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Tickets for The Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival Now Available for Purchase!

The Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival is thrilled to announce that tickets for their 2024 line-up are now officially on sale! Scheduled to take place from June 29th to July 14th, the festival promises a vibrant celebration of creativity, encompassing music, comedy, theatre, and an array of eclectic performances. As one of the most eagerly awaited

The Americana Revue Comes to The Sinden Theatre This June !

The Americana Revue is a unique, exciting new live music stage show celebrating many of the world’s best loved U.S. artists and some of the most inspiring songs of a generation. Two hours plus of timeless, multi-million selling #1 chart hits! Classic songs that have been the soundtrack to countless music fans’ lives for decades.

Get ready for Monster Slam 2024 at Quex Park!

Get ready for Monster Slam 2024 at Quex Park! Monster Slam, our car-crushing, caravan-smashing extravaganza is BACK in 2024 and is going to be a great day of extreme stunts, massive jumps and explosions! Join us at Quex Park, Birchington, on Sunday, 11th August 2024 for a day of mind-blowing metal-mashing fun that you won’t

Enchanting Family Performances: A Magical October Half-Term at Hemsted Park

Half-term is the perfect occasion for families to come together and immerse themselves in a world of enchantment and creativity. This month, a curated selection of family performances awaits, promising to ignite the imagination and bring joy to children and adults alike at Hemsted Park at Benenden School in Cranbrook, Kent. Kinder: A Multifaceted Tale

The Sinden Celebrate Their 20th Anniversary !

The Sinden Celebrate Their 20th Anniversary and boasts a vibrant and inspiring programme of events and performances, this Autumn and Winter ! Set on the grounds of Homewood School and based within the heart of the Weald of Kent, The Sinden’s intimate 290 seated venue boasts a vibrant and inspiring programme of events and performances

Heart of Kent Show Choir – the ultimate girls’ night out !

It has been a hugely successful year for Tenterden based Heart of Kent Show Choir, who have continued to woo and delight audiences with their diverse performances, to date raising around £250.000 for local and national charities, and even singing at the London Palladium. The group of 60 woman from all walks of life have

Celebrating 24 years the World Famous Edinburgh Festival, finally returns to Maidstone!

Celebrating 24 years since the show was created for the World Famous Edinburgh Festival, finally returns to Maidstone!   Now officially the largest and longest continuously touring cabaret show in the UK is back with an incredible new production for 2023. PARTY QUEENS APPEARING AT YOUR THEATRE IN 2023 Cheekier, Funnier and as Glamorous as

Hemsted Park Benenden School Announces First Season’s Programme

The renowned BBC Big Band, jazz legends Ronnie Scott’s All Stars and TV quizzer-cum comedian Paul Sinha are among the artists who will be performing in the first season of events at Kent’s newest performing arts venue. Hemsted Park – a collection of performing arts spaces at the world-renowned Benenden School, just outside Cranbrook –

Gardens Open For Charity with the NGS

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique, affordable access to exceptional private gardens and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake. With fresh shoots emerging and early bulbs in flower, it’s a great time to get out and enjoy visiting a wonderful Kent garden this spring.  Just

Spring at Leeds Castle

From 11th February to 29th May, step into Spring at Leeds Castle, and enjoy the diiferent wildlife, woodland walks and quality time spent with nearest and dearest making new spring memories with the family.   Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry

A Very Merry Christmas at Benenden Arts

Benenden Arts singers drew a close to the Autumn term and welcomed the Christmas season with a series of four outstanding Carol Services. It was a great thrill for the School community to usher in Advent and the start of the Christmas season by holding both the Lower and Upper School Carol Services in the

Events Announced at a NEW Performance Venue in Benenden, Kent

Bookings are now being taken for the first public events in a new performing arts venue in the heart of Kent.   The completion of the stunning new Centenary Buildings at the prestigious Benenden School has enabled the school to open up its performance spaces to public performances. The purpose-built Theatre will be hosting a

READING FOR RELAXATION from Cranbrook Literature Festival

There’s a treat in-store for reading enthusiasts in the Cranbrook area this September with a visit by best selling author, Gill Hornby, who will be talking about her new novel ‘Godmersham Park’. Organised by the Cranbrook Literature Festival the event will take place on September 22nd, from 7.30pm in the Vestry Hall. ‘Godmersham Park’, set

Looking for a comedy night out in Kent? Here’s a venue that’s caught our eye…

Looking for a comedy night out in Kent? Here’s a venue that’s caught our eye… Lonestar work with venues in Kent and East Sussex to produce top quality comedy nights. Here’s what they have planned this year. Lonestar Comedy Club at Cranbrook Rugby Club 26th August Featuring: Russell Hick Otiz Cannaloni Ross Smith   23rd

Something a little different at the College of St Barnabas in Surrey this Summer…

Wondering what events are going on this Summer in Surrey, here’s one that’s caught our eye… In addition to regular individual and group activities for residents with the Activities Coordinator, a lively calendar of events takes place at the College this year ! “What was this place before it became the College of St Barnabas?”

