All the fun of the fairs
There’s lots of seasonal shopping opportunities happening this month including the Chiddingstone Christmas Fair on November 23. This annual event, which is set in the village’s beautiful castle, features 70 hand-picked artisan stalls that will be providing visitors with plenty of festive inspiration. There will also be a range of refreshments available. For more information go to
www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk. On the same weekend is the Hospice in the Weald Christmas market which takes place on November 23-24. Tickets cost £4 per adult and more information can be found at
www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk
Remember, remember
The Round Table fireworks display took place at Dunorlan Park at the beginning of the month but fear not, there are plenty of other Bonfire Night events happening in parks and open spaces throughout the month including a traditional torch-lit procession in Hawkhurst on the final Saturday of the month, November 30. Participants come dressed as smugglers and vagabonds to provide a spooky and smoky atmosphere.
Music worth noting
This month The Forum welcomes a number of brilliant bands to its famous stage. On November 4 indie outfit Heavy Lungs play with up and coming group Life performing on November 13. The venue also welcomes Stereo MCs and Sports Team on November 8 and 22 respectively but both these gigs are sold out so it’s returns only. For more information on who you can see at The Forum this month visit www.twforum.co.uk
Mad about Macbeth
The Shakespeare Project will be performing its first production – Macbeth – at Salomons Estate until November 24 at 7.30pm. For full details about the performances turn to our exclusive interview with the group’s co-founder and actor Peter Basham on p17 or visit
www.theshakespeareproject.com
Just for laughs
Comedian, writer and presenter Griff Rhys Jones presents his one-man show at Trinity Theatre on November 8. Entitled All Over The Place it’s a routine which sees the former sidekick of the late Mel Smith, who starred with him in Not The Nine O’Clock News and Alas Smith & Jones, relaying an amusing array of stories and observations about his life. Griff who is also known as a presenter on Three Men in a Boat, takes to the stage at 8pm.
Fit for life
The Commando Series happens once again at Hever Castle over the weekend of November 9 and 10. Boasting six and 12km courses with 24 or 48 obstacles for young and old competitors to tackle, this event recreates the mud, sweat and pain of modern day Royal Marines Commando training. Needless to say it’s not a challenge for the fainthearted! For more details on tickets and timings see
www.commandoseries.co.uk
We will remember them
Remembrance Sunday falls on November 10 this year and as usual both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge will be holding their annual events in which all servicemen and women, past and present, are remembered. See each town’s council website for more details on events taking place.
Poetry in motion
Poet laureate Simon Armitage CBE will visit the EM Forster Theatre on November 13 in order to read a variety of his published works, including pieces from his latest book ‘Sandettie Light Vessel Automatic’. Armitage, who was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 2018, also writes extensively for theatre, television and radio. He is currently Professor of Poetry at the University of Leeds and was elected Professor of Poetry at the University of Oxford between 2015 and 2019. It starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £12. Go to www.emftheatre.com
Christmas gift ideas
The Wealden Times Midwinter Fair takes place at the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood from November 14-16. As usual there will be an array of unique artisan stalls to browse with plenty of gifting ideas for Christmas – or just for you or your home! Alongside the 220-plus handpicked exhibitors there will also be a special food and drink area where guests can enjoy sampling seasonal delights and take a break with a cup of coffee and slice of something delicious. To book tickets visit www.wealdentimes.co.uk/events
Knight of laughter
Comedy king Sir Lenny Henry rocks up to the Assembly Hall on November 15 with his new and critically acclaimed show Who Am I, Again? In the first half of the evening, Lenny will take the audience through a jam-packed session full of funny and sad memories and stories – from growing up in the Black Country, friendships, family secrets and racism. Lenny will recount setting out on his rollercoaster ride of a career – but at every stage wondering: Am I good enough? He will then be interviewed by his friend the broadcaster and author Jon Canter, revealing further insights into his life and career. Tickets cost from £35.25 and are available from www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Ford Focus
TWODS bring their production of Made in Dagenham to the Assembly Hall theatre from November 25-30. The stage version of the hugely successful film made in 2010, which starred Sally Hawkins and Jaime Winston, promises to be just as entertaining as its celluloid counterpart, bringing the story of the female sewing machinists who go on strike at the Ford Motor Company to life – and this time with added song and dance too! Tickets cost from £21.75 and can be found at
www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
A seasonal story
On November 28 actor John O’Connor will recreate Charles Dickens’ famous performance of his best loved ghost story A Christmas Carol at Trinity Theatre. So why not enjoy a seasonal treat in the spirit of Christmas past, present and future? The performance is at 7.30pm and tickets are £19 per person.
We’ll drink to that!
Discover Local Wines is a new event celebrating some of the area’s artisan wine producers. It takes place at the Hotel du Vin on Saturday November 30 from 4pm until 7pm. There will be 11 local producers present including Bluebell and Herbert Hall, many of whom have award-winning wines. The Kent Wine School will also be there giving dedicated and focusing on some of the standout wines. Guests will have the opportunity to buy mixed cases of wines from all the suppliers. Tickets are £20 each or £35 for a pair. Visit www.discoverlocalevents.co.uk
