Wednesday
There will be Pond Dipping sessions to enjoy at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park today running from 10am until 4pm. Why not go along and discover what creatures can be found in the wetland at this time of year? This event is free to attend and ideally suited to those aged four and above, but booking is essential, so please email:steff.dagorne@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Today until Friday there will be another Camp Wilderness running at Penshurst Place. So if you have children who love being in the great outdoors, exploring their wild side, making dens, and learning bushcraft skills and camouflage tricks, then make sure you look into this great two-
night camp. It costs £249 per person, including food and two nights in a bell tent, and is suitable for children aged six and up. To book, visit www.campwilderness.co.uk
Thursday
Bewl Water’s popular children’s camps are on throughout the summer holidays. So if you find it a challenge to keep your young ones occupied, then this is filled with exciting outdoor activities aimed to keep youngsters fit and entertained. Full-day activities run from 8.30am-5pm and cost from £37 per child. Half-day activities run from 8.30am-1pm and cost £19.50 per child. For more, see www.bewlwater.co.uk
There will be another Family Safari today with local wildlife expert Dr Ian Beavis, who will lead a free family bug hunt – this time around St John’s Park. The hunts take place on a weekly basis in a different location each time, and also run in the afternoon from 2pm. The morning and afternoon 75-minute sessions are suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. See www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org
Friday
Today and tomorrow Hever Festival Theatre welcomes First Knight Theatre, which is putting on their Olivier Award-winning production of the Hitchcock classic comedy The 39 Steps. Today there will be both a matinee and an evening performance, with an evening performance tomorrow night. Tickets cost from £15 and can be booked via www.hevertheatrefestival.co.uk
If you didn’t get round to seeing the hugely popular Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, starring Meryl Streep, Piers Brosnan, Julie Walters, Colin Firth and Cher – to name just a few huge stars in this much-anticipated sequel to the 2008 original film based on the West End musical – then you’re in luck! It’s on from tonight until next Thursday at The Hop Farm’s Moonlight Drive-In Cinema. Tickets cost £25 per vehicle. www.moonlightcinema.com
Saturday
Burrswood in Groombridge will be holding a Watercolour Painting Weekend with local artist Julie King overseeing the workshop. Julie specialises in painting flowers in the natural world and will provide expert hints to capture their floral magnificence. Tickets cost £225 per person and include tuition, all meals and one night’s accommodation from 10am Saturday to 4pm Sunday.
£120 per person includes tuition, tea, coffee and pastries, a delicious lunch and cream tea each day. Call Reservations on 01892 865988 to book your place. www.burrswood.org.uk
Tunbridge Wells Pride is on all weekend, so to find out what’s going on where and when, have a look at their Facebook page – @TWpride
The Knights of Royal England return to Hever Castle this weekend battle it out at their annual jousting tournament. Visitors will be treated to a thrilling show as the brave knights compete for points to find this season’s champion. Witness spectacular displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena, complete with Royal Box. Ticket prices start at £14.20 (adults) and a family ticket costs £38.90. And don’t forget the daily Knights & Princesses School for the children, up until August 27! For more information, visit www.hevercastle.co.uk
Singer-songwriter David McAlmont brings his production girl.boy.child to the Barn Theatre at Smallhythe Place in Tenterden this evening from 7.30pm. girl.boy.child is the result of a two-year collaboration between McAlmont and Richard Sandell, Professor of Museum studies at the University of Leicester, as part of a larger project exploring and revealing the numerous LGBTQ connections across the National Trust.
Sunday
During the summer months, Penshurst Place hosts a fun day of activities every Sunday, which includes falconry displays courtesy of The Hawking Centre. And Aardvark Productions entertain children and adults alike with their brand new panto in the garden. This year, Mr Toad learns the importance of banning plastic,� and how important it is to look after the environment. There will also be lots of crafting to keep you busy. For more details, see www.penshurstplace.com
If you fancy venturing a little bit further this weekend, then why not consider a trip to Tenterden’s steam railway? All summer children can travel free as long as they are accompanied by an adult who has purchased a regular travel card. The ten-and-a-half-mile journey takes place on a beautifully restored steam locomotive which travels through the stunning Wealden countryside to Bodiam, where you can hop off and enjoy a trip around the castle. The promotion runs until September 3, and throughout the summer you can catch Punch & Judy and magic shows each Monday and Wednesday, as well as a face painter on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Adult fares cost £18. For more information and to book, visit www.kesr.org.uk
Monday
This summer, children can go on an Egyptian adventure at Royal Victoria Place thanks to a free interactive and educational Kids in Pyramids experience, which is on until Monday, August 27. Children can learn about life in ancient Egypt by dressing up, discovering the pyramids and digging for artefacts in the sand. The Egyptian Adventure Tour starts at the Great Pyramid of Giza, located on level 1 opposite M&S. Each tour takes 30 minutes, and on completion every child receives a free personalised certificate to take home. There is a maximum of 25 children per tour session. Full event details and times are available at www.royalvictoriaplace.com
Fame The Musical starts tonight at the Assembly Hall and runs all week until Saturday. Cast members in this stage version of the original film and TV series – which focuses on the trials and tribulations experienced by students at New York’s High School for the Performing Arts – include singer Mica Paris, Keith Jack, of ‘Joseph’ fame, and Hollyoaks’ Jorgie
Porter. In Fame’s 30th anniversary
year, this is one show not to be missed.
For tickets and timings, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Tuesday
Hildenborough Farmers’ Market is held every Tuesday from 9am until 11am at St John’s Church Centre in the village. As well as a great selection of fresh local produce on sale, during the school holidays there’s also the chance to participate in some crafts, as well as a Cooking for Kids event
where young visitors can get hands-on and
make something different each week.
For more information, telephone 01732 838903, or visit www.hildenboroughfarmersmarket.co.uk
Are you interested in singing with a vibrant, friendly & enthusiastic group of singers? Paddock Wood Choral Society is looking for new members, particularly male voice singers (tenors and basses) to join them for their forthcoming season, starting in September. They rehearse every Tuesday evening from 7.30pm-9.30pm at St Andrew’s Church, Paddock Wood. To find out more, contact the group’s Secretary, Adrienne Bishop, on 01892 833232, or email: secretary@paddockwood-choral.org.uk