Seven things to do with the children in Kent this weekend

by Ellis Stephenson

There's family events planned all over the county this weekend including craft fairs, Christmas lights switch-ons and ice rinks.

Here is everything you need to know.

1. The Abominable Snowman, Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

Sunday, November 26

Moon on a Stick bring puppetry, live music and storytelling to the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells in a heartwarming story on an unlikely hero. The wintry show is suitable for ages three and up. The show is at 2.30pm on Sunday with tickets costing £8. To book visit trinitytheatre.net

The Abominable Snowman by Moon on a Stick

2. Clangers, Bagpuss & Co, Sissinghurst Castle Garden

All weekend

Organised with the V&A Museum of Childhood, the major new exhibition is a chance to see the children’s TV favourites of yesteryear, including the Clangers and Bagpuss, and learn about how they were created here in Kent. It runs until Sunday, February 4 and is open from 11am and 4pm. The exhibition is free, but normal admission charges apply. Details at nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle.

3. Japanese Day, Maidstone Museum

Saturday, November 25

The museum in St Faiths Street will hold a day-long celebration of Japanese culture on Saturday including free drop-in activities such as sake and tea tastings from Wagamama. There will also be bookable workshops and the chance to come face to face with a Samurai warrior, who will be in the galleries all day, and find out how warriors lived and fought. For a small fee, children between four and 11 can also dress in Japanese costume. Details at maidstonemuseum.org.

A Japanese day will be held at Maidstone Museum. Picture: www.matthewwalkerphotography.com

4. Craft and Gift Fair, King's Hall, Herne Bay

Friday, November 24, and Saturday, November 25

The free event will be a chance to pick up handmade and one-off Christmas gifts as well as seek out a new craft including knitting, paper craft or felting, and even make your own Christmas cards. The fair will be open from 10am to 4pm.

Pick up those special gifts for your friends and family at Crafts for Christmas at the Kent County Showground

5. Christmas lights switch-on, Strood

Saturday, November 25

The family entertainment starts at 3.45pm on Saturday at Friary Place in the High Street with carol singing, competitions and prizes, plus children’s TV character Owlette from PJ Masks helping with the switch-on at around 5pm. Youngsters can also meet Owlette at Strood Community Hub at 2pm. To book call 01634 337799.

Join the Christmas fun in Medway this Saturday

6. Ice skating rink opens, Tunbridge Wells

Until New Year's Day

Tunbridge Wells likes to go all out for festivities each Christmas. The ice rink in the amphitheatre is a highlight of the festive calendar for the town each year. Running until New Year’s Day, the amphitheatre is transformed into a winter wonderland, with skating, festive food and drink, music and shopping inspiration.

Try ice skating in Tunbridge Wells this Christmas

7. Peter Pan, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

From Friday, November 24

Headed by Kent’s own Shaun Williamson, who lives in Maidstone, as Captain Hook, the show comes from the hugely successful team behind the theatre’s pantomimes for some years. Coronation Street star Wendi Peters joins him as Mrs Darling, with Gemma Hunt, from CBeebies show Swashbuckle, playing Tiger Lily. Popular panto dame Ben Roddy once again plays the Dame, this year Mrs Smee, while fellow regular Lloyd Hollett plays Starkey. For tickets call 01227 787787, or go to marlowetheatre.com.