaimed naturalist, Mark Cocker. There are also art exhibitions, artisan food stalls and woodland activities from craft workshops and foraging courses to wildlife safaris.
MEDWAY OPEN STUDIOS // 15-23 JULY www. medwayopenstudios. org
Medway Open Studios & Arts Festival takes place every July throughout the Medway Towns. Run by volunteers, the aim of the
festival is to celebrate the wealth of creativity in Medway. More and more artists have signed up year on year, benefitting the aims of the festival and promoting a positive opinion of Medway. The great thing about Medway Open Studios is that there is no pressure on either the artist or the people who want to come and look. Buying is possible, but it’ s not the only reason for attending; these open studios are there to be enjoyed, and whether you visit one or dozens, this is a day out with a difference. You don’ t even need to have any artistic knowledge as this is something that can be enjoyed by art lovers and those who aren’ t in the know! The only thing required is an appreciation of beautiful things and the hard work that goes into creating them.
CREATE FESTIVAL // 22 JULY www. createfestival. co. uk
It’ s big and it’ s free which might be all you need to know about the Ashford based Create Festival. However, what is also important to note is that it is also one of the South East’ s biggest and most diverse festivals, and it is jam packed full of original acts that encompass, folk, pop, dance and rock. Create 2016 saw the likes of David Live( an incredible David Bowie tribute act), Ben Russell & The Charmers, Dorey the Wise and Old Town Souls. 2017 looks set to be bigger and better than ever before.
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