Things to do in Kent this weekend, June 15 and June 16
A strawberry fair, sausage festival and proms with picnics - there is a bumper crop of family events happening in Kent this weekend.
Alongside days out and events to celebrate Father's Day on Sunday are festivals, concerts and shows for all the family.
Here's seven things to keep the kids busy this weekend...
1. Sing-a-long The Greatest Showman, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
Saturday, June 15
Singing voices at the ready as Singalonga Productions - producers of Sing-a-Long-a Sound Of Music and Sing-a-Long-a Grease - brings their newest show to Kent – The Greatest Showman! There are two showings at the theatre on Saturday, at 11am and 3pm, and all song lyrics will be on screen to help audiences join in. For ticket prices or to make a booking click here.
2. Dreamland Proms, Dreamland, Margate
Saturday, June 15
Indulge in the very best in big band, jazz and swing at the first ever Dreamland Proms with the internationally renowned BBC Big Band and jazz singer Claire Martin OBE. Bring your own picnics and snacks and enjoy the show which promises to entertain all ages by mixing the nostalgia of the jazz age and big band era with modern classics and pop culture.
Tickets start from £15 plus a booking fee in advance, and include entry to the park and access to rides. The event is from 6pm. Learn more here.
3. Sausage and Cider Festival, Victoria Park, Ashford
Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16
Live music and an array of street foods with a big focus on sausages from local, national and international producers will mark Ashford's first Sausage and Cider Festival.
The packed programme of live music on stage includes tribute acts Wrong Jovi and Abba Stars, a children's area will have fairground rides, face painting and other activities whilst for the grown-ups will be Kent brewers Turners, Wise Owl and Luke’s Cider. The festival will be open from 10am to 9pm on Saturday, June 15 and 11am to 7pm on Sunday, June 16. There will be free parking for designated drivers in the adjacent Watercress Fields. Tickets are from £8 for adults, £4 for children, with under 12s free. Learn more or book here.
4. Strawberry Fair, Brogdale, Faversham
Sunday, June 16
The Strawberry Fair at Brogdale will be celebrating the first fruits of summer this Sunday with this quintessentially British festival. Visit the pop-up strawberry shop to learn about the varieties grown, pick up strawberry plants to take home or enter the kids into the Brogdale Strawberry Bake Off competition which is being judged by finalist Jane Beedle.
There will be traditional fair games, a tug of war and sack races as well as the chance for youngsters to get stuck into crafts, storytelling and hunts for fairy doors. You can also meet the animals, ride the miniature railway and have a go at archery during your day. Ticket prices start at £8 for adults and £4 for children. To learn more click here.
5. Milkshake Monkey's Musical: Milkshake! Live, The Central Theatre, Chatham
Sunday, June 16
Milkshake Monkey can’t wait to put on a spectacular new musical, but when stage fright hits his favourite Milkshake friends come to help, creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen!
Be part of this fantastic production, learn songs and dance away with your favourite Milkshake friends. The show promises plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun to get everyone on their feet! Two shows take place on Saturday - tickets can be booked here.
6. Sci-Fi by the Sea
Sunday, June 16
An action-packed sci-fi family day out is promised in Herne Bay on Sunday.
The popular event is once again being held at Herne Bay Junior School between 11am and 5pm. Sci-fans will be able to meet characters from the world of film and television, see vehicles and props, get up close to costumed characters and take part is a Cosplay competition. The family-friendly convention already has tickets on sale. To learn more about where to get yours please click here.
7. Medway River Festival
Sunday, June 16
A free family festival celebrating maritime Medway takes place on Sunday. The main viewing area will be at Chatham Waterfront between Sun Pier (by B&M) and the end of the walkway outside Gun Wharf.
There will be the chance to have-a-go of water activities including canoeing and kayaking, hovercraft displays, an historic boat sail past, fire tug demonstrations and army boat displays whilst Dancing On The Pier is back with a packed programme of dance displays, performances and even the chance to learn some steps yourself!
Another highlight of this year's festival will be The Whale: Plastic Bag Jellyfish Show - which is a giant inflatable 18-metre whale which you can step inside, meet the navigator and enjoy a funny and interactive theatrical show.
To learn more about the festival or for a specific programme of events and timings, please click here.
- If you're looking for an outing or treat your dad might love - don't miss our Father's Day round-up of events in Kent here.