The One Love Music Festival Is Back This August !

The much anticipated festival is set to rock the Wiston Estate in Steyning, West Sussex this Summer. In partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. The oranisers of the One Love Festival have added more artists to their star-studded line up, including Julian Marley, and Rio Ferdinand Foundation ambassador Heather Small, and The Dualers. The full

Join The West Kent Mind Team This Summer !

West Kent Mind is one of around 130 local Mind associations (LMAs) which are affiliated to the national charity Mind. They are an independent charitable organisation and support the overall values and vision of the national organisation. Open: We reach out to anyone who needs us. Together: We’re stronger in partnerships. Responsive: We listen, we act. Independent: We

Reggae Night and Bob Marley Tribute at Imber Court in Esher

This will be a night to remember in many ways…   Tanni Browne is a well established Tribute act for Bob Marley who has been on the music scene for a number of years. During his time he has supported many famous reggae Artists. He will be singing all the Bob Marley hits such as

The highlight of the Kent social party calendar – The Leeds Castle Summer Concert

For over 40 years the Leeds Castle Summer Concert has been the highlight of the Kent social party calendar, offering a mix of much-loved classical favourites alongside new orchestral arrangements of popular songs. This spectacular summer event, unique to Leeds Castle will welcome back The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, with Conductor and Artistic Director John Rigby.

Announcing Cranbrook’s 2022 LIVE Music Programme !

Following on from the wild success of the Cranbrook Town Music Festival back in September, which will be repeated next year on 9 & 10 September (save the date!), there is going to be a great deal more exciting live music in Cranbrook in 2022! A full programme of events is being set up covering

An Exciting New Chapter For The Floral Studio In Cranbrook !

The Floral Studio in Stone Street has been a mainstay of Cranbrook shoppers for the last thirty years. Providing traditional florist services for weddings, funerals and Valentines surprises! As well as Kew Gardens botanical pots, and house and garden plants. Even throughout the pandemic The Floral Studio remained an important presence in the community, offering

Step into Christmas at Leeds Castle !

From 27th November to 2nd January, step into Christmas at Leeds Castle, and enjoy wintery woodland walks and quality time spent with nearest and dearest in the crisp winter air.   Put on your coats, gloves and scarves as you tread on frosty leaves and spot the 12 unique artworks located across the estate, all themed

Have You Heard About Cranbrook Operatic and Dramatic Society (CODS) ?

Cranbrook Operatic and Dramatic Society (CODS) is an amateur theatre group that has been active in Cranbrook for over 100 years. CODS was founded in the Autumn of 1919 and began rehearsals for its first production – of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado performed on the 28 & 29 Jan 1920 at The Vestry Hall

The West Kent Mind Spectacular Fundraising Online Auction!

West Kent Mind is a local mental health charity, with a mission to enrich lives through better mental health by offering support to Get Well, Stay Well, Thrive. Having been unable to run the usual programme of fundraising events, the charity is running an online auction to raise vital funds to continue providing responsive and

Announcing The Tenterden Folk Festival 2021 !

Thursday 30th September to Sunday 3rd October   With some very special events lined up for you to enjoy as well as a near normal mix of concerts, song and music sessions, workshops, sea songs and shanties session, meet the guest events, dance displays, procession, crafts and stalls, free music stage, etc! Big WOW and

What’s On At The Sinden Theatre This Autumn?

The Sinden Theatre announces its Autumn programme ! A 231 seated venue located within the grounds of Homewood School in the heart of the Weald, with a wide variety of shows from local Stage schools, Dance academies and Drama groups. As well as hosting regular school productions The Sinden provides a wide diversity of entertainment for the area, from

The Cranbrook Literature Festival is back !

The Cranbrook Literature Festival is back this year having been Covid postponed last September. The event takes place on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September bringing children and adult authors, poetry, creative writing workshops, discussion, and competitions to Cranbrook. The Cranbrook Literature Festival is a two-day, biennial event held to celebrate Cranbrook’s literary heritage and

Cranbrook Music Festival

Come and join us in Cranbrook this September for Cranfest 2021 !   Cranbrook Music Festival begins on the evening of Friday 3rd September and continues all day on Saturday 4th September. There will be an amazing array of different artists playing throughout plus local school bands and, with the exception of the two headline

The Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival 2021

Celebrate the Best of British Live Music by the Seaside ! The Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival has announced a series of headline concerts on an outdoor stage on the beachside South Lawn of the De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill on Sea from 26th to 30th August 2021. There are limited tickets available, so

Spitfire Diamond Nine’s Flying Over Kent

The annual Battle of Britain held at Headcorn Aerodrome this Summer will feature the Spitfire Diamond Nine Planes and the striking Silver Spitfire. Organisers have announced that planes including these will be soaring through Kent’s skies during Spitfire Diamond Nine! The Battle of Britain celebration of the British WW2 victory in the skies of the

Where Can We Go In Kent?

