EVENTS
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AUTUMN EXTRAVAGANZA // 13-14 OCT
Great Comp Garden, close to Sevenoaks, first threw open its doors to the public 50 years ago. Over the last half century, the garden has gained a reputation among horticulturalists and garden visitors alike as being one of Kent’ s finest gardens to explore.
In celebration of its 50th year, the garden has hosted a series of horticultural events with Great Comp Garden’ s Autumn Extravaganza, the last big event of the season, taking place when the garden is at its height of autumn splendour and introducing a wide spectrum of exhibitors from across the region. There will be a strong emphasis on gardens and garden ornamentation with local artisan food producers and craft people also featured.
From 11am. Price: £ 8( children 6-17 £ 3) Great Comp Garden, Comp Lane, Platt, Sevenoaks TN15 8QS www. greatcompgarden. co. uk / 01732 885094
APPLE FESTIVAL // 13-14 OCT
Visit Brogdale for a breathtaking display of apple varieties and discover over 2,000 varieties in the Brogdale Orchards. There will be apples galore during this weekend celebrating over 2,200 different varieties! Discover something new and tasty with try-beforeyou-buy rare and heritage apple varieties – fill a bag with your favourites to take home. Guided tours of the orchards, horticultural talks, apple pressing demonstrations and a programme of cooking demonstrations all weekend. Enjoy local food, browse the craft and produce on offer and meet the experts to have your apples identified plus lots of family fun!
From 10am. Price: £ 9( children 2-15 £ 5) Brogdale Collections, Brogdale Farm, Faversham ME13 8XZ www. brogdalecollections. org / 01795 536250
THE BIG DOG WALK // 14 OCT
Guide Dogs are back at Leeds Castle with The Big Dog Walk. This 2.5-mile walk will start at 11am( arrive by 10.30am) in the Upper Parkland of Leeds Castle. Entry is free, but all dogs are encouraged to raise at least £ 35 which covers the cost of a guide dog harness. To register your place and receive further information / sponsor form please contact the Maidstone Office of Guide Dogs 0345 143 0214, or email nicola. darling @ guidedogs. org. uk.
10.30am. Price: Free Leeds Castle, Maidstone ME17 1PL www. leedscastle. co. uk / 01622 765400
DRACULA // 16-20 OCT
The world première of a brand new stage adaptation of the classic thriller, completely reimagined by an exciting creative team from London’ s West End and Broadway. Discover Dracula, the iconic vampire thriller that started them all. This brand new multisensory stage adaptation is brought to irresistible life in a contemporary, visceral interpretation of Bram Stoker’ s book that includes all the familiar characters. With breathtaking illusions and spine-chilling effects, this classic tale of obsession and horror will keep you on the edge of your seat! Emotionally fulfilling, utterly terrifying, spellbindingly addictive!
Various times. Price: from £ 18 The Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley BR1 1HA www. churchilltheatre. co. uk / 020 3285 6000
LAURA VEIRS // 17 OCT
A prolific songwriter for nearly twenty years, BBC 6 Music ' s muchloved Laura Veirs proves the depth of her musical skill on her tenth solo album, The Lookout, produced by Grammy-nominated Tucker Martine and out on Bella Union. Here is a bundle of exquisite folk-pop songs; a concept album about the fragility of precious things, waging a solitary songwriter’ s war of creating. Don ' t miss what will be a sublime show.
8pm. Price: £ 17.50 in advance, £ 21.50 on the door Quarterhouse, Mill Bay Folkestone CT20 1BN www. quarterhouse. co. uk / 01303 760750
AUTUMN GARLAND WORKSHOP // 17 OCT
Join talented local florist, Anna Evans of Anna’ s Country Flowers, at a truly autumnal workshop! Under Anna’ s guidance, you’ ll design and create your own autumn garland using a selection of dried and fresh foliage, decorative accessories and natural seeds and berries. In true Neptune Canterbury style, delicious refreshments will also be served to keep you well fuelled throughout the workshop. The cost is £ 45 per person and places are limited so please pop in, call or email us to book.
6pm. Price: £ 45 Neptune, The Oast, Wincheap, Canterbury CT1 3TY www. neptune. com / 01227 209300
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