2023
February
TBC: Beer, Cider & Gin Festival: Celebrating real ales, KeyKeg ales, cider and gins from around the county. The Berry, 23 Canada Road, Walmer, near Deal
March
12: Baypoint Brocante: Thanet’s own indoor sale of everything antique, vintage & decorative. 10am, £1 entry. Baypoint, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich CT13 9QL
April
1-16: Easter Adventure Quest at Walmer Castle: Join a cracking adventure quest this Easter holiday. Explore the gardens to hunt for clues and challenges and discover traditional Easter games like egg rolling and the egg and spoon race. Track down the Easter eggs and you’ll be rewarded with an adventurer’s certificate and a tasty chocolate treat. The quest costs just £2, which you can pay when you arrive at the site. This is in addition to the normal ticket price. Book online and save 10%. 10.00-17.00. Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kingsdown Road, Deal, CT14 7LJ
7-13: British Juggling Convention: An annual multi-day festival of juggling and circus arts. It attracts 500-1000 people from across the globe to perform, teach, experiment, develop, network, play and party. The BJC provides fantastic practice space, shows, workshops, competitions, traders and more. Royal Harbour Academy (Upper Site), Marlowe Way , Ramsgate CT12 6FA
9: Ripple Windmill Open Day: Ripple mill is a windmill on the Kent coast built in 1810. Now fully restored to working order, it has stunning views of the coast and countryside and is on some great walking routes. Tea room and garden will be open. Free entry but donations welcome. Open 12pm until 4pm. Walking access only with parking in Ringwould layby or local roads, no more than 10 minutes walk away.
May
6: Coronation: Watch this space – I’ll update here with events as they are announced.
13/14: Sandwich Food Fayre: Over 50 food and drink stalls from the UK and around the world. Street closures and street music add to the atmosphere. Saturday 9.00-17.00/Sunday 10.00-17.00. Stalls can be found in: The Guildhall Forecourt, St Peter’s Church gardens & Market Street.
14: Kingsdown Garage Safari: This is a lovely stroll around the gorgeous village of Kingsdown where usually around 70 households will be selling a variety of treasure and trash from their front gardens. A Map of the stalls can be purchased from Kingsdown Village Newsagent in Upper Street (monies raised going to charity). From 9am. If you get thirsty then there are 3 public houses just waiting to help with your thirst, including the Zetland Arms on the beach.
14: Ripple Windmill Open Day: Ripple mill is a windmill on the Kent coast built in 1810. Now fully restored to working order, it has stunning views of the coast and countryside and is on some great walking routes. Tea room and garden will be open. Free entry but donations welcome. Open 12pm until 4pm. Walking access only with parking in Ringwould layby or local roads, no more than 10 minutes walk away.
20: Deal Classic Motor Show: Held in an idyllic Country Park on the former coalmine over-looking the coast. Over 800 classics will be on display. This is a real family event, with the Classic Music Show featuring ‘live’ performances with music from across the decades, Retro, Craft & Food Stalls, Children’s Entertainers and Fairground Rides, Quality Refreshments and much more. 10.00-18.00 Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal CT14 0BF
25: National Garden Scheme Tour at Walmer Castle: English Heritage in partnership with the National Garden Scheme is delighted to be offering you the chance to experience the beautiful gardens of Walmer Castle in the early evening when the site is closed to the public. Get an insight into how the team develop and enhance these wonderful spaces, carefully managed to ensure how they are presented today reflects their rich history. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the team as you experience the gardens at this very special event. Costs apply, see website for details. 17.30. Walmer Castle & Gardens, Kingsdown Road, Deal, CT14 7LJ
27: National Fish & Chip day . The celebration of the nation’s favorite dish – A great national day to join in with. A great excuse to have a fish and chip supper!
