Kent Staycation 2020 | Page 68

#KENTYTWENTY #KENTY TWENTY Calling all the Outdoor Champions, History Heroes, Memory Makers, Story Sharers and Taste Makers, this is your year. Trust us, 2020 (or #KentyTwenty as we’re fondly dubbing it…) is going to be a big one, and we’d hate for you to miss the excitement. So, grab a drink and start reading – you’ve got plans to make… CALLING ALL THE OUTDOOR CHAMPIONS CALLING ALL THE MEMORY MAKERS We may have mentioned it, but the 149th Open arrives to Royal St George’s this July, so are you ready to take a swing at some of our esteemed courses? With this, the Junior Championship and the Senior Amateur Championship hosted on our greens, you golfers better start packing up your clubs. For those who prefer a cricket bat, why not celebrate 150 years of Kent County Cricket Club with a packed program of matches and special events? 100 years ago, the iconic Scenic Railway arrived in Margate and Dreamland was born! There have been many rides since, but this vintage favourite remains, so we reckon it’s time you and your family headed back to the land of dreams. Plus, with heaps of festivals this year, including The Kent County Show and Dickensian Christmas, you might want to stick around to discover these family favourites. CALLING ALL THE STORY SHARERS CALLING ALL THE HISTORY HEROES Our corner of the UK can be found throughout some of the world’s greatest works of art and literature. One of Kent’s biggest fans, Charles Dickens, died 150 years ago, so this year we’ll celebrate his life the only way we know - with two festivals and a five-day celebration in his honour. And it doesn’t end there, as the county gets an artistic makeover, with both the Folkestone Triennial and Estuary 2020. Kent is renowned for its history – with many castles and fortresses guarding the gateway to the country for centuries. You’ve probably heard of the murder of Thomas Becket, and this year marks 850 years since his death in Canterbury Cathedral. Kent has stood on the frontline of England since the beginning of time and our military history is second to none. With this year marking the anniversary of Dunkirk and The Battle of Britain, it’s safe to say there will be many commemorations of Kent’s important role in both campaigns. CALLING ALL THE TASTE MAKERS You didn’t think we’d forgotten our foodie roots, did you? We’re famous for our oysters, hops and wine around here, so it’s time to raise a glass in celebration! From the Faversham Hop Festival, to the Wine Garden of England, and tours of the Curious Brewery in Ashford, there’s plenty to raise a toast to in 2020. 68