Five family-friendly things to do in Kent this weekend

by Sam Lawrie

slawrie@thekmgroup.co.uk

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? From a nostalgic 1940s festival and dog-friendly days out to river races, antiques and model railways, there’s plenty going on across Kent.

So, pack up the car, get the family together and make the most of this weekend. Here are five highlights to enjoy…

HISTORIC DOCKYARD, Chatham

Crowds are expected to give one of Kent’s biggest autumn events a final send-off this weekend. Retro festival Salute to the ‘40s is coming to a close after almost 20 years, but organisers are planning a “huge celebration” to say farewell to the popular weekender. There will be live music from the Glenn Miller Orchestra and D-Day Darlings, swing and jive dancing, bubble and magic shows, traditional funfair games, military vehicles, food and drink stalls and more.

Details: Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21 at the Historic Dockyard Chatham. Adult tickets cost £29 in advance, or £32 on the door. Book online here.

Paws in the Park will see all sorts of breeds take part in the two-day dog show. Picture: Rachel Evans

KENT EVENT CENTRE, near Maidstone

If you’ve got four-legged friends at home, you can treat them to a paw-some day out at this year’s Paws in the Park. The dog-friendly weekend returns with lots of activities for pooches of all shapes and sizes, including competitions and classes. There will also be arena displays, accessory stalls and overnight camping.

Details: Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21 at the Kent Event Centre in Detling, near Maidstone. Adult tickets cost £14 in advance, or £16 on the door. Book online here.

Find retro gems at the Lingfield Antiques and Vintage Fair. Picture: Love Fairs

LINGFIELD RACECOURSE, near the Kent/Surrey border

If you’re ready to cosy up indoors for the autumn season, why not fill your home with treasures from the Lingfield Antiques and Vintage Fair? This bustling fair boasts more than 130 stalls with expert sellers on hand to tell you all about their retro gems. There will also be live music from a swing singer and refreshments available on-site.

Details: Sunday, September 21 at the Lingfield Racecourse, near the Kent/Surrey border. Adult tickets cost £5 on the door.

The third Great Stour RiverFest kicks off this weekend in Canterbury

RIVER STOUR, Canterbury

The Great Stour RiverFest will see thousands of visitors flock to the riverbanks around Canterbury for eight days. It all kicks off this weekend with the long-running duck race, where countless yellow ducks will be sent floating down the river from Westgate Gardens. The programme continues with nature trails, guided walks, boat tours, outdoor sports classes, craft markets and fairs.

Details: Sunday, September 21 to Sunday, September 28 at various locations in and around Canterbury. Many events are free, but some are ticketed and must be booked in advance.

Admire layouts and visit trade stalls at the fifth Model Railway Show. Picture: Spa Valley Railway

SPA VALLEY RAILWAY, Tunbridge Wells

For train enthusiasts, around 30 layouts and 10 trade stands are expected to be at this year’s Model Railway Show. There will be layouts at the stations at Tunbridge Wells, Groombridge and Eridge, as well as on the train carriages, and visitors can join the model railway hunt and be in with a chance of winning a prize.

Details: Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21 at the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells. Adult tickets cost £11, or £16 to include all-day train travel. Pay on the door.