Events in Kent this weekend

by Ellis Stephenson

This weekend there is plenty to do with the children in Kent.

You could go and see the animals, visit an open air cinema or enjoy the delights of a summer fair.

We have all the important details for you below.

Fort Luton in Magpie Hall Road, Chatham, opens to the public. Picture by: John Westhrop

1) OPEN DAY AT Fort Luton, Chatham

Fort Luton in Magpie Hall Road, Chatham, opens to the public on Saturday, June 9, between 10am and 4pm. The Victorian fort will open all its museums for the open day, when there will be a chance to look around, plus a children's play area and refreshments available.

Dogs are welcome on leads and there will be free parking. Entry is £3 with children under 14 free.

2) SUMMER FETE in Trottiscliffe

The Trottiscliffe Summer Fete comes to Trottiscliffe Recreation Ground on Saturday, June 9, between noon and 4pm.

There will be more than 60 stalls including arts and crafts, gifts and a bouncy slide, plus badge making, ceramic dish colouring and sand art, plus a visit from the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team, tug of war and space hopper races. Entry is £1 and 50p for children.

Tuck in at the Trottiscliffe Summer Fete

3) OPEN AIR CINEMA at Quex Park

Quex Park in Birchington hosts an all-day open air cinema day on Saturday, June 9. There will be films for everyone throughout the day on a massive diamond screen within the grounds of the estate. Bring a picnic, friends and family - even your dog and enjoy a day of films. There will also be a fun fair and food available to buy. Book at quexpark.co.uk/events/family-cinema

4) CEILIDH at Kent Life, Maidstone

The family-friendly barn dance on Saturday, June 9, at Kent Life in Sandling, Maidstone, promises to be fun for all the family. The evening event includes a caller to help everyone enjoy the dancing with a focus on having fun and not on getting it right - and the indoor and outdoor play areas will be open for youngsters when little feet get tired of the moves.

The dance is suitable for all ages and abilities, there will be live music from the Climax Ceilidh Band. There will also be a barbecue and bar. You don't need a partner to join in the fun. Book at kentlife.org.uk/event/

5) STRAWBERRY FAIR at Brogdale, Faversham

The annual Strawberry Fair will be on Sunday, June 10. Celebrate some of the first fruits of summer with entertainment, music, local producers, family fun, kids' activities and delicious local strawberries. Book your tickets through Brogdale's website.

Visitors enjoying a strawberry tea at the Brogdale Strawberry Fair last year

6) FUNDAY SUNDAY at Tankerton Slopes

The fun day on Sunday, June 10 will include a flypast by a Hurricane, fairground rides, a range of stalls; magic by Chris Davison; Pip the Clown with her

balloon modelling and food stands. Free admission to the event by the sea.

Tuck into the most fantastic ice cream at Solley's this weekend

7) OPEN FARM SUNDAY at Solley's Ice Cream Parlour

Solley's will be opening the ice cream parlour in Church Lane, Deal as part of the Open Farm Sunday event on Sunday, June 10. Farms across the county are opening their gates to visitors to learn more about farming and in the case of Solley's - how real dairy ice cream is made. For more information on Open Farm Sunday, click here.