If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages please email info@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
WEDNESDAY
As part of National Walking Month Burrswood is organising a two-mile walk through the beautiful Groombridge countryside today. Led by Physique Fitness Training, the event starts at midday from the main reception area and is free to attend.
Tunbridge Wells Museum invites you on a guided tour of life behind the scenes at the town’s gallery and library. Beginning at 2pm a curator will take you round and explain what it takes to put on an exhibition such as its current one – Tall Tales, Tiny Tavern – and offers the opportunity to get up close and personal to precious artefacts. Booking in advance is required. To reserve a place email museum@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
At 6pm there will be a private view at SEEART Gallery for artist Jennifer Newman’s first UK show. Her work is held in both private and public collections across the globe including the Nelson Mandela Museum in South Africa. To book a ticket call 01892 512 365 or for more information visit www.seeartgallery.co.uk
Above and Beyond, an evening of inspiring stories from inspirational people, is taking place at the Velo House from 7.30pm. Intrepid adventurers Mark Bayliss and Sarah Russell will be talking about the many endurance challenges they have survived in their careers. Tickets cost £10.
THURSDAY
Fest Fiction presents a literary and art exhibition at Perk & Pearl Coffee in Grove Hill Road as part of the Unfest season. Three writers, Carolyn Gray, Peppy Scott and David Smith, have penned stories relating to a fictional band’s journey to Unfest. There will also be artwork on display inspired by walks from The Pantiles, Rusthall and the Museum. Open 10am-5pm, from Tuesday May 24 until Tuesday May 31.
Scallywag Café is hosting a Murder Mystery event put on by the very talented 368 theatre company. Teams have to decipher clues and unravel plot twists performed by the ‘suspects’ in order to determine who the murderer is. Whoever wins gets a bottle of bubbly! Begins at 8pm and tickets cost £10. www.scallywagcafe.co.uk
Jazz on The Pantiles continues its popular summer run. Tonight visitors will be entertained by the energetic Volare Trio, who play a fusion of Latin American, jazz and Italian tunes.
More music is offered at Trinity Theatre courtesy of the Juan Martin Flamenco Dance Trio. The Spanish show unites world famous guitarist Juan Martin with singing sensation Amparo Heredia and talented dancer Luisa Chicano. Tickets start at £16 and the performance begins at 8pm.
FRIDAY
Alfresco Festival happens over the weekend and promises to be fabulous fun for all the family. As well as lots of music and pop-up bars there will be plenty to keep the children entertained including face painting, crafting sessions and entertainment. Visit www.alfrescofestival.co.uk
Hadlow Amateur Dramatic Society (HADS) is putting on It’s a Kind of Magic, an original play written and directed by Jane Apps. It tells of an unlikely romance between two people who plan to save the world – with the help of a little magic. Performances will be held at Hadlow Village Hall tonight and tomorrow at 8pm. Tickets cost £8.50 for adults and £7.50 for concessions and are on sale at Hadlow Pharmacy and Bourne Produce in East Peckham.
Scottish singers The Proclaimers perform at the Assembly Hall tonight from 7.30pm. The twin brothers are known for their musical melange of folk, blues, soul and political pop. They will be featuring new material from their tenth album, entitled Let’s Hear It For The Dogs, as well as old favourites 500 Miles and Letter From America. Tickets cost £28.50.
The Spa Hotel hosts jazz singer Lesley Alexander from 8-10pm. She has recently returned from the US, where she sang in famous clubs such as the Blue Note and the Cotton Club supporting the likes of Dionne Warwick. Entrance is free and you can dine until 9.30pm.
SATURDAY
Penshurst Place is holding a Bushcrafting weekend over the Bank Holiday. Wilderness experts will be on hand to show visitors how to set up camp ? res, build shelters and go scavenger hunting. Ideal for any keen outdoor adventurers!The event runs from 10.30am-5pm until Monday May 30. Normal admission fees apply. For more details visit www.penshurstplace.com
Music and Magic is on at St Philip’s Church in Tonbridge from 6-9pm. There will be conjuring tricks, a 60s’ singalong and a buffet. To book tickets call 01732 352 416.
Jazz singer and Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal performs at the Assembly Hall at 7.30pm. She and her Mini Big Band will delight the audience with a variety of swing, classic standards and contemporary numbers. Tickets cost from £28.
SUNDAY
Ballet Theatre UK present Pinocchio at the Assembly Hall at 3pm. Their balletic version of this much-loved children’s tale features a classical music score. Tickets cost £18 per adult and £15 for children under 12.
The UnArt Fair takes place on at The Forum’s veranda this Bank Holiday weekend. The pop-up exhibition features pieces by a variety of artists including Agatha O’Neill, Elizabeth Barrett and Kerrie Kent, who make up AEK. The trio choose a word every day, send it to each other, create a picture or collage inspired by it, then post it on Instagram with the hashtag #AEKEveryday. This will be the first time that the group’s work has been on public display and for sale.
Hever Castle’s summer festival season starts this weekend. Tonight the popular comedian and Live at the Apollo host Hal Cruttenden takes to the stage to talk about the trials and tribulations of modern day life. Tickets cost £16 and are available from www.heverfestival.co.uk
MONDAY
Pashley Manor hosts its Sculpture in Particular event until next Saturday, June 4. The beautiful ornamental gardens in Ticehurst are famed for the stunning pieces of artwork that are dotted about them, but this eight-day exhibition sees the house’s usually private, wood-panelled Great Hall opened up to the public with a display of maquettes and small sculptures for sale. Tickets cost £10. For further information visit
www.pashleymanorgardens.com
TUESDAY
To celebrate Tunbridge Wells Museum’s beloved mascot Minnie LuLu, turning 145 this year, there will be a four-day crafting extravaganza for pre-schoolers every day from today until June 4. Entry is free and the sessions run from 10.30am-12.30.pm and 2-4pm.
Children can make their own Minnie LuLu and discover her favourite parts of the museum.
Keep your children entertained over the Bank Holiday with a trip to Trinity Theatre. Today they are showing Oddball and The Penguins a family-friendly film that follows the true story of an Australian chicken farmer who, with the help of his granddaughter, trains his naughty dog to protect a wild penguin sanctuary from fox attacks. Charming, educational and a little off the wall.
Our local National Trust properties have plenty of half-term action to enjoy. Scotney Castle is taking part in the organisation’s 50 Things Adventure Week, which encourages children to build a den, roll down a hill or find their way around with a map and compass. For more information go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk
PICK OF THE WEEK
Invasion Kent is on at Hole Park on Saturday May 29 and Sunday May 30
The event near Cranbrook, which is organised by the Napoleonic Association of Great Britain, brings the notorious 19th-century war between the French and English back to life with a series of authentic re-enactments of famous battles including Waterloo. There will also be cavalry arms skills, drills and artillery displays and guides on hand to talk about this historic period. France’s notorious Napoleon Bonaparte is played by John Holmwood. There will be plenty of food and drink on offer too including a hog roast and real ales. Admission, which includes entry to the gardens, costs £7 for adults and £1 for children. To purchase tickets go to www.holepark.com
