Where to take the kids in Kent this weekend
Will Adams Festival, Gillingham
Saturday, September 9 - 11am to 4.30pm
Celebrate the life and legacy of Will Adams – the first-ever Englishman to travel to Japan. The free, annual event in Gillingham Park has plenty to see and do, including Taiko meantime drumming, martial arts and story telling. There's also plenty of living history on display covering Tudor England and maritime history to Japanese culture in the 17th and the 21st century.
Panto auditions, Chatham
Sunday, September 10
If your kids are real show offs, this could be just for them. On Sunday, Medway's Central Theatre will be auditioning for its Christmas panto and a chance to dance on stage alongside the show's stars Claire Sweeney and Andy Moss. Anyone interested in auditioning needs to register by emailing auditions@jordanproductionsltd.co.uk and put Sleeping Beauty – Chatham in the subject line. Auditions take place at The Brook Theatre, Chatham. Dancers must be aged between eight and 18.
Penshurst Place Maize Maze
Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10
Offering hours of eco-fun for all the family, this year's maze at Penshurst Place has two routes, one for younger visitors with a shorter 10-minute journey time and a longer, more challenging option for the more intrepid explorer. Don’t forget to pick up a flag on your way in to wave in case you need rescuing. There's also a fun game card to collect using clues and stamps as you travel the winding corridors. If you're planning on getting along to the maze, it's now or never as its final day is Sunday. More details here.
Family golf afternoon, Tonbridge
Saturday, September 9
Learn to swing like Rory Mcllroy at these monthly sessions at Poult Wood, Tonbridge. Suitable for everyone from seasoned pros to total beginners, the afternoon costs £20 for a group of four with clubs and balls provided - the only stipulation is that one of the group must be 16 or under. At the end of the day a trophy will be presented to the four-ball with the best round. Sessions take place on the second Saturday of each month from 1pm to 3pm. To book, call 01732 364039.
Southern Model Show
Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 - 10am to 5pm
Get along to Headcorn Aerodrome this weekend to see spectacular stunts and hundreds of breath-taking displays. As well as a thrilling flying programmes just about every model you can imagine will be on the ground including off-road buggies,cars, tanks, motorbikes and trucks. There will also be loads of stalls to have a nose around plus an arts and craft village.
Wye Community Farm Harvest Festival
Saturday, September 9 - from noon
Grab a slice of country life at this family-friendly day out at the Honest Miller at Brook, near Ashford. As well as country crafts, livestock displays, food and live music. There will be loads of games to keep both kids and adults entertained. Adults £5 and under 16s free.
Hops and Harvest Boutique Festival
Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 - noon to 11pm
The original Hops 'n' Harvest Beer Festival at Kent Life, near Maidstone, is steeped in tradition and has been running for more than 30 years. This year's revamped family-friendly event will take everything that was great about the original festival and add to it new stages, venues and entertainment! An extended live music programme includes Starsailor headlining on Saturday, and Newton Faulkner and Toploader on Sunday.
