Seven things to do with the children in Kent this weekend

by Ellis Stephenson

We have plenty for you to keep your little monsters occupied this weekend.

There are details for everything from a family-friendly trucking festival to a fun day in Maidstone.

Truckfest returns to Kent this year. Picture: Nathan Bell

Truckfest, Hop Farm, Paddock Wood

All weekend

Stars from the hit TV series Ice Road Truckers will be joining in the fun at the Hop Farm this weekend. Truckfest has been pulling in thousands of punters for more than 35 years and this year's event will see monster trucks and transformers from all across the South East taking part. For more information click here.

Award-winning Brothers Grimm fairy tale-inspired circus performances come to Walmer Castle and Gardens

Circus, Walmer Castle and Gardens

Every day until Sunday, September 3

Head along to the Walmer Castle and Gardens to see the award-winning Brothers Grimm fairy tale-inspired circus performance. The performers are stopping off at the Deal location as part of their international travels. To book your tickets call 0370 333 1183 on Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm and 9am to 5pm on Saturday.

Fun day, Lockmeadow, Maidstone

Saturday, September 2, from 10am until 1pm

Go along and join the team at Lockmeadow in Maidstone for a day filled with fun and laughs. Children will be able to climb aboard the bouncy castle or have a go at their face being painted. There will also be demonstrations from the Gravity Trampoline Park.

Something will be on offer to suit all tastes at Shemomedjamo

Shemomedjamo, Maidstone's multicultural food festival

Friday, September 1 to Sunday, September 3

Maidstone's multicultural food festival has been rebranded as Shemomedjamo. The intriguing name means 'to eat past the point of fullness as the food is so delicious'. Visitors to the festival can expect to taste a wide range of food and drink from around the world and local goods and products. For more visit www.visitmaidstone.com.

The Orchard Theatre. Picture: Andy Jones

Open house, The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

Sunday, September 3

The Orchard is opening its stage door to the public. The event is a rare chance for the public to get an insight into what actually happens on the other side of the stage curtain. From 10am until 2pm the theatre will be access all areas with backstage tours, creative workshops and a Peppa Pig story time. For more click here.

Seaside fun, Kent Life

Until Sunday, September 3

Head to the coast without leaving Maidstone. The popular farming attraction, that's just off the M20, has seaside themed events running until Sunday, September 3. Dig into the sandpit, enjoy the Punch and Judy Show or be really daring and join the knobbly knees competition. Make sure that you pick up an explorer's card as each child that completes one will get a free ticket to the fireworks spectacular in November. For details call 01622 763936 or visit kentlife.org.uk.

Sporting activities, The Forum, Sittingbourne

Until Saturday, September 2

The Sittingbourne shopping centre has been hosting a range of sporting activities every Saturday of the summer between 11am and 4pm. This weekend there will be challenges including hula hooping, giant egg and spoon, skipping, crazy golf and bowling.