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Things to do over the late May bank holiday weekend in Kent

05:00, 20 May 2023

This bumper bank holiday month is coming to a close, but there’s still one last long weekend left to go.

Whether you fancy a food festival, feel like partying at the proms or want to get lost in a medieval village, Kent has lots of great ways to make the most of this month’s third and final bank holiday.

Foodie fans can visit the Chatham Maritime Food and Drink Festival this bank holiday weekend. Picture: Chatham Maritime Trust
Foodie fans can visit the Chatham Maritime Food and Drink Festival this bank holiday weekend. Picture: Chatham Maritime Trust

CHATHAM MARITIME MARINA, Chatham

The much-loved Chatham Maritime Food and Drink Festival returns to the waterfront this bank holiday, bringing the best local produce and fun, family activities to the River Medway. The three-day festival will feature stalls from Kent-based vendors such as Canterbury’s Hide and Greek and Whitstable’s Rad Burger, as well as Kentish cider, wine and beer. You can also catch live music each day, take part in watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding and, on Sunday, cheer on the Dragon Boat Challenge.

Details: Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29 at the Chatham Maritime Marina on the River Medway. Entry is free, no need to book.

Travel back to the 1940s at Dover Castle’s WWII Weekend. Picture: © English Heritage
Travel back to the 1940s at Dover Castle’s WWII Weekend. Picture: © English Heritage

DOVER CASTLE, Dover

For three days, the grounds of Dover Castle will be filled with action-packed battle re-enactments and plenty of Blitz spirit as the WWII Weekend returns. This homage to 1940s Britain will give visitors a chance to experience the exhilarating battle between the allied and German forces using stunning pyrotechnics and vintage army vehicles for a true taste of life on the Home Front. There will also be plenty of nods to the era, with a 1940s beauty parlour and retro outfits. Kids can even test their strength and endurance at the army assault course.

Details: Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29 at Dover Castle. Tickets cost £3.50 in addition to a standard entry ticket or English Heritage membership. Book online here.

HERNE BAY PIER, Herne Bay

For those who love nothing more than spending time with their four-legged friends, Herne Bay’s Dog Show is a great day out for you and your pup. You can enter your dog in the show to see if they can nab such titles as Most Handsome Dog and Waggiest Tail, or simply come along and watch the canines compete. There will be treats for all entries and prizes for the winners, as well as lots of family entertainment along the pier itself.

Details: Sunday, May 28 at Herne Bay Pier, along Herne Bay seafront. Registration costs £2 per class and can be done on the day from 1:30pm.

The Kent and East Sussex Railway will be putting on special services all weekend. Picture: KESR
The Kent and East Sussex Railway will be putting on special services all weekend. Picture: KESR

KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY, Tenterden

There’s no better weekend for train enthusiasts to hop on board an authentic steam or diesel locomotive and travel through the countryside. The Steam Up event will see the railway showcase special services and offer visitors a chance to see behind the scenes for one weekend only. The trains will also be running to Junction Road, a regular stop for hop pickers making their way from London to Kent, for the first time in many years. There will also be vehicle displays at several of the stations along the way.

Details: Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29 at the Kent and East Sussex Railway. Trains depart from Tenterden, Rolvenden, Wittersham, Northiam, Bodiam and Junction Road. Book online here.

KENT SHOWGROUND, Detling

Marvel at beautiful spring blooms and fascinating floral displays at the Kent Garden Show. This year, around 300 exhibitors will be setting up shop inside the floral marquee, including medal winners from the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. There will be more than 60 nurseries also showcasing their gardening prowess with lots of goods for sale. As you admire the colourful displays and soak up the springtime atmosphere, you can also stop off at the craft pavilion, food hall and children’s rides, all accompanied by a brass band.

Details: Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29 at the Kent Showground in Detling, near Maidstone. Tickets cost £12. Book online here.

