Seven things to do with the kids in Kent this weekend

by Jenna Dobbs

Summer is in full-swing across the county, with loads of activities to keep both you and the kids entertained.

From festivals and fetes to a fire engine rally, there's plenty of ways to have fun without venturing outside of Kent.

Here's our pick of things to do with your family this weekend:

1 The Great Kent Chilli Festival

Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1 from 10am to 5pm, Hole Park Gardens, Rolvenden

Festival goers celebrate the chilli (2639598)
Festival goers celebrate the chilli (2639598)

Chilli enthusiasts, food lovers and families can all take part in Kent's very own spicy fiesta.

With stalls selling an array of chilli products, cooking demonstrations and international street food, it is set to provide something for everyone, even the chilli haters!

There will also be music, a chilli cook-off, advice on growing your own and, of course, a chilli eating competition.

Tickets cost £3 per child, £7.50 per adult and £18 for the whole family.

For more information, visit The Great Chilli Festival website

2 Battle of Britain Air Show

Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1 from 10am to 5pm, Headcorn Aerodrome, Ashford

Battle of Britain Memorial Show will take place in Headcorn
Battle of Britain Memorial Show will take place in Headcorn

Spitfires, Hurricanes, the Tiger Moth and Harvard T6 will all appear at this year's Battle of Britain Air Show in Ashford, giving the whole family an exciting taste of the past.

There will also be a funfair, stalls, choreographed air displays and flight experiences, alongside an old-fashioned Big Band Hanger Dance on Saturday night.

Tickets start from £7 per child, £12 per adult, or £29 for the family.

To find out more, or book your tickets, click here

3 Fire Engine Rally

Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1 from 11am to 5pm, Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford

Fire engine rally
Fire engine rally

This weekend's fire engine rally promises to be a spectacular showcase of firefighting history for guests of all ages.

It will feature more than 20 fire engines and carts, with some from as far back as the Victorian and Edwardian periods.

The event has been organised by the South Eastern branch of the Fire Preservation Group, and live displays will show visitors how to put out different kinds of fire.

Younger guests can also learn more about how fire engines operate, and even get an opportunity to squirt the hoses.

Tickets are £10 per adult and under 15s go free - for more information, visit the Lullingstone Castle website

4 Dover Together Multicultural Festival

Saturday, June 30 from 12pm to 4pm, Pencester Gardens, Dover

Pencester Gardens, Dover. Dover Together festival.Picture: Tony Flashman FM4782563 (2639875)
Pencester Gardens, Dover. Dover Together festival.Picture: Tony Flashman FM4782563 (2639875)

This exciting festival is a great place to celebrate different cultures, try new activities and most importantly, have fun.

Held in the historic Pencester Gardens, it will include cultural performances, workshops and international food.

Local bands will also be celebrating different music styles from around the world.

For more information, check out the Samphire Facebook page

5 Armed Forces Day Celebrations

Saturday, June 30 from 12.30pm to 11pm, Goudhurst Ex Servicemens Club, Cranbrook

Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day

Suitable for all ages, this event has been organised to mark the work of the armed forces, past, present and future.

It will feature military vehicles, live music, food and drink plus outdoor fun and games.

All money raised will be used to support Goudhurst British Legion and Goudhurst Ex Servicemens Club.

Entry is free, and musicians will be playing between 2pm and 5pm and 8.30 and 10.30pm.

6 The Snail and the Whale

Sunday, July 1 with showings at 11am, 2pm and 4pm, Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury

The Snail and the Whale, coming to Canterbury's Gulbenkian Theatre
The Snail and the Whale, coming to Canterbury's Gulbenkian Theatre

Join a tiny snail on her trip around the world in Tall Stories' family friendly musical production.

Based on the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, it promises to provide storytelling, live music and lots of laughs for those aged four and up.

It follows the journey of a snail who, desperate to see the world, hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale.

Tickets are £12.50 per person - for more information, click here

7 Prom on the Farm

Sunday, July 1 from 12pm to 8pm, Solley's Ice Cream Parlour, Ripple

This one-day music event is the perfect opportunity to relax with the family in the heart of the Kentish countryside.

It will feature an array of local acts, entertainment for children and a selection of food and drink, including Solley's Ice Cream.

All money raised will be donated to the Martha Trust, which supports children with profound disabilities.

Tickets start from £5 per child, £12 per adult and £30 for the whole family.

For more information, or to book your tickets, click here

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