27: Best of Kent Food, Drink & Craft. 12.00-20.00. (By the RNLILifeboat Station) The Green, Walmer CT14 7DX
June
TBC: Small is Beautiful: Artists prepare small work which is sold for £25. It’s also your opportunity to talk to the artists and find out where they will be for the Open Studios event. Catalogues will be available listing all the artists and venues. Entry is free. 10-16.00 St. George’s Hall, High Street, Deal CT14 6EG
3-4: Kent Wind Festival: A weekend dedicated to kites! Bring your own or just sit back and waste the pro’s from Kent Kite Fliers fill the sky with colour. There will also be kite surfing demonstrations, workshops on kite making and the Kite Surf Centre will be running taster sessions on power kiting and wing flyering! Entry is free (but please note the park charge for car parking), workshops and taster sessions cost £5 and can be booked in advance. Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal CT14 0BF.
18: Ripple Windmill Open Day: Ripple mill is a windmill on the Kent coast built in 1810. Now fully restored to working order, it has stunning views of the coast and countryside and is on some great walking routes. Tea room and garden will be open. Free entry but donations welcome. Open 12pm until 4pm. Walking access only with parking in Ringwould layby or local roads, no more than 10 minutes walk away.
17: Clifftop Challenge 2023: The Clifftop Challenge provides adventure and entertainment, whether it’s a physical challenge you are after or a relaxing afternoon being entertained by some great bands, the Clifftop Challenge has it all! There are runs to suit all abilities, ranging from the 55 mile Ultra, following a route from Hastings to Deal to the 5 mile challenge, starting from Dover Patrol Memorial. There’s an Ultra relay offering teams a chance to compete against each other, each team of 5 covering the 55 mile ultra route. Other distances include 36 mile Ultra, Marathon, 15 and 10. Walmer Green, the finish point for all the runners, will be host to some superb bands playing on through until early evening, great food and some much needed re-hydration! Memorial Bandstand area, Walmer Green, off The Strand, Walmer.
TBC: South East Open Studios: A dynamic, stimulating and diverse Open Studios/Art Trail event featuring new work by professional and amateur artists in conjunction with the Deal Festival of Music and Arts. Artists from Deal, Walmer, Kingsdown, Ringwould and St Margaret’s will exhibit sculpture, paintings, conceptual art, screen prints, jewellery, photography, ceramics, mosaic and fused glass. Entry is free. Various locations in and around Deal.
TBC: Summer Ales Festival: Celebrating real ales, craft beers, ciders and specialist gins from around the country. This multi-CAMRA award winning traditional community alehouse is one of the top real ale pubs in the Dover district. The Berry, 23 Canada Road, Walmer CT14 7EQ
26-3 July: Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival: The Sandwich Folk Festival, is a multi-arts festival that highlights traditional and contemporary folk-life and folk arts, in a beautiful medieval town. You can also try their very own Sandwich Folk Festival ‘Ale’ available in participating pubs and on their beer stall. Guildhall Square, New St, Sandwich CT13 9AE
July
1: Children’s Festival with Kites: Attended by the Kent Kite Flyers its a chance to see the sky filled with colour with amazing kites. This event is growing every year and slowly emerging as a children’s festival with other activities for them to join in with. 12.00-16.00, Walmer Green.
7-16: Music & Arts Festival: Deal Music & Arts has been bringing the best in arts and culture to East Kent for nearly 40 years, and in that time we have welcomed many of the world’s greatest artists. Enjoy world-class music and art in the ancient ports of Deal, Sandwich and Dover during our Summer Festival. Various locations, check website for details.
8: Sandwich Classic Motor Show: The Sandwich Show, at Sandwich Technology, has space for 500 classic cars and is a real family show with the Classic Music Show, Retro Stalls, Children’s Entertainers, Quality Food Outlets and much more. The event is supporting local charities in Sandwich. 10.00-16.00. Sandwich Technology, Deal Rd, Sandwich CT13 0FA
9: Royal Marines Memorial Concert: The Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) will be performing. From 15.00 The Deal Memorial Bandstand, The Strand, Walmer, Deal
15: Deal Pride: Deals first ever Pride event. The parade will start at 11am, making its way through Deal Town, then along the seafront and finally ending up on Walmer Green where, at 12pm we start our party and live performances. 11.00-late.
