From bonfire parties to book festivals, concerts and Christmas Fairs, Kent Life has the most comprehensive county wide guide to the best events in the county this month
27 Oct to 2 Nov
Canterbury Anifest 2014
Japanese animation is coming to Kent. And that means everything from Manga to Cosplay to Anime. There will be talks, workshops, live performances, an exhibition, and films all inspired by Japan’s iconic style of animation.
Tickets: various 01227 769075 The Gulbenkian, Canterbury Satnav: CT2 7NB
1 Nov
A Swingin’ Affair
Jazz singer Claire Martin and saxophonist Ray Gelato present a collection of classics that include That Old Black Magic, Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off and Come Dance With Me.
Tickets: Contact venue 0845 6027 017 The Music Room, Pizza Express, Maidstone Satnav: ME14 1PS
1 Nov
Halloween Disco
Ghosts, ghouls, zombies and witches will descend on Folkestone in aid of Cancer Research. The disco is held in conjunction with Planet Folkestone’s Zombie Walk, which is collecting for the Padua Ward at William Harvey Hospital.
Tickets: £5 0844 871 3015 Channel Suite, Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Satnav: CT20 2DZ
1 Nov
Murder Mystery
There’s been a murder. No, it’s not a re-run of Taggart, but it does promise to be a unique evening of fun and suspense; dinner theatre with a twist.
Tickets: £42 01303 267441 Mercure Hythe Imperial Hotel, Hythe Satnav: CT21 6AE
1 Nov
Thank You For The Music
An all-new, spandex and sequins spectacular, with the cast taking music fans back to 1974 and that memorable night when Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha and Frida arrived as pop music superstars at Eurovision, thanks to the song Waterloo. The show features The Magic of the Bee Gees, with hits like Staying Alive, Night Fever and How Deep is Your Love.
Tickets: £22.50 01322 220000 Orchard Theatre, Dartford Satnav: DA11ED
2 Nov
Chas & Dave
Legendary geezas Chas & Dave celebrate the recording of their first album of new material in 27 years, which is sure to be a ‘rockney’ classic. The duo will try out a few new numbers, plus some of the ol’ classics, including Gertcha and Rabbit.
Tickets: £24.50 to £26.50 01892 530613 Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells Satnav: TN1 2LU
2 Nov
Fireworks display
The display is part of the Truck Racing spectacular, which visits the Kent racetrack every year. Entry to the fireworks display is free with your entry ticket, and you will also be able to enjoy a funfair alongside the truck races.
Tickets: (truck racing) £22 0843 453 9000 Brands Hatch, Longfield Satnav: DA3 8NG
2 Nov
RTWSO Concert
Raphael Wallfisch, one of the most celebrated cellists performing on the international stage, joins the RTWSO to perform Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations. Mark Shanahan will also conduct the RTWSO in a performance of the showpiece Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov
Tickets: £14 to £23 01892 530613 Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells Satnav: TN1 2LU
4 Nov
Example
Singer, songwriter, producer, occasional rapper and all-round king of the club banger, Example is taking to the live arena, where he is a true master. Witness him turn any venue into a colossal party as he cranks out hit after hit from his past three albums.
Tickets: £31.40 0844 871 3015 Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Satnav: CT20 2DZ
4 to 8 Nov
Joseph
Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and that infamous coat, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs, including Any Dream Will Do. Sporting the colourful coat is X Factor finalist, Lloyd Daniels, with Danielle Hope as Narrator.
Tickets: £19.50 to £29.50 01892 530613 Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells Satnav: TN1 2LU
5 and 6 Nov
Long Way to Tipperary
Katapult Theatre Company presents a new commemoration review that explores the songs and poetry of the First World War with a special focus on women. There will be less well-known material by soldiers, nurses, journalists, factory workers and performers, as well as familiar and popular songs of the time.
Tickets: Contact venue 01795 531 600 Arden Theatre, Faversham Satnav: ME13 8PW
7 Nov
10CC
Purveyors of some of the greatest pop hits of the 20th century, including Dreadlock Holiday, Donna and Rubber Bullets, 10CC will treat audience members to some true musical gems.
Tickets: £27.50; £29.50 01843 292795 Winter Gardens, Margate Satnav: CT9 1HX
8 Nov
Evening of Burlesque
This show, which is all tease and no sleaze, features corsets, killer heels and stockings aplenty. For over 18s only.
Tickets: £24.50, £23.50 (concs) 08448 717620 Churchill Theatre, Bromley Satnav: BR1 1HA
8 and 9 Nov
Fireworks Spectacular
Leeds Castle’s popular display offers moving images, music and incredible fireworks over the historic castle. This year’s theme is heroes and villains.
Tickets: £19; £12.50 (under 16s) 01622 880008 Leeds Castle, Maidstone Satnav: ME17 1PL
9 Nov
Dover and Folkestone
This illustrated talk by historian Michael George on the role of the two ports during the First World War is followed by a reception and four-course dinner in the Manor Restaurant. Signed and dedicated copies of Dover and Folkestone during the Great War by Michael and Christine George will also be on sale.
Tickets: £55 (per person) 01233 213020 Eastwell Manor, Ashford Satnav: TN25 4HR
12 Nov
Circus of Horrors
The Night of the Zombie is set in 2020, in a corpse-ridden London plagued by a swarm of zombies. The story twists and turns with grisly murders and sensational shocks, all interwoven with some of the greatest and most bizarre circus acts on planet Earth.
Tickets: £16.90 to £27.90 0844 871 3015 Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Satnav: CT20 2DZ
13 Nov
Sensational 60s
The ultimate 60’s extravaganza when, for one night only, six legendary names from that most ‘swinging’ of times will take to the stage. Herman’s Hermits, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Dave Berry, The Union Gap, The Ivy League and Alan Mosca from Freddie and The Dreamers will perform.
