Things to do in Kent this weekend including Whitstable Oyster Festival and Leeds Castle's Carnival of History
It's a big weekend in Kent's summer calendar.
Whitstable welcomes the annual Oyster Festival and 900th birthday celebrations continue at Leeds Castle's with its promised spectacular Carnival of History. There are also some big shows in the county with Madagascar: The Musical and The Tiger Who Came To Tea.
We take a look at these events and the other things you could be enjoying with the family this weekend across the county.
1. Madagascar: The Musical, The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
Wednesday, July 24 until Sunday, July 28
This smash hit musical features all of your family's favourite furry friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. For tickets click here.
2. The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone
Friday, July 26 until Sunday, July 28
Following a smash-hit West End season, the tea-guzzling tiger is back on the road in this delightful family show. Packed with magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos the popular stage adaptation is spending three days in Folkestone. For tickets click here.
3. Whitstable Oyster Festival
Saturday, July 27 until Monday, July 29
Thousands of people will pour into Whistable for three days of fantastic fun this weekend.
Across the weekend visitors can celebrate the landing of the Oysters, watch the spectacular parade through the town, enjoy the afternoon mud tug, tuck in at Tankerton's food fair, and enjoy a raft of entertainment at The Harbour. And don't miss the chance with the family to build twinkling grotters - or small domes of oyster shells constructed on the beach - which are then lit as darkness falls for a truly amazing night-time spectacle on Sunday evening.
An entire programme of community and fringe events surround the three-day festival including kite-flying, pirate pottery, beach cleans and crabbing competitions. Find a full run down here.
4. New Romney Country Fayre, New Romney
Saturday, July 27
A carnival parade with an English Country Garden theme will kick start this year's fantastic free event which is celebrating its 25th birthday this year. The procession will feature 300 people and three bands before a raft of entertainment follows. Attractions include performances by dance schools and morris men, a dog and duck show, the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team and children's races.
There will also be food, crafts, gifts and games stalls and the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway will be running country fayre specials to get passengers into New Romney in time for the parade.
The annual event is held on St Martin’s Field and the Fairfield Road Recreation Ground in New Romney and attracts around 7,000 visitors. The event is free to enter and there is also a free car park in Ashford Road. Learn more here.
5. Carnival of History, Leeds Castle
Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28
It’s going to be a carnival atmosphere at Leeds Castle this weekend with two days of fantastic celebrations for all ages at the Carnival of History.
Visitors will be treated to a whole weekend of family friendly activities including authentic re-enactment shows, pop-up music performances, large-scale costumes and a dazzling riot of colour and celebration.
To watch the video and learn more please click here.
6. Once Upon A Castle, Hever Castle
Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28
Staff at Hever Castle need your help finding a new shield and a Princess' missing cat!
The castle's brave night has lost his shield after it was set on fire by Flame the dragon and visitors will need to grab a map and take an adventure through the gardens to find a replacement.
When your mission is complete you'll need to head to the castle itself to help look for a missing cat and there's the chance to meet fairytale creatures along the way!
Families will also have the chance to experience life in Tudor England as part of the visit as authentic Tudor crafts are on display, armour making, cookery and live demonstrations of archery and crossbow.
For all the details, click here.
7. Classic Cars and Retro Vintage on the Green, Bearsted
Sunday, July 28
This year's annual event is promising to be the biggest and best yet with 240 vehicles set to be on display and more than 35 stalls selling vintage goods, car memorabilia, refreshments and food. There will also be live entertainment from The Medway Lindy Hoppers.
The event raises money for the air ambulance, which is expected to make a low fly past during the day (operations permitting). Entry is 50p for adults and 10p for children and the event runs from 10 am to 4 pm. More information available at the event's facebook page.