16: Ripple Windmill Open Day: Ripple mill is a windmill on the Kent coast built in 1810. Now fully restored to working order, it has stunning views of the coast and countryside and is on some great walking routes. Tea room and garden will be open. Free entry but donations welcome. Open 12pm until 4pm. Walking access only with parking in Ringwould layby or local roads, no more than 10 minutes walk away.
22-29: Deal Carnival Week (DCW): Lots of family entertainment and activities taking place throughout Deal and Walmer, all culminating in a colourful carnival parade that winds its way through the streets from Walmer to Deal. Various locations
22: DCW – Teddy Bear Picnic. 13.00 – 17.00, Walmer Green.
22: DCW – Party on the Green “retro party”. 19.00-22.00, Walmer Green, (by the RNLI Walmer Lifeboat Station).
22: DCW – Fireworks. ETF 21.30/22.00, Walmer Green (by the RNLI Walmer Lifeboat Station).
23: DCW – Lorry Pull. 13.00-18.00, Beach Street (by the Pier).
23: DCW – 10k Run. 13.00-18.00, Beach Street (by the Pier).
23: DCW – Raft Race. 13.00-18.00, Beach Street (by the Pier).
23: DCW – Hopscotch Championship. 13.00-18.00, Beach Street (by the Pier).
23: DCW – Open Water Swim Race. 13.00-18.00, Beach Street (by the Pier).
26: DWC – Baby Show. Venue & times tbc.
26: DCW – Party on the Prom. 19.00-22.00, Beach Street (by the Pier).
26: DCW – Fireworks. ETF 21.30/22.00, Beach Street (by the Pier).
27: DCW – Carnival Parade. 19.00, Liverpool Road – Godwin Road.
27: DWC – Charity Fair, Queens Carnival Dance. Venue & times tbc.
28: DWC – Caribbean Beach Party. 19.00-22.00, Beach Street (by route 1 cafe).
29: DWC – Classic Car Show. Times TBC. Walmer Green (by Liverpool Road).
29: DCW – End of Carnival party ‘Cheese Fest 2’. 19.00-22.00, Walmer Green (by RNLI Walmer Lifeboat Station).
TBC: Deal Rowing Regatta: Come and spectate the day long regatta at Deal seafront with lots of food and drinks available. 9am start. Deal Walmer & Kingsdown Amateur Rowing club, The Club House, 16-18 The Marina, CT14 6 Deal
August
13: Ripple Windmill Open Day: Ripple mill is a windmill on the Kent coast built in 1810. Now fully restored to working order, it has stunning views of the coast and countryside and is on some great walking routes. Tea room and garden will be open. Free entry but donations welcome. Open 12pm until 4pm. Walking access only with parking in Ringwould lay-by or local roads, no more than 10 minutes walk away.
TBC: Deal Pirate Treasure Hunt: See Deal Town fill with Pirates on the hunt for treasure as they follow their maps trying to beat the other teams in solving the clues and getting to the treasure first. Maps cost £5 (all money raised will be donated to charity) and are available between 11am-2pm. Prizes for the best dressed pirates too. The Landmark Centre, High Street, Deal CT14 6BB
28: Ripple Windmill Open Day: Ripple mill is a windmill on the Kent coast built in 1810. Now fully restored to working order, it has stunning views of the coast and countryside and is on some great walking routes. Tea room and garden will be open. Free entry but donations welcome. Open 12pm until 4pm. Walking access only with parking in Ringwould layby or local roads, no more than 10 minutes walk away.
TBC: BeeFest at Captains Gardens: Find out all you need to become a bee keeper from Dovers Beekeepers. There will be honey to sample and bee related products for sale. There will also be the gardens regular plant and seed swap. 10.00-14.00, Captains Gardens @ Deal Castle, Victoria Road, Deal.
28: Walmer Brocante: 180+ dealers of vintage & antique treasures on Walmer Green, right next to the sea. Guaranteed bargains, celeb spotting and a friendly, seaside vibe. 8.00-16.00, Walmer Green, The Strand, Walmer.
