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SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
>> WEDNESDAY
The Tunbridge Wells International Music Competition launches today as part of the Mayfield Festival. The first round of the prestigious international event, which is aimed at musicians aged 17 to 27 and divided into piano, wind and strings sections, runs from Wednesday to Friday. The semi-final takes place on Saturday with the final on Sunday. Ticket prices start at £10 for the first three days or £35 for all five. For further details visit:Â www.mayfieldfestival.co.uk
The Moonlight Drive-in Cinema company will be hosting a special screening of the action thriller Criminal tonight and tomorrow evening at 8pm at The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood. Starring Gary Oldman, Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Costner, it’s guaranteed to have you on the edge of your car seat. Tickets cost £20 in advance and £25 on the gate. For further information visit: www.moonlightcinema.com
>> THURSDAY
This afternoon John Vigar from the Tonbridge Decorative & Fine Arts Society presents Britain with Betjeman. It takes place at the Angel Centre and charts the story of the famous poet’s life with a focus on his architectural writings: www.tonbridgedfas.org.uk
At Trinity Theatre, Yasmin Reza’s God of Carnage continues every night at 8pm until Saturday, with an additional matinée at 3pm on the last day. This humorous play, illustrates how a spat between two sets of parents and their children dissolves into satirical farce: www.trinitytheatre.net
At The Stag Theatre there is An Audience with Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe. The Strictly star dancers will waltz, samba and cha-cha their way through a number of favourite routines from the hit TV show. Ticket prices start from £22.50 and are available from:Â www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk
>> FRIDAY
The Small Tales exhibition is an interesting concept which has just launched at the Tunbridge Wells Museum. The art gallery has had the clever idea of presenting a children’s story through an installation of dolls’ house furniture. Artist Alec Stevens and writer Jo Kimber have been commissioned to work on the project, which runs until September 3. Alan Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular plays tonight and tomorrow at The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge. Directed by Phil Porter, it promises to be an evening filled with laughs and social faux pas. Ticket prices vary, for more information visit: www.oasttheatre.com
>> SATURDAY
Fancy a Saturday night with a difference? Then why not chug along to the Ales on the Rails evening on the Spa Valley Railway line. Tickets cost £19 for adults and £14 for children and include a fish and chips supper, pint of ale (for adults) and a pleasant evening journeying through the picturesque Wealden countryside. The train departs at 7pm from Tunbridge Wells West station.
Alternatively, you could take in a live performance of the Met Opera’s production of Elektra at the Odeon cinema. Richard Strauss’s opera focuses on a young princess seeking revenge for the death of her father, King Agamemnon, who was killed by her mother, Klytamnestra. The performance starts at 6pm: www.odeon.co.uk
>> SUNDAY
If you’re keen on culture then make sure you have your tickets booked for the Chiddingstone Literary Festival which takes place today until Tuesday May 3. Offering a diverse and interesting array of guests – which include Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell, veteran ITN war reporter Sandy Gall and former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis – the inaugural event promises to be both informative and inspiring. For ticket information visit: www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk
Every Sunday afternoon visitors to Quebec House in Westerham can enjoy Mrs Wolfe’s recipes – a taste of 18th century life courtesy of a selection of cakes and bakes on offer inspired by the recipes of the former lady of the house, who was married to General Wolfe. Pop along to sample some of the delicious Georgian goodies that have been recreated between 1 and 4pm. For more information visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quebec-house
This afternoon CBeebies’ Chris Lynch will perform in The Curious Adventures of Pinocchio – a contemporary version of the children’s classic by Marcello Chiarenza. Staged at the EM Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School, the tickets cost £8. To book call 01732 304241 or visit: www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk
>> MONDAY
Today sees the official reopening of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. After major regeneration work that was carried out last year, the park is better than ever with a fabulous new adventure playground, community orchard and cool café. Why not pop along and enjoy the fun activities on offer on the special fun day which include inflatables, donkey rides, vintage cars and a dog show. For more information go to: www.fogh.org.uk
Tonight at the Olde Chequers Inn, Tonbridge there will be another evening of traditional folk music led by Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer from 8pm. Musicians and singers welcome.
>> TUESDAY
The new Wealden Tai Chi Club for beginners continues today at Showfields. Starting at 10am, it is run in association with the Number One Community Trust, and tickets cost £5 per adult. There are other classes in alternative locations including Tunbridge Wells Football Club on Wednesdays (10-11am) and two in Ticehurst Village Hall on Mondays (12-1pm) and Fridays (10-11am). For more information call: 01580 201850.
This is the last week you can enjoy Pashley Manor in Ticehurst’s annual Tulip Festival. Boasting over 100 different varieties of this beautiful bloom, the gardens are positively ablaze with colour. The event runs until Saturday May 7 and visitors will have the chance to chat to experts and order bulbs for delivery in the autumn: www.pashleymanorgardens.com
WORTH A TRIP…
Weald of Kent Craft & Design Show, Penshurst Place
The Weald of Kent Craft & Design Show runs from April 30 and takes place in the majestic surroundings of Penshurst Place. As well as lots of handmade gifts, jewellery and offerings to enhance your home, including beautiful ceramics, there will be stalls selling local produce. Visitors can also expect cookery workshops with a Master Chef of Great Britain, Paul Da-Costa-Greaves, and the ever popular Birds and Beasts Roadshow.
