The best events, concerts, tours and family days out in Kent this month
THE KENT DIARY
Classical Concert
1 Sep
Tickets: �16, �14, �6
01622 358402
Mote Hall, Maidstone ME14 4EE
The Kent Youth Orchestra, conducted by former orchestra member Nils Schweckendiek, is performing two well-loved classical pieces by Elgar and Rachmaninov.
Sandi Toksvig Live!
5 Sep
Tickets �18.50
01892 530613/532072
Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU
The comedian, novelist, actor and broadcaster asks you to join her for a brand new, uniquely witty evening of stand-up, stories and fascinating facts.
An Evening of Burlesque
20 Sep
Tickets: �20
01474 337774
Woodville Halls, Gravesend, DA12 1DD
Showcasing award-winning talent from across the country, this is a chance to see some of the world’s biggest burlesque stars in the flesh. Amber Topaz, Kiki Kaboom, Miss Hotcake Kitty and Slinky Sparkles are among the gorgeous ‘dames’ strutting their stuff.
Jacqui Dankworth
21 Sep
Tickets: �20 (from Frant Stores)
01892 750665
Frant Church, nr Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9DX
Described as one of the UKs ‘truly great singers’, Jacqui Dankworth takes to the stage at Frant Church with jazz and blues pianist Charlie Woods.
Rhod Gilbert
24 and 25 Sep
Tickets: �25
01892 530613/532072
Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU
The Welsh Wonder rides again! Rhod Gilbert is back on the road with a new live show, but this time he’s so laid-back he even let someone tattoo a Battenberg on him!
Antiques Roadshow
6 Sep
Tickets: Free
01634 823800
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham ME4 4TE
Auntie Beeb’s ever-popular Sunday teatime programme is filming in Chatham. Find out what that ugly statue Auntie Mabel left you all those years ago is worth; it’s drama, it’s human interest, it’s antiques, baby. See also page xx.
Westerham Gala Weekend
8 and 9 Sep
Tickets: �4
A fair, model boats and entertainment, including re-enactors at Quebec House. Pop along to see what this beautiful Kentish town has to offer. There will also be a Scarecrow Trail that culminates at Quebec House, and you can park for free at Squerryes!
Salute to the 40s
15 and 16 Sep
Tickets: �6-�56
01634 823800
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham ME4 4TE
Life on the home front is revived. Vintage fashion is a theme, and visitors are encouraged to come suitably attired. There will also be ‘period’ performers on hand to add a bit of 40’s pizzazz.
Chiddingstone Country Fair
16 Sep
Tickets: �2.50 (�1 for children aged between 5 and 13)
01892 870347
Chiddingstone Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7AD
Celebrate all that is good about the countryside and what it can offer. There will be a dog show, displays, locally-produced food and drink on offer, wool sack racing and shopping opportunities galore. There’s even the chance to glimpse a llama or two.
Sevenoaks Literary Festival
21 Sep-6 Oct
Tickets: Varies
01732 452055
Meet the authors of the books you love and listen to talks on everything from sex, murder and crinolines to John Donne and The English Gentry. See also page xx.
Camel Race Day
23 Sep
Tickets: �8
01580 241 344
Hole Park Gardens, Cranbrook, TN17 4JB
Camel Racing, Camel Polo and some Mongolian Wrestling and acclaimed journalist Matthew Parris will be showing up! What’s not to love? A poster competition has also been organised, open to local Kent schools and with the theme ‘Save the Critically Endangered Wild Camel.’
Charity Fashion Show
27 Sep
Tickets: �10 in advance (from Love Is Boutique)
01892 549665
High Rocks, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9JJ
The charity Child’s i Foundation is joining forces with Tunbridge Wells’ boutique Love is for a fashion show that is certain to rock. A selection of Love Is Boutique clients have agreed to take to the catwalk at the High Rocks in Tunbridge Wells to demonstrate how to look fabulous in a hand-picked range of clothes and accessories.
LONDON
The National Home Improvement Show
28-30 Sep
Tickets: �8 (advance); �12 (on the door)
Olympia, London W14 8UX
With stars and experts from the world of home improvement, including Michael Holmes, Julia Kendall and Matt James, there is now no excuse to get cracking on ‘that project’ you’ve been putting off for the past few years.
COMPETITION
Kent Life has secured 10 pairs of tickets to The National Home Improvement Show. Send competition entries marked Home Improvement Show to: editor@kent-life.co.uk or on a postcard to: Kent Life, Archant KOS Media, Apple Barn, Hythe Road, Smeeth, Ashford TN25 6SS. Remember to include your full name, postal and email address and daytime telephone number.
Where is the National Home Improvement Show being held this year?
a) Olympia, London
b) Mount Olympus, Greece
c) Olympic Park, Stratford
Closing date: 24 September 2012-07-31
For Archant terms and conditions visit: kent.greatbritishlife.co.uk