31-3 Sept: Deal Food and Ale Festival: Featuring delicious street foods, handmade groceries, bar, artisan arts & crafts, clothing and accessories this will be a relaxed, outdoor shopping experience. Thurs, Fri & Sun 10.00-18.00, Sat 10.00-18.30. Deal Castle.
September
TBC: National Freestyle Kitesurfing Championship: The finals of the thrilling Kitesurfing championship. Hayling Island
TBC: Classic Motorcycle Show: Enjoy a superb gathering of classic motorcycles in the grounds and within the museum. 10.30-16.00, Dover Transport Museum, Willingdon Road, Whitfield, CT16 2JX.
17: Ripple Windmill Open Day: Ripple mill is a windmill on the Kent coast built in 1810. Now fully restored to working order, it has stunning views of the coast and countryside and is on some great walking routes. Tea room and garden will be open. Free entry but donations welcome. Open 12pm until 4pm. Walking access only with parking in Ringwould layby or local roads, no more than 10 minutes walk away.
17: Deal Braderie: Large annual street market with traders selling antiques, Bric-a-Brac, vintage clothing/jewellery, plants, books, memorabilia and crafts etc. It runs from Church Path (St Georges Church), Deal High Street to just past the junction of Water Street (near Alfred Square). 8.30-16.00
October
TBC: Spooky Walmer Castle: A haunted castle at halloween? As the days shorten and the evenings grow darker, enjoy a frighteningly fun family friendly walk through the shadows of Walmer Castle’s gardens. With well-told tales full of spooky and strange goings-on, this Halloween walk is sure to get you into the spirit of the season. Tour lasts around 45 minutes and is ideal for those looking for a more light hearted event this Halloween including families with children aged 5-12. 17.30, 18.30 & 19.30, Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kingsdown Road, Deal, CT14 7LJ
November
TBC: Postcard Art: South East Artists return to St George’s Parish Hall for this extremely popular event. Over 20 artists exhibit small-scale, original work, ready to hang: paintings, prints, textiles, photography, glass and mosaics. A great opportunity to buy some original art for yourself or family and friends for Christmas. All work priced at £25. By popular request, this event is now a regular part of the build-up to Christmas. Entry Free. Disabled access. Refreshments available. Parking nearby. 10am-4pm, St George’s Parish Hall, High Street, Deal CT14 6EG
TBC: Deal Christmas Lights Switch-On: Fun and entertainment at the Towns Christmas Lights Switch on. From 18.00, lights switch on 19.15. Stage adjacent to St Georges Church, High Street, Deal
TBC: Folkstone Harbour Festive Market: This winter, for the first time ever, Folkestone Harbour Arm will become home to a purpose built Festive Market. The largest market Folkestone Harbour Arm has ever seen. Expect an eclectic mix of makers, sellers, designers, crafters and creatives selling everything you could possibly want this festive season, from truffles and baubles to Christmas Trees and hand-made children’s clothing. Saturdays & Thurs 23 Dec: 12noon-8pm, Sundays & Fri 24 Dec: 12noon-6pm. Harbour Approach Rd, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1QH
TBC: Santa by Train with the East Kent Railway Trust: A jolly on a festively decorated train down to the North Pole to meet Santa in his grotto with his elves. Children receive a personalised present suitable for their age and gender and adults receive a Mince Pie and Sherry or Hot Drink. East Kent Railway, Station Rd, Shepherdswell, Dover CT15 7PD
TBC: Christmas Craft & Food Market: The market will run alongside the Christmas trail and lots of other Xmas activities, such as Rudolph the Reindeer’s Magical Christmas Trail, Craft & gift Stalls, Specialist food & drink, Xmas Drive in Cinema, Children’s Fun Fair, Christmas Carols & Wreath Making Workshops. Entry to the market is FREE. Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal CT14 0BF
December
16: The Annual Christmas Carnival – Times TBC. Route TBC