With many restrictions lifting this week, many of Kent’s parks, attractions, take aways and pubs are finally re-opening their doors. But where can we go in Kent? We’ve put together a list of great places to visit across the county. Hop Farm Family Park The Hop Farm is Kent’s iconic and historic landmark. Featuring the world’s

Get Together For A Picnic This Spring

Time to get together for a picnic this Spring. Now that we are able to meet in a group of 6 or with another household outside, its time to enjoy the Spring sunshine. Whilst we can’t eat in just yet, picnics are the perfect substitute! So make up your hamper or look out for take

Easter Days Out In West Sussex

With the gradual easing of lock down restrictions in the coming weeks, we are planning ahead for Easter! There are some great places to visit in West Sussex this Spring, many with large outdoor spaces and social distancing rules in place.   Staunton Country Park With 3 family friendly nature trails and a 1,000 acres

Historical Architecture In The South East

Now is a great time to explore the historical architecture on your doorstep. Throughout the Weald, we are fortunate to have a variety of stunning Castles, Clock Towers, Towers and houses all over Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey. Whilst many may still be closed to visitors for the next few months, most have open grounds

LIVE Animal Webcams You Can Watch From Home

Are you missing being able to see animals in our wildlife and safari parks across the South East? Everybody loves animals, especially children but sadly we’ve not had many opportunities to visit in recent times. Whilst we can’t see the animals in person this half term, we can still get up close and find out

Local Lockdown Walks In The South East

Lockdown walks in the South East   Looking for lockdown walks in the South East ? As 2021 gets underway, its important to stay local and adhere to national guidelines. Luckily there are plenty of stunning locations across the South East to walk around during lockdown. Now is a great time to explore the countryside

Kent and Sussex still up for some spooky half-term fun !

Everything feels a little different this year. However, it can be fun finding new ways to celebrate the season while keeping yourself and others safe. We’ve loved exploring all the fun activities still available to enjoy this Halloween across Kent and Sussex, and we hope you do too! Wicked ways to be spooked! Penshurst Place

Getting away from it all this Autumn

Autumn is a truly stunning season as we watch the leaves turn from green to golden yellow and red. As Government guidelines continue to encourage us to stay apart, where better to do this than across some of Kent and Sussex’s most secluded beauty spots. Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside! For

How to keep the kids entertained as we emerge from lock down this Summer.

No one deserves a pat on the back more than those who’ve been stuck indoors with young children during lockdown! Over the past four months, we’ve learnt to become expert bakers, den makers, painters and of course skilled influencers and negotiators. Suffice to say, it’s been challenging at times! As we emerge from lockdown and

Cheaper days out this summer thanks to the VAT slash !

In a recent post, we explored eateries across Kent and Sussex who were participating in the latest ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, as part of the Government’s £5bn support initiative to sustain jobs and aid economic recovery across the hospitality and tourism sectors. As part of the deal, the Chancellor also announced a six-month

Don’t miss out on 50% off dining this August!

As the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”. Except during August 2020 that is! Since the Chancellor unveiled the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme to boost the hospitality sector following the national re-opening of pubs and restaurants on 4th July, we’ve been on the look-out for participating venues across Kent

Missing your culture fix?

Watch your favourite shows online It may not be quite the same as getting dressed up for an evening at the theatre, or enjoying some popcorn and fizzy drinks at your local cinema. But it has been great to see so many venues and artists adapting their programmes to online audiences. It’s safe to say

Get your taste buds tingling! Food and drink venues re-opening in Kent.

For 12 weeks we’ve been cooking, baking and barbecuing our way through lockdown, but with restrictions finally easing, we can take a break and treat ourselves once more. Whether it’s fine dining, street food or a trip to the pub, let’s find out where the best food and drink places are to explore in Kent.

Ready, Set, Open! Our round-up of outdoor venues reopening across Kent.

Ready, Set, Open! Our round-up of outdoor venues reopening across Kent. As we enter month three of lockdown, many of us are understandably looking to travel further afield than our back gardens to enjoy the summer. So just where can we go in Kent right now? National Trust welcomes back nature lovers   At the

Claim a £99 listing on Big WOW – free for 2020!

