Things to do in Kent this weekend - March 9 and March 10

There's Minecraft, there's Thomas the Tank Engine, there are twirlywoos - plus Shaun the Sheep, Wallace and Gromit and Alice in Wonderland!

There's some big characters behind the family events in Kent this Saturday and Sunday.

We round up some of the best events and activities all the family can enjoy:

Canterbury Anifest

Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9

Morph, Shaun the Sheep and Wallace and Gromit will all be making appearances as Canterbury Anifest which starts on Friday (March 8). Celebrating the work of animators and cartoon makers, the festival features a series of workshops and talks by some of the best in the animation business.

The two-day event is at Augustine House, part of the Canterbury Christ Church University campus off Rhodaus Town. More than 30 short films will be shown, with Saturday's screenings and workshops being free to enter.

Twirlywoos Live! Central Theatre, Chatham

Saturday, March 9

Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises when the Twirlywoos swoop into Medway on Saturday for two shows at the town's theatre. With beautifully inventive puppetry, the show promises a cast full of all your favourite characters from the hit children's television show. To book tickets click here.

MineVention, Dreamland, Margate

Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10

The hugely popular game Minecraft moves from computer screens to real life this weekend as the county hosts its first MineVention. Gamers can test their skills in Minecraft tournaments, meet famous YouTubers, try out craft activities and take part in costume contests. There will also be games and activities for Fortnite fans too.

The weekend is divided into morning and afternoon sessions on both days and also included is an autism friendly session on the Sunday morning, which will include the same content as the other sessions but with reduced capacity, no unnecessary tannoy announcements, no loud music and reduced lighting. Events take place between 9am and 6pm on both days and tickets are £15 plus booking fee. To learn more click here.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Gravesend library, Windmill Street

Saturday, March 9

Young visitors will be able to take part in the Mad Hatter’s Tactile Tablecloth or watch a family-friendly ballet by Let’s All Dance, as part of activities at Gravesend Library in Windmill Street this Saturday. All ages are welcome, with children needing to be be accompanied by an adult. Activities cost from £2 to £7 plus a booking fee.

Matthew Kerr from Kent County Council’s Dartford Gravesham and Swale Libraries, said: “We are very excited to be hosting a programme of artistic events in our libraries.

“Delivered by our partners, Arts, and featuring local professional artists, the events will be themed on the well-loved classic book Alice in Wonderland, which we hope will engage and delight our customers of all ages.” To book youngsters into a session visit lyriciarts.com

World Book Day celebrations, Waterstones Bluewater

Saturday, March 9

It's the last day of Waterstones World Book Day celebrations this Saturday. Families can come and celebrate World Book Day this week at the bookshop by dressing up as book characters, sharing stories, take part in colouring sessions to design a book mark and using it as an opportunity to spend World Book Day vouchers. For more information on the £1 tokens being handed out this week please click here.

Day out with Thomas, Kent and East Sussex Railway

Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10

Everyone's favourite engine is back in the county this week for another special weekend with young fans. Meet Thomas and friends, shake hands with The Fat Controller, ride behind Thomas to Wittersham Road Satation and return, take part in miniature railway rides, face painting, balloon modelling and collect a Junior Engineers Certificate. There's also unlimited play on the roundabout, bounce castle and soft play.

To learn more and to book your family's tickets click here.

This Girl Can Family Day, Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury

Sunday, March 10

Take part in dancing, music, talks, workshops and visual arts in a busy family fun day being held as part of International Women's Day celebrations. Zumba, science workshops, a 'girl gang' family rave playing the music of female artists, clay modelling and craft workshops to make headdresses to represent inspirational women from history are all part of the event.

To learn more click here.