EVENTS
Luxury Vintage Train Ride // 27 Aug
For the first time in its history the elegant Belmond British Pullman , sister train to the Venice-Simplon Orient Express , is setting out from Maidstone East Station in Kent to the royal destination of Windsor . Heart of Kent Hospice has once again teamed up with Belmond British Pullman to create the trip of a lifetime and what promises to be an excursion with many royal connections .
Surrounded by Art Deco splendour , guests will travel in the same exquisite carriages used by Queen Victoria , Prince Charles , the late Queen Mother , and Princess Anne , as well as many Heads of State . While enjoying a sumptuous three-course , silver service breakfast , the iconic train will meander through the glorious Kent countryside on its way to Royal Windsor .
Disembarking at Windsor & Eton Riverside railway station , guests will have all afternoon to explore the historic town , including Eton College , St George ’ s Chapel and Windsor Castle , entry to which is included in the ticket price . Passengers are welcomed back on board with a glass of champagne and to the New Orleans-style jazz sounds of The Dixie Strollers . The celebrated band will then entertain guests while they enjoy their second fine dining experience : a four-course , à la carte dinner with wine , coffee and petit fours during the return journey back to Kent .
10am . Price : £ 450 per person Maidstone East Station , Week Street , Maidstone ME14 1QN www . hokh . org / 01622 790195
Chas & Dave // 27 Aug
Grove Fest // 27-28 Aug
Unlike most music festivals , Grove Fest won ’ t cost you a penny – unless you want it to . As part of owners Yummy Pub Co .’ s Random Acts of Kindness campaign , manager Billy Morgan and his team are employing a “ pay-what-you-can ” standard and all proceeds will go to charity . The festivities will take place at noon until late on both days , with six headliner acts on Saturday comprising of local university bands , buskers , music school artists and DJs – names to be announced soon . Sunday will see a family fun vibe with lots of entertainment for the little ones including arts & crafts , a bouncy castle and an inflatable slide . Those who wish can also plant pumpkin seeds ( in preparation for the pumpkin carving competition on Halloween !).
To ensure that customers walk away with a full belly , the Grove Ferry will also be cooking up a feast of hog roast served with fresh homemade trimmings including seasonal vegetables , roasted potatoes , brioche buns and coleslaw .
From 12pm . Price : Free The Grove Ferry Inn , Grove Ferry Road , Upstreet , Canterbury CT3 4BP www . thegroveferry . co . uk / 01227 860302
Wild Weekend // 27-29 Aug
A celebration of native wildlife and woodcraft . Come and explore Betteshanger over the Bank Holiday through activities , guided walks and trails plus hands-on family workshops . Cook up a storm in the silver birch kitchen on a wild cooking workshop , learn the art of willow craft on a taster woodland craft workshop and see spectacular birds of prey displays soaring overhead .
From 10.30am . Price : Free Betteshanger Park , Sandwich Road , Deal CT14 0BF www . betteshanger-park . co . uk / 01304 619227
The Great British Seaside : Challock Flower Festival // 27-29 Aug
Chas & Dave are selling out theatres all over the UK following on from their hit album That ’ s What Happens . Over the past two years they have headlined the royal variety show , sold out the Royal Albert Hall London , performed an arena tour with Status Quo and performed at the VE day concert which was televised on BBC TV . Chas & Dave know how to give an audience a good time , performing all the hits that made this cockney duo famous . “ Gertcha ”, “ Sideboard Song ”, “ Rabbit ”, “ Ain ’ t No Pleasing You ” and “ Margate ” to name but a few .
7.30pm . Price : £ 28.50- £ 30.50 The Orchard Theatre , Home Gardens , Dartford DA1 1ED www . orchardtheatre . co . uk / 01322 22000
At this fabulous annual event you will find bric-a-brac , books , a raffle , tombola , plant stall , refreshments , teas , and of course the famous delicious homemade cakes and ploughman ’ s !
From 10am . Price : Free ( donations welcome ) Saints Cosmas and Damian Church , Church Lane , Challock TN25 4BS 01233 740353
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