Claim a £99 listing on Big WOW – free for 2020! We know a number of you – just like us – have been working hard over the last few months to modify or even reinvent your offering during the lockdown. We’ve been inspired by all of the ways businesses across the UK have adapted

Will Young and James Morrison co-headline Forest Live at Bedgebury Pinetum

Will Young and James Morrison have announced co-headlining dates as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series presented by Forestry England.   Will Young has spent much of the last two decades at the forefront of pop, having won the inaugural series of Pop Idol which shot him to national fame. A chart-storming career

The High Weald Academy’s new building is now officially open

Friday 31st January 2020, The High Weald Academy’s new 21st century building was officially opened.   To celebrate the official opening of new building, the unveiling ceremony revealed the winning students of the academy artwork competition, whose work will adorn the walls of the building to commemorate the event.  Congratulations to: ‘Peace in the Weald’

Gazebo Theatre celebrate 40 years with hard hitting female focused play – ‘WANTED’

Gazebo Theatre company end 40th anniversary celebrations in their inimitable style by telling the stories of 5 extraordinary women in an innovative, unique and truly engaging new show.   As part of International Women’s Month celebrations in March 2020, Gazebo Theatre will tour the UK with their new show ‘WANTED’. ‘WANTED’ marks the culmination of

Wellbeing Week at Dulwich Prep – Feel good about yourself!

Feel good about yourself! 3rd – 7th February   Wellbeing Week at Dulwich Prep Cranbrook provides the children with a number of activities on offer to promote a sense of wellbeing including yoga, art, sewing and singing; alongside visiting speakers and events. The aim of pastoral care at Dulwich is simple, everything is focused on

Formation Spitfire Flights now available at Biggin Hill

YOUR FLIGHT OPTION +£200 PER PERSON CALL TO BOOK • Fly in formation with a friend or family member in two Spitfires • Available as an upgrade to any pair of flight bookings for  +£200 per aircraft • 30, 40, 50 and 70 minute flights can be delivered as formation flights • Two spitfires flying together in

Rye Jazz Festival – A Unique Live Christmas

Christmas Concerts at St Mary’s Church, Rye    Join us in the beautiful and historic town of Rye at St Mary’s church and experience three truly unique live intimate concerts. The lights are up, the stage is set and the Christmas countdown has begun. We are thrilled to be bringing world-class singers to Rye for

Big WOW visits the Rare Breeds Centre for Christmas

Nikki from the Rare Breeds Centre kindly invited Big WOW Rebecca, Head of Sales at Big WOW, and her family down to the farm to experience how they celebrate Christmas. Here’s how she got on:        “Upon walking to the entrance Christmas music was playing to get us all in the mood- as

James Morrison & Will Young co-headline Bedgbury in 2020

More Stars come to play at the majestic Kent music venue of Bedgebury Pinetum! Sunday 14th June 2020   Tickets £49.50 Plus £5.95 booking fee per ticket Book tickets online here. Alternatively, you can book by calling 03000 680400   Read about our access statement and personal assistant entitlement here.   About the artists   With

Father Christmas comes to Groombridge Place

Book to see Father Christmas at Groombridge Place near Tunbridge Wells in Kent on selected days from Saturday 7 December 2019 until 24 December 2019. Visit us for a fun day out in the forest with wooden bridges and a huge boat to play on at Crusoe’s World before discovering the giant tree swings deep

Festive fun for all the family at Kent’s historic venues

  Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat…. So where can you take the family to get into the spirit of the season? Here’s our pick of the festive frivolities happening at some of the stunning historic venues this winter.   Christmas crafts Thinking of making your own wreath this year but not sure

Hayley’s Heroes & The Hazlitt Theatre team up

  “The Hazlitt Theatre is at the heart of our county town and the team behind Hayley’s Heroes are very excited to be their chosen charity. Hayley’s Heroes offer a helping hand to young adults with cancer, aged between 18 and 45, to create special and lasting memories with their loved ones. Whether it’s a

Embracing Autumn at Historic Venues Across Kent

Embracing Autumn at Historic Venues Across Kent You only have to step outside to sense that Autumn has arrived, with a slight chill in the air and all those vibrant colours appearing across the landscape. If you’re wondering how to get involved in autumn activities with the family this year, while taking in some of

Paulos Circus Returns to Millbrook Garden Centre

Paulos Circus – Millbrook GC 2019 – Promo Video Roll up roll up! The circus is coming to town! Get your tickets whilst you can! @The Paulos Circus Millbrook Garden Centre – StaplehurstFor more info and ticket links:https://www.bigwow.uk/event/millbrook-circus-staplehurst/ Posted by The Big Wow on Friday, 27 September 2019   For more info and ticket links:

Music@Malling is back!

Music@Malling is back with 30 events running from 15th – 28th September 2019. Artistic Director Thomas Kemp comments: “This is a very exciting series of concerts and outreach with a unique and fascinating mix of classical, jazz, world, film and vocal music – featuring world-class artists performing in historic venues in and around West Malling.”