TBC: Enchanted Walmer Castle: Gather your friends and family to banish the dark winter nights and experience the past in a spectacular new light this December. Explore our grounds and gardens to discover a magical world of illumination, sound and colour. Warm up with a glass of mulled wine, toast a marshmallow under the night sky or hop on a traditional fairground ride. Our shop will be open for you to stock up on a range of Christmas gifts, from traditional toys to award-winning food and drink. 16.00-19.00, Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kingsdown Road, Deal, CT14 7LJ
TBC: Sandwich Christmas Lights Switch-On – Craft fair, funfair, beautiful festive stalls plus free outdoor concert. The stalls will be on the Guildhall Forecourt and inside the hall from 10.00am, the outdoor music programme starts at 15.00, Lantern-lit parade at 18.00 and Lights Switch-On at 19.00. Guildhall, Cattle market, Sandwich, CT13 9AP
TBC: Folkstone Harbour Festive Market: This winter, for the first time ever, Folkestone Harbour Arm will become home to a purpose built Festive Market. The largest market Folkestone Harbour Arm has ever seen. Expect an eclectic mix of makers, sellers, designers, crafters and creatives selling everything you could possibly want this festive season, from truffles and baubles to Christmas Trees and hand-made children’s clothing. Saturdays & Thurs 23 Dec: 12noon-8pm, Sundays & Fri 24 Dec: 12noon-6pm. Harbour Approach Rd, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1QH
TBC: Santa by Train with the East Kent Railway Trust. A jolly on a festively decorated train down to the North Pole to meet Santa in his grotto with his elves. Children receive a personalised present suitable for their age and gender and adults receive a Mince Pie and Sherry or Hot Drink. East Kent Railway, Station Rd, Shepherdswell, Dover CT15 7PD
TBC: Christmas Craft & Food Market – The market will run alongside the Christmas trail and lots of other Xmas activities, such as Rudolph the Reindeer’s Magical Christmas Trail, Craft & gift Stalls, Specialist food & drink, Xmas Drive in Cinema, Children’s Fun Fair, Christmas Carols & Wreath Making Workshops. Entry to the market is FREE. Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal CT14 0BF
TBC: Folkstone Harbour Festive Market: This winter, for the first time ever, Folkestone Harbour Arm will become home to a purpose built Festive Market. The largest market Folkestone Harbour Arm has ever seen. Expect an eclectic mix of makers, sellers, designers, crafters and creatives selling everything you could possibly want this festive season, from truffles and baubles to Christmas Trees and hand-made children’s clothing. Saturdays & Thurs 23 Dec: 12noon-8pm, Sundays & Fri 24 Dec: 12noon-6pm. Harbour Approach Rd, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1QH
TBC: Carols by Torchlight: A mixture of Christmas songs and favourite carols with the Victory Wartime band. In front of the Deal Memorial Bandstand, The Strand, Walmer, Deal
TBC: Folkstone Harbour Festive Market: This winter, for the first time ever, Folkestone Harbour Arm will become home to a purpose built Festive Market. The largest market Folkestone Harbour Arm has ever seen. Expect an eclectic mix of makers, sellers, designers, crafters and creatives selling everything you could possibly want this festive season, from truffles and baubles to Christmas Trees and hand-made children’s clothing. Saturdays & Thurs 23 Dec: 12noon-8pm, Sundays & Fri 24 Dec: 12noon-6pm. Harbour Approach Rd, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1QH
26: Boxing Day Charity Sea Dip: Celebrating its 41st year this year watch as many brave souls take a dip in the sea by the Pier on Boxing Day morning, all for Charity. A great morning out for the family. Here is some footage from 2019’s dip.
31: Time Ball drop at Midnight: Be sure to see the New Year in on time by watching the Time Ball drop at midnight! Then stay by the sea and watch the Fireworks from the Pier. Victoria Parade, Deal, CT14 7BP
31: Fireworks from the Pier: See the New Year in with Fireworks reflected back from the sea. Stay warm by taking a Hot Toddy. (After midnight).
Future dates to note:
I’m regularly looking for future events – please check back soon for any updates.