Tickets: £28.40 to £30.40 0844 871 3015 Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Satnav: CT20 2DZ
14 to 23 Nov
Folkestone Book Festival
Featuring the Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, among many more literary greats, the Folkestone Book Festival returns for another literary adventure. Expect everything from a puppy to Richard III and everything in between. See also page 52.
Tickets: Various 01303 760750 Quarterhouse, Folkestone Satnav: CT20 1BN
15 Nov
UB40
Reggae stars UB40, with 40 top hits to their name, are embarking on one of their biggest UK tours for three years and you can catch them in Kent.
Tickets: £28.50 01843 292795 Winter Gardens, Margate Satnav: CT9 1HX
18 Nov
RAF in Concert
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Red Arrows, the RAF in Concert tour returns to the Marlowe Theatre with a programme of music to match the colour, flamboyance and entertainment provided by the world’s most exciting aerobatic display team.
Tickets: £17 to £23 01227 787787 The Marlowe, Canterbury Satnav: CT1 2AS
18 to 19 Nov
Dinosaur Zoo
Direct from the West End, see the prehistoric age brought to life. From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, observe and interact with extraordinary life-like dinosaurs.
Tickets: 12.50 to £15; £10 (schools) 01892 530613 Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells Satnav: TN1 2LU
19 Nov
Magic of Motown
Classic hits from such greats as the Temptations, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and The Supremes at this spectacular.
Tickets: £25; £23 (concs) 01227 787787 Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Satnav: CT1 2AS
21 Nov
Imelda May
Ireland’s reigning musical queen with the rockabilly influenced sound will perform songs from her latest studio album, Tribal.
£26 to £30.50 0844 871 3015 Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Satnav: CT20 2DZ
21 Nov
Joseph Moog
At just 26, Joseph Moog has set new standards in the classical music world, having given concerts and recitals all through Europe and the US. The programme of music on offer this month includes music by Liszt, Rachmaninov and Beethoven.
Tickets: £14 01892 750665/750845 Frant Church, Frant Satnav: TN3 9DX
21 Nov
Abba Reunion Tribute Show
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Abba’s song Waterloo, and what better way to celebrate the quartet’s pop genius than by checking out one of the hottest tribute acts around? Starring the ‘original’ Frida from London’s West End, this is sure to be an evening filled to the brim with pop gems, including Knowing Me, Knowing You, Take A Chance On Me, Thank You for the Music, Money, Money, Money, The Winner Takes It All, Voulez Vous, SOS and, of course, the one that started it all, Waterloo.
Tickets: £19 01622 758611 Hazlitt Arts Centre, Maidstone Satnav: ME14 1PL
21 Nov
Moët & Chandon Black Tie Gourmet Dinner
An evening of indulgence where Eastwell Manor’s executive head chef will introduce his seven-course gourmet extravaganza, which Mark Thompson from Moët Hennessy will then team with expertly chosen wines and Champagnes.
Tickets: £125 (per person) 01233 213020 Eastwell Manor, Ashford Satnav: TN25 4HR
22 Nov
City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra
The CRSO opens its 45th concert season with music from Smetana, Dvorak, Brahms, Rodrigo Tascon (University of Kent), and Jacob Bride.
Tickets: From £10 (adults); £1 (under 18yrs) 01634 338338 The Central Theatre, Chatham Satnav: ME4 4AS
23 Nov
Tonbridge Town Christmas Festival
Tonbridge Rotary is organising the Christmas Festival this year and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. The High Street will be packed with stalls in addition to a procession, a stage with carol singing, entertainment, and a firework display.
Tickets: Free Tonbridge High Street Satnav: TN9
24 Nov
Paloma Faith
Kooky songstress Paloma Faith’s blend of sixties and seventies soul, r’n’b and disco truly separates her from the bland X-Factor clones currently dominating the pop charts.
Tickets: £30.50 0844 871 3015 Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Satnav: CT20 2DZ
27 Nov
Mark Thomas
Mark Thomas, one of comedy’s elder statesmen and all-round arty mischief-maker embarks on his eighth nationwide tour. He will be telling the true story of how Britain’s biggest arms manufacturer, BAE Systems, came to spy on a comedian in this five-star, multi-award winning tale of hubris, planes, demos and undercover deceit.
Tickets: £15; £10 (concs) 01227 769075 Gulbenkian, Canterbury Satnav: CT2 7NB
29 Nov
Christmas Fair
The perfect (and relaxed) opportunity to pick up Christmas gifts for all the family in a beautiful countryside location. Both Chiddingstone Castle and marquee will be brimming with inspired and unusual ideas.
Tickets: £3 01892 870347 Chiddingstone Castle, Edenbridge Satnav: TN8 7AD
29 Nov
Rat Pack Dinner Dance
Pilgrims Hospice is putting on a tribute Rat Pack Dinner & Dance, which fans of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior will love. With Anthony Adams, Jim Whitley and Neil Duncan.
Tickets: £40 01843 292795 Winter Gardens, Margate Satnav: CT9 1HX
29 to 30 Nov
On the home front
Talk to the family preparing for Christmas in the 1940’s cottage; make wartime decorations with the Blitz victims in the rest centre; gather around the piano for carols, a little song and dance, or maybe send a telegram to a loved one from the post office.
Tickets: £5 to £7 01622 763936 Kent Life, Maidstone Satnav: ME14 3AU
30 Nov
Christmas Shopping
The picture-perfect shops in Otford are open for a special shopping experience. Pick up some unique presents and enjoy street entertainment including face painting, Father Christmas, bell ringers and a raffle.
Tickets: Free Otford Satnav: TN14