REVELS COMEDY CLUB RETURNS FOR SEPTEMBER

  Friday 20th September – 8pm Get up close and personal with some of the best stand-up comedians on the circuit with Ashford’s number one comedy night, hosted by our regular MC, local comedian and vicar, Ravi Holy. September sees Steve Day, Tim Powell and David Tsonos joining us on the Revelation stage. Steve Day is

First Proms event for Hole Park, Rolvenden

On Saturday 24 August 2019 the first-ever ‘Proms Spectacular’ will take place in the amazing grounds of Hole Park in Rolvenden, Kent.   Usually open to garden lovers in the daytime, Hole Park will open to visitors on the evening of Saturday 24 August for an amazing night of entertainment with a Proms Spectacular organised

The Wizard of Oz returns to Groombridge Place this Summer

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz returns to Groombridge Place near Tunbridge Wells between 27 July and 11 August 2019. With two live performances every day in the new outdoor forest theatre, a visit to Groombridge Place this summer will be a magical experience for all the family. The brilliant West End cast will entertain visitors

Heart of Kent Hospice wins Kent Care Charity of the Year Award!

On Thursday 13 June at the Lees Cliff hotel, Folkestone, Heart of Kent Hospice was named ‘Kent Care Charity of the Year’  at the Kent Charity Awards. The Awards, now in their fifth year recognise the outstanding contribution charities and voluntary groups undertake to make the lives of others better, across Kent. This year Heart

Loadsa Laughs at Revels Comedy Club

Friday 7 June 2019 June sees the return of Revels Comedy Club featuring some of the very best on the comedy circuit all on your doorstep, at Revelation, Ashford’s No1 Music and Arts venue! Three top acts feature all hosted by our regular MC, local comedian and vicar, Ravi Holy. Kate Lucas combines a warm, self-deprecating

Why Don’t You….? Beat the Summer Holiday Panic

  Do you, like me, find yourself going into a blind panic when the summer holidays arrive?  Whenever I think of the impending school holidays, I always feel a dread, how am I going to keep my darling boys amused for the entire 5 weeks?  You might recall the TV show “Why Don’t You?” the

From Garden To Haven – The History of Neverworld Festival

As arguably Kent’s most successful and renowned music festival, let’s take a quick history lesson on how Neverworld came to be. 2006-2007 LeeFest began in 2006 with seven bands playing on a small stage in the garden of teenager Lee Denny’s family home on 31 August in Beckenham, London. 150 people attended and the money raised from

Award winning ‘family rave’ coming to Groombridge Place!

Big Fish Little Fish Myth & Magic Family Rave at Groombridge Place   Tickets are now on sale for the award-winning, ground-breaking Big Fish Little Fish Myth & Magic Family Rave taking place at Groombridge Place on Saturday 18th May 2019. Venture into the Enchanted Woods at Groombridge Place on for a party like no

Benenden Hospital Open Day

Benenden Hospital will be throwing open its doors to members of the public for its annual Open Day on Sunday, 19 May, with free health and eye checks. Visitors can drop in and chat to the hospital’s clinical teams about a range of self-pay services such as urology, hip and knee surgery, eye surgery, weight

Record number of Bluebell walkers raise over £24,000 for Heart of Kent Hospice

Last Sunday over 1,500 people took part in Heart of Kent Hospice’s annual Bluebell Walk. Now in its 32nd year, the record number of walkers left Harrietsham Village Hall to walk through some of Kent’s most picturesque countryside. The six-mile circular route took in the breathtaking North Downs, stunning fields of bluebells and enchanting woodland,

Ninfield Music Festival – A true grassroots success story

An unassuming yet pretty approach into the tiny village of Ninfield had me second guessing my sat nav; “You have arrived at your destination.” Have I? I looked around at the hedgerows and houses with bemusement as I saw nothing that resembled the site of a festival, but upon a chance glance into the correct

Europe’s Best Led Zeppelin Tribute Comes To Ashford!

Saturday 11th May 2019 Europe’s most authentic-sounding and looking tribute to the mighty Led Zeppelin will be heading to Revelation on Saturday 11 May. Coda features four musicians who faithfully recreate the excitement, energy, passion and magic of the world’s most famous rock band! The attention to detail is unrivalled, they’ve got the sound, the

Long nose puppets return with ‘Out of the Hat’

The amazing Long Nose Puppet Theatre return to the Revelation this April with their latest show “Out Of The Hat”. When Doris and Delilah wake up to find something strange and sparkly has fallen from the sky, they are inspired to put on the world’s greatest magic show! But HOW do you make real magic

40 years of Arts & Entertainment in Cranleigh

Join the party as Cranleigh Arts celebrates 40 years! Cranleigh Arts are celebrating their 40th anniversary! The venue’s mission is “to enrich, entertain and inspire our community” and over the last four decades they have done just that, bringing a fantastic array of arts and entertainment to Cranleigh. Founded in the 1970s, the charity is

BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winners Come To Ashford

Duos come and duos go… And some nurture and fine tune their art and watch it grow into something totally original, captivating and award-winning – in their own Kent performance coming to Revelation Ashford this March Bonded by an unseen alchemy, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have entwined their professional and personal relationship into an

Have breakfast for Heart of Kent Hospice?

