Things to do in Kent over the May bank holiday weekend
From parades and processions at this year's Sweeps Festival to street food markets, animals and craft demonstrations at one of the biggest craft festivals - Kent is bursting at the seams with things to do this weekend.
There's also the start of live theatre at Hever Castle with Horrible Histories, spring and may fairs, May Day celebrations and the chance to meet the lambs at one Kent attraction.
Everything you need to know to spend the bank holiday with the kids in Kent is here:
Sweeps Festival 2019, Rochester
Saturday, May 4 to Monday, May 6
It's one of the most popular and biggest events in Kent's calendar! Rochester’s annual Sweeps Festival is once again back for the bank holiday weekend and recreating the joy and laughter enjoyed by chimney sweeps when they went on their traditional holiday.
Traditionally marked by sweeps with a procession through the streets of Rochester, celebrations have grown over the years into a bumper packed three-day programme of events. Alongside this year's parade and procession will be morris dancers, roaming performers, live shows and music, an artisan produce fair, a children's fun fair, storytelling, craft and family activities.
To learn more about this year's event please click here.
Weald of Kent Craft Show, Penshurst Place
Saturday, May 4 to Monday, May 6
A fun packed family day is on offer at this year's Weald of Kent craft fair. There will be over 150 exhibitors showing handmade items plus workshops, heritage craft demonstrations, traditional fairground rides for the children and food and drink stalls. There will also be laser clay pigeon shooting, a pop-up petting zoo, an adventure playground and street food market. For ticket prices and to learn more about the event please click here.
May Day Festival, Hever Castle
Saturday, May 4 to Sunday, May 6
Celebrate May Day at Hever Castle and Gardens with a host of customs and activities for you and your family. Join Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn and dance around the Maypole with brightly coloured ribbons intertwined. This age old custom is followed by demonstrations of May Day Dancing accompanied by 16th century music and a playlet about Robin Hood to herald the arrival of summer.
Meet the mythical Jack-in-the-Green and follow him in a traditional May Day procession through the gardens as he wakes up the plants for summer with the help of children and their magical May bells. There’s a Green Man trail through the grounds and a bee and ladybird trail in the Castle, plus children can have their face painted for an additional charge. For further details see Hever Castle's website.
Saturday, May 4
Spring Fair, Canterbury
Come and play at Bossingham Pre-School's spring fair on Saturday! There will be free dance and music lessons with Little Stars Music, cream teas, games, a treasure hunt and a silent auction with lots of tickets to local attractions. The event is taking place 1.30pm to 3.30pm in Bossingham Road, Canterbury.
May Fair, Tonbridge
Saturday, May 4
Maypole dancing, craft and gift stalls, a bar and barbecue, games, face painting and live music are just some of the attractions at this May day fair celebration. The event is taking place at Capel Primary from noon until 3pm. Children are invited to also come in Star Wars themed fancy dress to celebrate to mark the unofficial Star Wars Day celebrated on May 4. The school can be found at Five Oak Green.
Horrible Histories Live on Stage, Hever
Saturday, May 4
Hever Festival - an outdoor summer programme of theatre within the gorgeous surroundings of Hever Castle - kicks off this weekend with Horrible Histories for the kids (and adults!). The new West End show has never toured before and features all new scenes. Would you be shaken or stirred by Richard III? Mount a mutiny against King Henry VIII! See Mary Tudor knock the spots off Mary Queen of Scots! Will Queen Elizabeth I endure her terrible teeth? Would you be hanged by King James I for being a witch? Peep into the world of Samuel Pepys and help Georgian detectives find the headless man! Take a trip into the night with the night soil men and discover how to survive the first ever train ride!
If you're looking for a lively start to your bank holiday weekend, learn more about booking tickets here.
Sooty's Magic Show, Central Theatre, Chatham
Sunday, May 5
Sooty is back in Kent with his new 'laugh out loud' show. All the familiar characters will be joining him at Chatham's Central Theatre for a show described as a 'spectacular treat' fore the whole family. To learn more about the event and to book tickets for Sunday visit thesootyshow.co.uk
Pat-a-lamb Weekend, Faversham
Sunday, May 5 and Monday, May 6
Enjoy a family day out and cuddle up with the lambs this May Bank Holiday. The event is taking place across two days at Mount Ephraim in Faversham. Alongside the chance to meet all the new spring lambs will be falconry, archery, face painting, a barbecue and cream teas. Tickets are £7 for adults and £2.50 for children and there is free parking on site. To learn more see here.
Wild West Spectacular, Groombridge Place
Sunday, May 5 and Monday, May 6
Calling all cowboys and cowgirls to Groombridge Place for a spectacular and exciting Wild West weekend! The Devils Horsemen Wild West show is a fast paced, adrenaline filled performance combining the very best horsemanship with stunt action and is based on Buffalo Bills Wild West Show. There will be trick riding, dressage, a Roman ride race, and a real-life shoot out! Alongside the action packed show will be the chance to join the line dancing shows or test your rodeo skills on the bucking bronco!
Admission to the weekend's Wild West Spectacular will also include all the attractions inside Groombridge Place and the Enchanted Forest. To learn more please click here.
Big Fish Little Fish family rave, Dreamland Margate
Monday, May 6
A Flower Power themed family rave hits the dancefloor at Dreamland this Monday complete with bubbles, balloons and confetti cannons.
DJ Mark Archer (Altern 8) will be playing all the club classics whilst child craft expert Captain Cookie will be getting crafty at the craft tables with something to make, a giant colouring in mural, free transfer tattoos and a homemade play-doh table for even the smallest of ravers. And if the little ones need a time out, the baby chill out and toddler play space provides breakaway areas with tents, tunnels, foam mats and a ball pool. And don't forget the fully licensed bar for the adults to toast the return of summer! To learn more and to get your tickets to Monday afternoon's event see here.
Literary Festival, Chiddingstone Castle
Monday, May 6
Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival kicked off on Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday is packed full of events for families and children. There will be film workshops, screenings and activities with Wallace and Gromit creators Aardman Animations, theatre performances, storytelling and even a jungle dance party! All events are timed and ticketed separately to enable families to choose what they are most interested in. To learn more about the festival click here.
