5 family summer events in Kent you won't want to miss
The summer holidays are almost upon us!
With just days to go until the majority of schools break up for six weeks, final planning is also taking place for some of Kent's biggest summer events.
We take a look at five we think you and the kids won't want to miss during July and August...
1. Roller Coast Festival, Dreamland, Margate
Friday, July 19 until Sunday, September 1
The Margate amusement park will be rolling out daily entertainment for all the family with different themed activities each week.
The park, which is free to enter, and allows visitors to either pay per ride or buy an unlimited ride wristband, will be open every day throughout the holidays with character appearances, films, live shows and games.
Highlights include Carnival Week with a samba street parade, mask making and a Greatest Showman sing-a-long, Street Fest Week with dance workshops, BMX stunts and football tournaments and Rainbow week which will unleash all the colours with story times, dress up workshops and guest appearances.
Channel 5's Milkshake! is also taking over the final week of the school holidays where live shows will bring families some of their favourite characters! All the details here.
2. The Beach at Bluewater
July 20 until September 8
If you live in north Kent and just don't fancy the schlep to the seaside or would like to go in the opposite direction to the coastal traffic, Bluewater's man-made summer attraction could be for you.
With a beach full of soft sand, water to splash in, fairground rides, games, entertainment and refreshments this seaside paradise can be found at The Village car park through the school break.
Admission is £3 to enter (ride tokens are an additional cost) and the event is open seven days a week from noon until 9pm. To learn more click here.
3. Carnival of History, Leeds Castle
Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28
A dazzling riot of colour and celebration is promised at Leeds Castle's huge 900th birthday celebration event. There will be re-enactments, music performances, historical arena shows, carnival performers and costumed characters.
Families will be able to see living history encampments, watch a historical parade and Sunday's grand finale procession with more than 1,000 performers should not be missed. Further details here.
4. Whitstable Oyster Festival 2019
Saturday, July 27 and Monday, July 29
Thousands of people will pour into Whistable for three days of fantastic fun at the end of the month.
An entire programme of community and fringe events surround the three-day festival including kite-flying, pirate pottery, beach cleans and crabbing competitions.
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.
For a full rundown of the festival click here.
Hythe Venetian Fete
Wednesday, August 21
A floating extravaganza of family fun is always guaranteed at Hythe Venetian Fete. Taking place every two years the spectacular procession of decorated floats on the Military Canal are a must see and to keep families entertained there is also live music, entertainment and fireworks at dusk.
Gates to the event open at 4pm, with events beginning shortly afterwards. The daylight parade of spectacularly decorated vessels takes place at 7pm and at 9pm the event sees the floats illuminated for an after-dark procession. More information available at hythevenetianfete.co.uk
- For more suggestions of things to do with the family in Kent please click here.