Whether you have breakfast at home, on the way to work or with friends after the school run, why not make your breakfast count this week? From 21st to the 24th March, Heart of Kent Hospice is asking people to have breakfast and make a donation. The Hospice relies on the generosity of the local

The Sky’s the Limit – Events for the Airborne

Do you ever look up to the sky and fantasise what it must feel like to be a bird? Can you imagine the blissful feeling of weightlessness, the freedom to go whenever and wherever you want, gliding high amongst the treetops with tantalising views of the landscape below? Do you envy the bird’s sense of

St. Edith Folk – Lighting up halls and hearts since 2013

Kemsing, Kent Kemsing is a pretty little village that remains relatively untouched by the bustle of the London commute, just 4 miles North-East of Sevenoaks. Unassumingly, it holds an absolute gem of a music venue. St. Edith Hall was built in the very early years of the 20th century and was used during the First

February BOTD Winners – Big WOW Live

Here’s another look at our favourite local artists in February… If you enjoyed discovering these artists as much as we did, help support them by giving a follow on their socials!   Flawless Carbon Charlotte Lubbock CODA – A Tribute to Led Zeppelin Harry Evans Lily Denning The Petty Thieves   Big WOW Live launches

Coming (very) Soon – Big WOW Live

The all-new talent hub for the South-East 2019 sees the launch of our exciting new project, ‘Big WOW Live‘. Big WOW Live will focus solely on live music across the south-east counties, helping to connect local artists and great venues that are scattered in abundance across the length and breadth of our beautiful little part

Heart of Kent Hospice brings first-ever art trail to Maidstone

A spectacular, public art installation is coming to Maidstone in the summer of 2020, thanks to a collaboration between Heart of Kent Hospice, creative event producers Wild in Art and independent children’s books publisher Andersen Press. The Hospice announced the exciting news and generated support from an invited audience of business, local authority and community

Ramblin’ Man Fair 2019. A must-see event for discerning festival goers.

“Long live Ramblin’ Man Fair” – Johnnie Walker BBC Radio 2 Rock Show Following on from the critically acclaimed and commercially successful fourth year in 2018, Ramblin’ Man Fair returns in 2019! A quality musical line up with a number of UK exclusive performances, the event is a unique experience that’s fast becoming a staple of

Bellowhead Legends Tour Again

Wednesday 6th March 7:45pm Legendary performer Jon Boden, former frontman of the multi-award winning Bellowhead, one of the most exciting live acts of recent years, returns to tour with his latest band The Remnant Strings. This select ensemble cultivated from the string section of the super group The Remnant Kings features Jon Boden (fiddle, guitars, concertina, stomp-box),

Ashford History & Legends Reimagined

Saturday 2nd March 7pm & 9pm Ashford history is being re-imagined in a unique performance from storytelling company White Rabbit. ‘Revelation by Candlelight: True Stories and Tall Tale’s’ is a walking tour around St Mary’s Church, one of the oldest sites in Ashford, reimagining myths, legends and drawing inspiration from the historic space itself. It’s

High School Musical On Stage

Coming to Trinity Theatre’s stage this February half term, Disney’s phenomenally successful teen hit – ‘High School Musical On Stage!’ Performed by our very own Youth Theatre, this musical extravaganza boasts an incredibly strong cast and backstage crew of young people drawn from Tunbridge Wells and beyond. Trinity Youth Theatre encourages its members to take

Mercury Prize Nominee Comes to Revelation

Saturday 9th Feb 7:45pm Mercury prize nominee, Kathryn Williams is joining Neill MacColl member of the famous MacColl Folk Dynasty for a stripped back and up-close night in Ashford’s unique venue Revelation. Williams and MacColl are two of the UK’s most respected and critically acclaimed musicians in their own right. Williams was nominated for the

A Hot Night of High Class Country Music in Rye

Brighton-based band The Mountain Firework Company have chosen to come to Rye to play a special gig to launch their new album, called The Beggar’s Prayer, on Friday 1st March 2019. This hugely talented 5-man combo, who play their own brilliant blend of musical styles, came together over heartache and wine to create what can

USA Stars of Country Music Coming to Ashford

USA’s country singer Sam Lewis who is coming to Revelation as part of his UK tour on Friday 1st Feb, supported by Sam Morrow. Rising stars of the country scene, both of these talented artists will be showcasing at AmericanaFest UK 2019, the biggest Americana awards in the UK. We’re delighted to be launching another