Discover vintage gems at this bustling antiques fair. Picture: Love Fairs
Discover vintage gems at this bustling antiques fair. Picture: Love Fairs

LINGFIELD PARK RACECOURSE, Lingfield

It’s a little further afield, but if you live close to the Kent/Surrey border you might want to pay the Lingfield Antiques and Vintage Fair a visit. This huge fair is bursting with hidden treasures and rare gems that you won’t find anywhere else, with more than 180 indoor and outdoor stalls to browse. Whether you want to pick up some retro fashion or find a unique gift for someone special, you won’t be short of ideas. There will also be live swing music and refreshments to keep you going as you shop.

Details: Sunday, May 28 at Lingfield Park Racecourse in Lingfield, near the Kent/Surrey border. Tickets start from £4. Book online here.

The Medieval Magic Weekend will have reenactments, mock battles and outdoor activities. Picture: Lullingstone Castle
The Medieval Magic Weekend will have reenactments, mock battles and outdoor activities. Picture: Lullingstone Castle

LULLINGSTONE CASTLE, Swanley

This weekend, the beautiful grounds of Lullingstone Castle will be transformed into a traditional medieval village full of authentic sights and sounds. The Medieval Magic Weekend features living history displays with live firing cannons and mock battles, campfires, medieval weapons, tents and outdoor family activities. During your visit, you can also explore the 15th century manor house and famous World Gardens, including the Cactus House and Orchid Meadow.

Details: Sunday, May 28 and Monday, May 29 at Lullingstone Castle in Swanley. Tickets cost £12.50. Book online here.

There will be more than 150 gins available at the Gin and Jazz Festival. Picture: Visit Tunbridge Wells
There will be more than 150 gins available at the Gin and Jazz Festival. Picture: Visit Tunbridge Wells

THE PANTILES, Tunbridge Wells

If you find yourself in Tunbridge Wells this weekend, you might end up stumbling into the annual Gin and Jazz Festival. The free festival will take over The Pantiles in the town centre with outdoor drink stalls from 30 local and national producers. There will be more than 150 gins to choose from, as well as sparkling wine, champagne and a selection of other tipples. There will be live music to keep you entertained and, to soak up the booze, you can grab a bite from the street food stalls.

Details: Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 at The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells. Entry is free, no need to book.

WALMER GREEN, Deal

The Best of Kent Food, Drink and Craft Festival made its debut last year and, after drawing in a hefty crowd of visitors, is making its return for the bank holiday weekend. The festival aims to showcase the finest Kent produce, with fresh food and drink served up by local sellers all day long. This year, a craft aspect has also been introduced to the festival, so you can pick up some unique artwork, handmade gifts and more.

Details: Saturday, May 27 at Walmer Green in Walmer, near Deal. Entry is free, no need to book.

Enjoy a packed programme of free live music at Proms in the Park. Picture: Maidstone Borough Council
Enjoy a packed programme of free live music at Proms in the Park. Picture: Maidstone Borough Council

WHATMAN PARK, Maidstone

The magnificent Proms in the Park is back for another rousing performance. Grab a picnic blanket, find a spot on the grass and enjoy a free all-day concert with music from the Invicta Jazz Orchestra, the Hazlitt Institute Choir and headliners the Maidstone Wind Symphony, all organised by Maidstone Borough Council. You can even dress for the occasion in your best proms attire, if the mood takes you.

Details: Saturday, May 27 at Whatman Park in Maidstone. Entry is free, no need to book.

WINGS OF THE MORNING FIELD, Wrotham

The British Country Show is coming to Kent this bank holiday weekend, with traditional outdoor activities for all ages. There will be falconry, magic, BMX and motorbike, wrestling and puppet shows to enjoy, as well as cooking demonstrations, craft workshops and archery sessions to get stuck into. The event also includes a dog show, petting farm, reptiles and donkey rides and, to really make the kids’ day, there’s even a chance to take a photo with their favourite superheroes and Star Wars characters.

Details: Sunday, May 28 and Monday, May 29 at the Wings of the Morning Field in Wrotham, near Sevenoaks. Adult tickets start from £10. Book online here.

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