THE KENT DIARY FOR APRIL

All the best local shows, music, theatre and family fun in Kent and the capital

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day Lunch

3 Apr

Tickets: �26.95 per person

Tel: 01304 626992

The Old Dining Room, Sandwich

Treat that special lady in your life to a wonderful meal in wonderful surroundings. Make her feel special, like she has done for you all your life. Who has been there for you no matter what? Yes, that’s right, Mum. So go on treat her to a meal she’ll never forget in a hurry.

Hole Park Gardens

3 Apr

Tickets: Contact venue

Tel: 01580 241344/241386

Hole Park Gardens, Rolvenden

What better place to take your mum for a stroll than Hole Park Gardens? Admire the beautiful tulips and other spring blooms, as we finally say goodbye to winter and hello to the spring.

The Royal Wedding

Westminster Abbey

29 April

Following a romance that harks back to their university days, Prince William and Kate Middleton will tie the knot. Of course, invites to this Royal wedding are beyond exclusive, but public well-wishers can catch a glimpse of the happy couple if they take their place along the route the couple will take, and across London, to soak up the atmosphere.

Celebrating the Royal Wedding

30 Apr

Tickets: Contact venue

Tel: 01304 626992

The Bell Hotel, Sandwich

This special celebratory evening begins with a dusk tour of the Secret Gardens in Sandwich, which will be followed by a candlelit supper in the Regency Room of The Bell Hotel. Head chef Stephen Piddock and his talented staff promise a menu packed full of the best of local Kentish produce. The evening’s event will be made all the more special thanks to the participation of guitarist Craig Ogden and cellist Matthew Sharp.

Royal Wedding Celebration

29 Apr

Tickets: �15 to �20

Tel: 01622 880008

Leeds Castle, near Maidstone

Commemorate the Royal wedding of HRH Prince of Wales to Catherine Middleton at Leeds Castle. Come and watch the ceremony on a big screen in castle grounds. Gates open at 9.30am, so arrive early to get a good spot. Following the ceremony, the celebrations will continue with an open-air screening of Mamma Mia!, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Watch history in the making in idyllic and wonderful Royal surroundings.

Theatre

Goodnight Mister Tom

11 to 23 Apr

Tickets: �10.00 to �24.50

Tel: 01322 220000

The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

Michelle Magorian’s ever-popular novel is given a new lease of life on the stage thanks to this new adaptation. Set during the dark and terrible build-up to the Second World War, it tells the tale of William Beech, who is evacuated to the country and builds a wonderful and often moving friendship with the recluse Tom Oakley.

Unique Events

Put that Light Out, Mister Tom

11 to 23 Apr

Tickets: �2

Tel: 01322 220000

Various venues

To coincide with the staging of a new adaptation of Goodnight, Mister Tom, The Orchard Theatre, Dartford Library, Dartford Museum, KCC Extended Learning and Dartford Amateur Dramatics Society have joined forces to take people back in time to the Second World War. There will be talks, craft workshops, ration book cooking sessions and a wartime sing-a-long, among countless other events, held across the fortnight.

Time Travellers Go… Gruesome

16 to 17 Apr

Tickets: contact venue

Tel: 0870 333 1181

Dover Castle, Dover

For those with a cast-iron stomach and for those who like the more gruesome side of history, visitors can take a trip back in time and witness the horrors of medieval surgical techniques, and the na�ve battle against disease. For the younger explorer, mingle with a rat-catcher and even have their faces painted with the pox! Eurgh!

Dr David Starkey’s Choice

31 Mar

Tickets: �7

Tel: 01227 865292

The Auditorium, Cathedral Lodge, Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury

To coincide and celebrate the reopening of Canterbury Cathedral Library, renowned historian, author and TV star Dr David Starkey will be choosing some of his personal favourites from the library collection. Don’t forget to have a wander round the special exhibition devoted to the history and rich literature collection housed in the library.

A Kind Of Town

Now

Tel: 07599 716453 (Samuel Marlow)

Email: sam@twellsmovie.co.uk

Calling all would-be Scorseses, Spielbergs and Lucases! To coincide with the Electric Lantern Festival due to take place in September, plans have been announced to create an anthology film in the borough using local writers, directors and crew. Provisionally titled A Kind Of Town, organisers are asking people interested in contributing to get in touch. Shooting will take place in June, so if you are interested, make contact and get involved.

Moray Watson – Looking Back & Dropping Names

10 Apr

Tickets: �16.50

Tel: 01227 831355

Charlton Park, near Canterbury

This is an evening of recollections and reminiscences from an actor who has been in ‘the biz’ for an age now. Moray Watson is perhaps best known for his work on TV, including roles in Rumpole, Churchill – The Wilderness Years, and, of course, as The Brigadier in The Darling Buds Of May.

Out and About

Marle Place Gardens and Gallery

From 2 Apr

Tickets: �1.50 to �5.00

Tel: 01892 722304

Marle Place Gardens and Gallery, Tonbridge

The picturesque Marle Place opens for 2011. Marle Place is a peaceful, privately owned Wealden garden, boasting 10 acres of formal planting and many more acres of woodland and orchard. For those who are green-fingered, Marle Place is a plantsman and artist's paradise where you can while hours away marvelling at the beauty of it all.

The Castle Quest

9 to 15 Apr

Tickets: �7 to �34.80

Tel: 0870 333 1181

Dover Castle, Dover

Are you a mystery solver? Do you love a good puzzle? Reckon you could put either Poirot or Sherlock Holmes in their place? Well, Dover Castle is the place to go to test your talent. Clues have been hidden around the castle. All you have to do is solve the mystery and you could earn yourself a prize. It’ll be elementary, Watson… or will it?

Easter Fun at Leeds Castle

22 to 25 April

Tickets: Contact venue

Tel: 01622 765400

Leeds Castle, near Maidstone