Things to do in Kent this weekend - July 20 and July 21

There is so much happening in Kent this weekend!

From the release of the latest Disney blockbuster to festivals and fairs - Kent's calendar is definitely hotting up. And there's some super celebrity appearances too including Dick and Dom, Mr Bloom and Steve Backshall!

Here's our pick of the best family events happening this Saturday and Sunday...

The Lion King is released on July 19
The Lion King is released on July 19

The Lion King, cinemas countywide

From Friday, July 19

The remake of the 1994 classic hits cinemas this Friday and is sure to be one not to be missed! It has been a bumper year for Disney blockbusters with releases since January including Dumbo, Aladdin and Toy Story 4. The Lion King features the voice of Beyonce Knowles-Carter as Nala.

Festival goers are last year's Create event
Festival goers are last year's Create event

CREATE Festival, Ashford

Saturday, July 20

Ashford's biggest festival returns for the 24th year with headliners The Lightening Seeds as well as plenty of family activities, entertainment and performances. Ahead of the band's evening performance will be a packed programme of entertainment including the children of the Ashford Oaks school choir performing on the community stage and a cheerleading display from Blossom Dance School.

Festival-goers will also be able to enjoy street food, children’s rides and entertainment, interactive theatre and refreshments. The entire event runs from 11.45 until 9pm. Visit www.createfestival.co.uk for more.

The Beach, Bluewater

Saturday, July 20

The Beach is back! Sand, water, fairground rides and plenty of entertainment are being brought make to the specially constructed summertime attraction in The Village car park.

The Beach will remain open until September 8, noon until 9pm. Entry is £3 per person, ride tokens are an additional cost.

Steve Backshall
Steve Backshall

Steve Backshall, Waterstones Bluewater

Saturday, July 20

Adventurer Steve Backshall is embarking on an expedition to Kent this weekend. The television presenter is a favourite amongst youngsters for his popular BBC Deadly 60 series of programmes. He will be at the bookshop from 2pm meeting fans and signing copies of his latest book Expedition, Adventures Into Undiscovered Worlds. The signing is free but those wishing to join must have a copy of Expedition with them to take part.

Dick and Dom are in Canterbury
Dick and Dom are in Canterbury

Raise the Roof Festival, Canterbury
Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21

The Dane John Gardens is being transformed into the host venue of a top-family festival this weekend which will feature acts including Dick and Dom and Mr Bloom.

Alongside the children's television favourites will be headline sets from Toploader and Heather Small from M People as well as Spice Girls and Abba tribute acts, entertainment, food and drink.
Ticket prices begin at just £6 for adults and £4 for children and the festival takes place on both Saturday and Sunday with different acts on either day. To learn more click here.

Sutton Valence's super water slide
Sutton Valence's super water slide

Water slide, Sutton Valence

Saturday, July 20

Get wet and wild when a giant water slide slips into a Kent village. Sutton Valence is welcoming the water slide back for a third year. The event, running between 10am and 5pm, is raising money this year for neonatal charity SANDS. Riders must be seven and above. Tickets are £10 for two tides or a ride all day ticket for £25. To learn more click here.

The Cherry Fair is a wonderfully summery event for families
The Cherry Fair is a wonderfully summery event for families

Cherry Fair, Brogdale, Faversham

Sunday, July 21

Family fun and cherries galore are promised at this popular annual event at Brogdale in Faversham! Get messy in the cherry pie eating contest, take the cherry pip spit challenge, join fun family crafts, games and the bouncy castle. There will be a chance to meet the animals, take a ride on the miniature railway and eat and drink delicious cherry-packed treats too!

And don’t forget to get a bag of your favourite cherries or a cherry pie to take home and enjoy.

Tickets begin at £8 for adults and £4 for children. Learn more here.

Wootten Dog Show, Denton Lane, Wootten, Canterbury

Sunday, July 21

The outstanding Kent Police dog team will be on display at this year's event on Sunday. Alongside a raft of agility classes will be a fun dog show where no booking is required but entries instead taken on the day. There will also be trade stalls, a barbecue, and tea and cakes on offer to visitors. The show takes place on the recreation ground and begins at 8am.

There will be lots to see and do in Appledore
There will be lots to see and do in Appledore

Appledore Vehicle Rally and village fair, Appledore

Sunday, July 21

Hundreds of treasured vehicles will go on display in this East Kent village on Sunday as part of an annual event which attracts thousands of visitors. Alongside the car club exhibits will be arena events, country craft stalls, a boot fair, food and drinks, games and entertainment. There will also be live music, dog agility and cadet displays and an auto-jumble for petrolheads too! The event starts at 10.30am at the recreation ground on The Street. To learn more click here.

It's set to be a busy day on The Lees
It's set to be a busy day on The Lees

Classic Vehicles on the Seafront, The Leas, Isle of Sheppey

Sunday, July 21

A classic day by the seaside will be celebrated with this fantastic fun event on Sunday. Classic cars and motorbikes, vintage prams and visitors in period dress will all recreate the nostalgia of a traditional outing to the seaside. The event takes place between 10am and 4pm. There will also be craft stalls, refreshments and live music and entertainment. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic with them too!

Families taking part in last year's event
Families taking part in last year's event

Sandcastle competition, Sunny Sands, Folketone

Sunday, July 21

The annual Folkestone sandcastle competition returns on Sunday between 10am and 1pm. The event takes place on the Sunny Sands beach in the town and everyone is welcome. Teams can be entered on the day and will be asked for a £10 donation to take part. To learn more see the facebook page Folkestone Sandcastle Competition.

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