Kentish Express Ashford & District - What's On
Banking on a brilliant weekend
From traditional May Day activities to Star Wars festivals and doggy days out, here’s 10 more ideas for the long weekend
HISTORIC DOCKYARD, Chatham
Visit one of Kent’s best-loved attractions and discover the history behind it at the new exhibition, Dockyard 40: Transform. The exhibit, created by the Medway School of Arts, celebrates 40 years of the Historic Dockyard Chatham since its closure as a naval base in 1984 and the past four decades as a tourist destination.
Details: Thursday, May 2 to Wednesday, May 22 at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham. Free entry, no need to book.
KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY, Tenterden
Dress up as your favourite intergalactic character, get your face painted like Chewbacca and duel against the dark side with Star Wars Day. This family event includes lots of fun activities all based around the sci-fi franchise, from trivia and crafts for the kids to Star Wars-themed beer for the grown-ups, as well as a ride on a heritage locomotive. Details: Saturday, May 4 at the Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden. Adult tickets cost £26.50, book online.
KENT EVENT CENTRE, near Maidstone
Watch high-octane motor displays and thrilling races at the BHP Performance Car Show. The show, now in its 15th year, includes lots of live demonstrations from high-performance cars and an exhibition of rare and impressive models across three indoor halls. There’s also trade stands, family entertainment, face painting, bouncy castles and a food village.
Details: Sunday, May 5 at the Kent Event Centre in Detling, near Maidstone. Adult tickets cost £25, pay on the gate.
KENT LIFE, Maidstone
Step back in time with Kent Life’s vintage village, traditional maypole dancing and live music from the old-fashioned steam organ. Alongside the retro May Day activities, the farm will also have its usual things to see and do, such as animal encounters, indoor and outdoor play areas, owl flying demonstrations and farmyard rides.
Details: Saturday, May 4 to Monday, May 6 at Kent Life in Maidstone. Activities included in a standard entry ticket, book online.
MACKNADE, Faversham
Faversham’s food hall, Macknade, is putting on its first Dog Day this bank holiday Monday to help raise money for local animal charity Happy Endings Rescue. The event will welcome visitors and their furry friends who can enter into dog show categories such as Waggiest Tail and Golden Oldie and enjoy treats from the Food Village - there’s pizza, burgers and cocktails for the humans and doggy ice cream for the pooches.
Details: Monday, May 6 at Macknade in Faversham. Free entry, no need to book.
MOUNT EPHRAIM, near Faversham
Spend the day cuddling up to newborn lambs, with sheep farmers on hand to tell you all about the fluffy animals and explain what life is like on the farm. There will also be storytime sessions performed by Raggedy Jack, a falconry display by the Hawking Centre and a demonstration from Creepy Claws.
Details: Sunday, May 5 and Monday, May 6 at Mount Ephraim near Faversham. Adult tickets cost £9, book online.
PENSHURST PLACE, near Tonbridge
This year, the Weald of Kent Country Craft Show is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and there’s a jam-packed programme to mark the occasion. There will be lots of performers, farmers and producers from the local area, with more than 150 stalls on offer over the weekend. Visitors can soak up the glorious countryside atmosphere with activities such as a beehive demonstration, live music, craft demonstrations, falconry displays, axe throwing, giant outdoor games and a carousel. Details: Saturday, May 4 to Monday, May 6 at Penshurst Place near Tonbridge. Adult tickets cost £10, book online.
SOUTHBOROUGH CRICKET CLUB, near Tunbridge Wells
The club’s free community May Day Festival returns for another year, helping local families make the most of the long weekend. There’s plenty for visitors of all ages to do, including live music, craft stalls, face painting, a bouncy castle, a fancy dress competition and, of course, dancing around the maypole.
Details: Monday, May 6 at Southborough Cricket Club in Southborough, near Tunbridge Wells. Free entry.
THE SPRING RIVER, near Gravesend
Rock up to the Spring River in Ebbsfleet over the bank holiday weekend and get stuck into a traditional community fayre. It’s all free to attend and there will be a host of local businesses, from artisan bakers to face painters, ready to welcome you. The event also includes live bands to keep you entertained. Details: Saturday, May 4 at the Spring River in Ebbsfleet, near Gravesend. Free entry.