Diary of top events in Kent this June

From open-air opera to Open Gardens, your must-have guide to the best places to go in Kent and things to do for all the family during the month ahead

1 to 2 Jun

Tourism Symposium

Kent hosts one of the most prestigious events for the UK tourism industry, when more than 200 leading tourism professionals, decision-makers and journalists will gather to hear Steven Norris, a former government minister and transport expert, Wayne Hemingway and Tim Waggott, Port of Dover CEO, plus many more.

Tickets: £125 (Tourism Society members); £155 (non-members)

0207 269 9693

Eastwell Manor, Ashford (1 Jun); University of Kent, Canterbury (2 Jun)

Satnav: TN25 4HR (Eastwell Manor); CT2 7NZ (University of Kent)

2 to 6 Jun

The Car Man

Loosely based on Bizet’s popular opera, Carmen, this has one of the most instantly recognisable scores in theatre company New Adventures’ repertoire.

Tickets: £17 to £38 0844 871 7620 Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Satnav: CT1 2AS

3 Jun

Penshurst Parkland Photography Tour

Join Kent Life professional photographer Leigh Clapp for a summer walk around the lovely parkland and listed gardens at Penshurst Place.

She will share her expertise and show you how to capture the finer parts of nature on film.

On 5 June, you can enjoy a very special personal tour with Lady De L’Isle followed by afternoon cream tea (£25). On 7 June, it’s head gardener Cory Furness’ turn to lead a tour of the gardens, followed by afternoon tea (£20).

Tickets: £15 (photography tour) 01892 870307 Penshurst Place, Penshurst Satnav: TN11 8DG

6 and 7 Jun

Open Gardens

A dozen gardens in St Nicholas-at-Wade are open to the public, plus stalls selling plants, cakes, preserves and an Art & Flower Exhibition in the village church.

Tickets: £3.50 01843 847922 St Nicholas-at-Wade Satnav: CT7 ONT

9 to 13 Jun

Oklahoma!

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic Wild West musical brings to Kent a star-studded cast and favourites such as Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin and the title song.

Tickets: £20 to £39 01322 220000 The Orchard Theatre, Dartford Satnav: DA1 1ED

10 Jun

The Overtones

The group will promote their new album Sweet Soul Music, a tribute to doo-wop and soul pioneers such as Marvin Gaye.

Tickets: £25.40 to £43.40 01303 228600 Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Satnav: CT20 2DZ

10 Jun

Terry Wogan

The veteran TV and radio presenter shares stories from a lengthy career, including tales from his Radio 2 Breakfast Show days, Blankety Blank and presenting Eurovision.

Tickets: £29.50 01892 530613 Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells Satnav: TN1 2LU

12 Jun

Brands Hatch 10k run

The 10k run takes place on the track of the world-famous circuit or try a 2k Family Fun Run on the Indy Circuit. All proceeds go to the Heart of Kent Hospice.

Tickets: £20 (per runner for the 10k); £5 (per runner for fun run)

01622 790195 Brands Hatch, Longfield Satnav: DA3 8NG

12 Jun

Brewery Tour

Take an evening tour of the brewery and enjoy a tutored tasting of Kentish ales and speciality lagers, followed by a two-course supper accompanied by a pint of your choice.

Tickets: £29.50 (per person) 01795 532206 Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre, Faversham Satnav: ME13 7AX

12 Jun

David Starkey

The Kent-based historian talks about the agreement that radically limited for the first time the power of the monarch by stating the basic rights, privileges, and liberties of leading citizens and clergy.Tickets: £15 01303 760750 Quarterhouse, Folkestone Satnav: CT20 1BN

12 and 13 Jun

Madame Butterfly

This fabulous two-act ballet is performed to the famous Puccini score played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

Tickets: £10 to £35.90 0844 871 7620 Churchill Theatre, Bromley Satnav: BR1 1HA

14 Jun

Sandwich Gardens

Garden-loving members of the public can visit a number of private, usually hidden gardens in this lovely medieval town.

Tickets: £5 01304 613565 Satnav: CT13

16 to 20 Jun

Royal Ascot

One of the most anticipated events in the British summer sporting and social calendar and the centrepiece of Ascot’s year. Five days of world-class racing, excitement, pageantry, fashion and style. In 2015, a new Group One race will be introduced on the Friday, the Commonwealth Cup, taking the total across the week to 18 Group races.

Tickets: Various 0844 346 3000 Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire Satnav: SL5 7JX

18 Jun

Special Waterloo Tour

The day will focus on the story of William George Harris, the 2nd Lord Harris of Seringapatam and Belmont, and the battalion he commanded at Waterloo.

Tickets: £45 (per person) 01795 890202 Belmont House, Faversham Satnav: ME13 0HH

19 Jun

Dreamland Margate

The refurbished Dreamland Margate re-opens its doors this year. The original pleasure park will host a selection of stylishly restored, recreated and retrofitted rides and amusements from the golden age of British seaside holidays. Pictured overleaf.

Tickets: £14.95 (adults); £12.95 (children) Dreamland Margate, Margate Satnav: CT9 1XJ

19 to 21 Jun

Festival of the Guitar

Music in Frant is celebrating the magic of the guitar, from Bach to Hendrix, classical to electric. Includes some of the world’s foremost six-stringers, including Craig Ogden and John Etheridge.

Tickets: £13 per concert 01892 750665 or 01892 750845 Frant Church, nr Tunbridge Wells Satnav: TN3 9DX

20 Jun

Danny Bhoy

The affable comedian presents his Please Untick This Box show, where his unique brand of humour and natural gift for storytelling will captivate all.

Tickets: £15 01227 769 075 Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury Satnav: CT2 7NB

20 Jun

Paloma Faith

Paloma’s third album A Perfect Contradiction was one of the huge success stories of 2014.Don’t miss this chance to catch her perform in a forest setting.

Tickets: £38.50 03000 680400 Bedgebury Pinetum Satnav: TN17 2SJ

20 Jun

Dirty Dancing

Embarking on its fifth anniversary tour, this tribute production to one of the most popular soundtracks ever is a fully choreographed, highly interactive celebration of all the music from the iconic movie that everyone knows and loves.

Tickets: From £21.90 01303 228600 Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Satnav: CT20 2DZ

21 Jun

Aladdin Ballet

Join Ballet Theatre UK on a dazzling retelling of this exotic classic tale, boldly brought to life through the entrancing magic of classical ballet.

Tickets: £20, £18 (restricted view) 01892 530613 Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells Satnav: TN1 2LU

21 Jun

Father’s Day lunch

Enjoy a ploughman’s lunch in the Mulberry Room followed by jam roly-poly with custard and a cup of tea. The bar will be open and serving alcohol and soft drinks.

Tickets: Contact venue 01732 868381 Chartwell, Westerham Satnav: TN16 1PS

23 Jun

Faulty Towers

Only one third of this two-hour show is scripted, so anything can happen as audiences take their seats in the ‘Faulty Towers’ restaurant. Waited upon by Basil, Sybil and Manuel, this is fully immersive comedy theatre at its best and most unpredictable.

Tickets: £35 (includes a three-course meal) 01227 769075 Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury Satnav: CT2 7NB

24 Jun

Jazz evening

Join The Colrose 5 for an evening of jazz in The Walled Garden. All proceeds go to The Pilgrims Hospices; picnics from 6pm and music starts from 7pm.

Tickets: £12 01233 643854 Godinton House, Ashford Satnav: TN23 3BP

23 May to 28 Jun

Magna Carta Rediscovered

2015 is the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta. Faversham’s valuable and rarely displayed Magna Carta will be the centrepiece of this exhibition.