Don’t tell him Pike! Dad’s Army coming to Ashford

CLASSIC RADIO COMEDY BASED ON THE ORIGINAL SERIES Friday 22nd Feb 7:45pm A unique experience to relive some of your favourite episodes from the well-loved TV series in an extraordinary setting at Revelation, Dad’s Army Radio Show sees two actors play 25 characters in this brilliant staging of three classic radio episodes based on the

The Art of Selling Art

As the co-owner of Grierson Galleries, based in a beautiful listed building on Sevenoaks High Street, it’s been an interesting journey observing the change in how art is regarded and how it’s marketed and bought. What has become apparent over the years is that sitting in a Gallery all day every day with beautiful pieces

Blues Band Legends Come to Ashford

Legends of the blues scene and founders of The Blues Band Paul Jones and Dave Kelly, are coming to Ashford for one night only. Two seasoned, erudite entertainers. A guitar, harmonica, two authentic, thrilling blues voices and an envious repertoire of songs and reminiscences most musicians can only dream of. As the current parlance goes;

Dr Hilary Jones helps shine light on homeless charity

TV doctor Dr Hilary Jones switched on the Christmas lights at Benenden Hospital this week to help raise a grand total of £7,000 for homeless charity Porchlight. The Good Morning Britain health editor and BBC Radio 2 guest presenter performed the ceremony in the hospital’s Atrium on Wednesday (December 5) after officially opening the new

KT Tunstall Intimate Concert

This festive season Rye Jazz Festival presents a truly unique and intimate solo concert with Brit Award and Ivor Novello Award – winning singer and song writer KT Tunstall prior to her 2019 spring UK tour on Saturday 15th December at the stunning setting of St Mary’s Church, Rye.   This is an exceptional opportunity

Shining star Aled Jones to perform at St. Mary’s Church in Rye

Rye Jazz Festival is thrilled to announce a wonderful festive Christmas concert with the much loved and acclaimed singer, recording artist, radio broadcaster and TV presenter Aled Jones on Friday 14th December at the stunning setting of St Mary’s Church, Rye. Aled will be performing repertoire from his impressive back catalogue, songs from his last

Sutton Valence Music Society – 45th Season

Sutton Valence Music Society, founded in 1973, offers six concerts a year between September and March. These are normally held in the Music School of Sutton Valence School. Groves Hall is an acoustically designed music room providing a setting both intimate and friendly in which to enjoy performances given by a mix of young award-winning

Charity Ball in memory of Kai

Early in 2015, at just two years of age Kai was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Despite fighting hard, never complaining or giving up he sadly passed away in January 2017 just a few weeks before what would have been his fourth birthday. Kai was just two

Girl power! Consortium of local ladies launch trading events

There’s a famous saying ‘actions speak louder than words’ and when doers get together great things can happen. Last month I met a couple of inspiring ladies at The Cosy Kettle Coffee Shop in Hamstreet near Woodchurch. Both are knowledgeable and experienced in their field and wanted to join forces to get a trading consortium

The Birth of Wonder Women Network

How my business was born from training for my first marathon! I have always wanted to create a business out of my passions and skills but like many people, focusing in on exactly what I wanted to do and pulling together my ‘trillions’ of ideas, was a challenge. I am passionate about fitness and wellbeing

2018 Rye Arts Festival enters week two

The 47th annual Rye Arts Festival is entering its second week and has dozens of events before its finale on 30th September with tickets still available for most events, including classical and contemporary music, literary talks, walks, films, drama and much more. So, what’s on? On Sunday 23rd September a Rye resident takes centre stage;

Benenden Hospital Open Day

Benenden Hospital will be welcoming visitors to its Open Day on Sunday, October 7, with tours of the multi-million pound re-development and free health and eye checks. Visitors can drop in and chat to the hospital’s clinical teams about a range of self-pay services such as hip and knee surgery, eye surgery, weight loss, gynaecology

2018 Rye Arts Festival

This year’s Rye Arts Festival which runs from 15th to 30 September 2018, promises to be the biggest and best yet and the organisers have scoured not just the UK but the planet for the best of talent to bring to Rye. There is music from Congo to Louisiana, classical music including opera, literary events,

Tom to launch Staplehurst’s first music festival – TN Live

Sometimes all it takes is the motivation and vision of one person with the reliable support of a few others to get a great thing going. In this case that person is Tom Mackelden, 20, from Staplehurst. His motivation and passion is to raise money for Cancer Research UK following the loss of his mum,

Is it a boat, a tractor, a helicopter? No it’s a lorry!

Adam’s team effort for two great causes Stopping at no less than seven different locations along the way, father-of one, Adam Kerry, 46, of Bodiam Road in Sandhurst, with the support of friends and family is set to push a 3.5 tonne lorry for 21 miles in aid of The Stroke Association and Chestnut House

So what’s an event and why do we love them?

