August bank holiday events in Kent 2019 including Brogdale Cider Festival and Military Odyssey in Detling
It's the last bank holiday of 2019 and the three days are packed with things to do.
From kite surfing on the beach at Ramsgate to 4,000 re-enactors in Detling there is so much for families to choose from.
Here's our round up of the best family events in Kent for the August bank holiday weekend.
National Freestyle Kitesurfing Championships, Ramsgate
Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25
Ramsgate will once again play host to the final leg of the National Freestyle Kitesurfing Championships.
Huge crowds are expected to watch the competition from some of the UK's top kitesurfers, with around 70 competitors expected to take part. There will be a host of other activities too from music and stalls to free kitesurfing taster sessions for visitors and demonstrations on the water.
More about the event can be found at www.ramsgatetown.org/activeramsgate and www.visitramsgate.co.uk
Military Odyssey, Kent Event Centre, Detling
Saturday, August 24 until Monday, August 26
Military Odyssey is back with its 19th show covering everything from the Romans and Vikings to the American Civil War, and the First and Second World Wars.
Over 4,000 re-enactors and living history enthusiasts will be at the three-day event as well as more than 250 stalls. The event is billed as the world's 'largest multi-period re-enactment show' and is set to have something to interest all members of the family if you're on the lookout for something to do over the bank holiday weekend.
The 200-acre site will have two arenas, in addition to the main battlefield, plus numerous food courts on site and indoor seating areas. Gates open at 9.30am until 5.30pm (pre-booked tickets 9am) with all arena events beginning at 10am. Further information can be found here.
Plant Hunters Weekend, Lullingstone Castle
Saturday, August 24 until Monday, August 26
Guides in Victorian dress will lead tours through the World Garden this weekend to tell you more about intrepid plant hunters. Visitors will be offered a unique glimpse into the past to experience an authentic plant hunter’s expedition camp, complete with plant presses, roaring fire, porters and canvas tents.
Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) will be bringing animal and reptile guests with expert handlers who will showcase some of the different animals you can see amongst the continents to truly bring the tour alive. The event takes place between 11am and 5pm and tours between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Admission is £10 for adults and children under 15 go free. To learn more click here.
Go Ape for Gorillas, Port Lympne Reserve
Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25
Go ape for gorillas on Saturday and Sunday with a programme of events to support fundraising for the reserve's animals and the other work of the The Aspinall Foundation.
Alongside fact-packed animal talks and the chance to meet Daisy the gorilla keeper will be games to win prizes, a quiz to win a once in a lifetime gorilla encounter and a raffle to win a private tour of the Palace of the Apes. There will also be the opportunity to see the gorilla family enjoy a scatter feed at noon and 3pm.
Visitors are asked to check notice boards at The Gatehouse on arrival for exact times of all activities but further information about the day is also available here.
Cider Festival, Brogdale, Faversham
Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25
Brogdale Cider Festival is promising a fun-packed family event in Faversham this weekend.
Alongside 60 local ciders in the Cider Barn and festival field will be local bands to watch and dance to, artisan food to try, festival games, children's apple pressing, crafts, archery, animal corner, messy eating competitions and pig racing. The miniature railway will also be running regularly. To learn more about the event and ticket prices please click here.
Bushcraft Bank Holiday, Penshurst Place, Tonbridge
Sunday, August 25 and Monday, August 26
Settle in beneath a yurt and learn invaluable skills to make any camping adventure truly magnificent. You'll be taught how to cook campfire meals, how to whittle and build equipment and even the best knots to use. The experts at Camp Wilderness will be at Penshurst on both days between 10.30am and 6pm.
To learn more click here.
The Joust: Battle for Good, Dover Castle
Saturday, August 24 until Monday, August 26
It's being billed as the joust to end all jousts - when four of the most skilful knights in the Kingdom, mounted on their magnificent steeds, are set to do battle at Dover Castle.
Step back in time and discover medieval life in the living history encampments, see majestic falcons in flight, and laugh out loud at the antics of the mischievous court jester. Young squires can test their bravery in hobby horse jousting before trumpets and drums herald the knights arrival ahead of the thundering contest.
The event takes place between 10am and 5pm each day. To learn more about ticket prices please click here.
The Kent Country Fair, Quex Village, Birchington
Sunday, August 25 until Monday, August 26
The Quex Park Country Show will have something for everybody from horseback stuntsman and motorbike stunt teams to crafts, stalls and animals.
There will also be cookery demonstrations and local producers, classic cars, displays from rural crafters including the National Chainsaw Carving Championship and loads for little ones to enjoy in the Festivals of Kids which includes Gemma's Petting Farm, reptiles, a circus aerial display and wrestling shows.
The two-day event is running alongside the Festival of Dogs which involves dog shows, dog agility, gundog displays and dog training so there is plenty for families to see, enjoy and take part in.
Tickets are £8.50 for adults, concessions £8 and children £3.50. Further details here.
Music on the Green, Bearsted
Sunday, August 25
Maidstone's much loved local music festival returns this weekend for another fantastic afternoon of performances. Bring your picnics and your families along to the event on the village green.
The event supports local acts and raises money for charity and will also include a Festival Bar, Kids Zone and food stalls. The event takes place from noon until 12.30pm. For information and tickets please click here.
Bethersden Fete, Bethersden
Monday, August 26
The annual traditional garden fete takes place in this east Kent village once again on bank holiday Monday.
Held in the grounds of a beautiful Wealden cottage in the heart of Bethersden on The Street, the fete has something for everyone from tea and cake, bric-a-brac bargains, books, a coconut shy, crockery smashing and the chance to play target golf. What's more, entry and parking is free! It takes place between 11.30am and 4pm. Further details available at www.bethersdenfete.com
Ice Cream Festival, Kent Life, Sandling near Maidstone
Monday, August 26
It's back and bringing with it more than 20 flavours of our favourite treat together with chocolatiers and sweet stalls.
There will be over 20 flavours of ice cream to try and buy and visitors can finish off their choice at the topping station with a variety of syrups, marshmallows and sprinkles.
The Ice Cream Festival is taking place alongside all of Kent Life's popular activities including crafts, animal encounters, tractor rides, outdoor and indoor play and the Vintage Village. Families are asked to be aware that some parts of the site will be cash only during the festival. Kent Life ticket information is available here.
Whitstable Castle Summer Fair and Fun Dog Show
Monday, August 26
Visitors to the seaside should stop by Whitstable Castle's bank holiday event for an extra serving of family fun on bank holiday Monday.
The traditional summer fair is held in the grounds of the castle and includes gift, food and craft stalls, facepainting, tea and cake, live music, a barbecue and fun family dog show. It all takes place between 10am and 5pm.
Croquet on the South Lawn, Penshurst Place, Tonbridge
Monday, August 26
Join staff at Penshurst for a a quintessentially British pastime on the South Lawn on Bank Holiday Monday, as you pick up a mallet and enjoy this traditional game in the estate's picturesque surroundings. Games will be taking place from 10.30am and 6pm and are included within the cost of your visit. To learn more about a visit to Penshurst please click here.
Milkshake! Week, Dreamland, Margate
From Monday, August 26
Bank holiday Monday signals the start of Milkshake! Week at Dreamland, Margate. For the next five days Channel 5's Milkshake! is taking over the Thanet theme park for the final week of the school holidays. Expect live shows starring Fireman Sam, Milkshake Monkey, Nella The Princess Knight, Digby Dragon and more. There will also be music and dance workshops, a chance to meet the park mascots and cinema film screenings throughout the week. To learn more about the start of the week-long event today please visit www.dreamland.co.uk