Before I get into the nitty gritty of what the definition of any event is, I would like to briefly touch on their importance. Despite the fact that events are time consuming, often difficult to organise, sometimes physically challenging and most of the time come with cost risks attached, they can bring huge pleasure to

World class act – Rye Jazz Festival is back for its 7th year

2018 RYE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL AUGUST HEADLINE ARTISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 7TH RYE JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL The 2018 Rye international jazz and blues festival will take place from Friday 24th to Monday 27th August encompassing the August bank holiday weekend in the beautiful and historic town of Rye, East Sussex. Now in its

Meeting at No. 10 Downing Street

PRESS RELEASE – 16th July 2018 Meeting at No. 10 Downing Street Emma Wood – founder of both Hothouse Wealden Growth Agency and recently launched multi-media events platform The Big WOW, was invited by Emma Jones MBE and Founder of Enterprise Nation to a meeting at No. 10 Downing Street on Thursday 5th July 2018.

Fun and friendship for ladies who slipper camp!

‘Slipper Camps’ are a new innovative concept in ladies holidays – offering inspirational 4-night mini-breaks for women over 45 (although there’s no upper or lower age limit), including creative workshops, country walks, visits to places of interest, social activities and an opportunity to share new experiences with other likeminded ladies. The Next Event  The next

Cranbrook Literature Festival

A community celebration of books, reading and writing in Cranbrook promoting the joy of reading and the written word. Tickets have are now on sale for the Cranbrook Literature Festival which will be held this year on Friday 28th September and Saturday 29th September. The full programme is now confirmed with booking open for all

Princess Anne visits the Capital of the Weald

Cranbrook School was delighted to receive a visit by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal on Tuesday 12th June. The Princess made an extensive tour of the school site, meeting a large number of staff and students along the way, before opening the new Sixth Form Centre. Amongst those students who were thrilled to have

Much loved TV Presenter Dick Strawbridge to speak at South East Property Expo

Sustainability expert and much loved TV presenter Dick Strawbridge is confirmed as one of the keynote speakers at this years’ South East Property Expo to be held at the Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, on the 11th October 2018. Strawbridge, who presents programmes on sustainable living, engineering and property including, It’s not easy being green and

The Woodland’s Festival – It’s about family, food, fairies, music and more!

It’s that time of year when evenings have become progressively lighter, the countryside is full of life; and both residents and visitors to the Weald are on the hunt for experiences that offer the feel-good factor. As a grandma to four vivacious girls and two lively boys I am always on the look-out for activities

Plant Mania

We’ve been renovating our house for the last couple of years; needless to say the outside space has been totally neglected: at the front a skip has practically become a permanent fixture/feature and the back garden resembles tumbleweed – just as well I have sympathetic neighbours!  I have to say I do get garden envy

Tractorfest – where community spirit thrives

Biddenden Tractorfest and Country Fair is run soley by a team of volunteers from all walks of life and occupations and who stage an event annually that’s both fun and affordable for the whole family. As a not-for -profit event, it has been successful in raising funds for a large number of charities and other

Be part of the car-boot sale phenomenon!

With the ever-increasing popularity of TV shows such as Antiques Roadshow, Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt and Flog It, it’s not surprising that frequenting boot fairs, charity shops, antique and flea markets have become somewhat of a national obsession.  Let’s be honest, there’s nothing more fulfilling than having a good rummage is there? Who doesn’t

The Changing Face of Cinema

Cinema has come such a long way since 1895 when the Lumière Brothers charged members of the public one franc to watch 10 short silent films at their first movie screening in the Salon Indien, a small hall in the basement of the Grand Café in Paris. Can you imagine the excitement and anticipation of

Trees Are Our Future

Have you ever stopped and really considered how totally awesome trees are? I think trees are wonderful to look at, and I don’t really have a favourite, but if I had to choose it would have to be pine trees, as to me they epitomise Christmas – magical and fragrant. I think we tend to

The Tarot Rats – the local lads that rock!

The Tarot Rats may hail from a quiet, small town in Kent but their sound is something far greater. Their musical influences span all genres, with the band naming the likes of David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and the Beatles among their inspirations. Though difficult to pigeon-hole, the ‘Rats’, (as they are known by their fans),

Paloma Faith – The Architect Summer Tour 2018

British singing sensation Paloma Faith will be bringing her soulful sounds to Bedgebury Pinetum on the 15th of June for what is set to be a magnificent show in a gorgeous forest setting. Back after a four-year hiatus since her last album, her latest ’The Architect’ was well worth the wait, reaching No1 in the

Pub in the Park come to Tunbridge Wells

The brainchild of TV chef and restaurateur Tom Kerridge, Pub in the Park is back for its second year and coming to a town near you. After an incredible debut last year in Marlow, Pub in the Park will now be expanding to three new locations this summer in Bath, Knutsford and Tunbridge Wells. From