2023. We know what you’re thinking, where has this year gone! So, we might be right in saying you probably haven’t even looked at what’s going on next year. But people, the new year is only a few months away, so don’t blame us for trying to be efficient by giving you a little teaser as to what’s to come, because trust us, you’re going to want to take notes on these key events for next year!
Medway Lights Night
Returning for another year to Medway’s naval town of Chatham *drum roll…* THE MEDWAY LIGHTS NIGHT! Gather around the streets of Chatham to witness incredible, transformative light displays in celebration of Chatham’s landscape and local stories. This amazing 2 night event will be sure to light up your night, kickstarting with a lantern procession on the Friday night.
Look out for #MedwayLightNights and #LoveChatham on social media for updates.
10th February - 11th February 2023
Let's go to Leeds Castle!
Did you hear, the Leeds Castle Concert is back for 2023! I know, we can’t wait either! This spectacular open-air concert is a must see favourite for Kent’s summer events, which includes world-class music and famous performers, before a spectacular Spitfire fly-over from the Aero Legends Stable and fireworks finale! Most definitely an unmissable summer event for 2023.
New Store at Ashford Outlet!
The popular kids store, Ravensburger is new to Ashford Designer Outlet, open to families with little ones looking to experience fun, learning and family togetherness. Their products range from puzzles and games to arts and crafts with their product portfolio complemented by the two brands BRIO® and Thinkfun®. Delivering quality and innovative products, this store is certainly worth a visit when visiting the outlet.
Year of the Coast 2023
Did you know 2023 is the Year of the Coast? This inspiring campaign is set to raise awareness of the English coastline and inspire new audiences to love, visit and protect our coastline. And as you know, here in Kent we certainly have a beautiful chunk of the English coast that has lots of must-see quirky shops, bars and restaurant, stunning harbours and piers and of course, plenty of summer events and festivals!
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Call the Midwife Official Location Tours are on in 2023, giving the chance for you Call the Midwife fans to immerse yourself into the series and capture a glimpse of what it’s like as your favourite character. Walk in the footsteps of Nurse Trixie Franklin, Sister Julienne and Dr Turner and explore where the real drama happens at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Monday 1st March – Sunday 29th October 2023
It’s time to go back in time as The Historic Dockyard takes you back to the 1940s with their Salute to the ‘40s fundraising event. Claimed as ‘one of the Britain’s best vintage festivals’, this feel-good 40s weekender will showcase an array of music from the era as they welcome back Salute favourites including Miss Holiday Swing and Adam Hoffman, as well as Beverly Big Band and Mickie Driver. Keep an eye out for ticket release and more information!
Save the Date for Deal Festival 2023!
You’ll be pleased to hear Deal Festival is set to return in 2023! The festival is a unique celebration of great classical and contemporary music, as well as theatre, opera, cinema and dance – in the beautiful and historic surroundings of Deal and Dover on the Kent coast. This is definitely one to jot in your diary and don’t forget to keep an eye out for more details on their website!
Thanet District Council
What's on in Thanet?
Thanet’s got it all going on next year, with a host load of upcoming events ready for you to jot in your diary. From the Broadstairs Blues Bash, POW Thanet and Ramsgate Through the Senses, to Easter Food Festival, Dickens Festival and Margate Soul Festival. Not forgetting to mention the Broadstairs Folk Week and Food Festival! Like we said, it’s all go in Thanet.
Check out the Visit Thanet website to find all the above and more!
Events at Dreamland
Speaking of Thanet, how could we not mention Dreamland and its spectacular line-up of events for 2023! This popular Margate attraction has some amazing artists set to appear on stage next year, including Will Young, Bastille, N-Dubz and Ollie Murs all heading to the seaside town in 2023, as well as a host of other entertaining events in diary.
Best of Kent Food, Drink and Craft Festival
Walmer Town Council are pleased to bring back the Best of Kent Food, Drink and Craft Festival in 2023! After a successful event in 2022, the festival will be back beside the sea at Walmer Green, showcasing some of the counties very best food and drink stalls as well as fun craft stalls.
Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival
Grab your hats and dancing shoes, ready for Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival back for 2023. This popular festival was established in 2010 showcasing the traditional and contemporary folk-life and folk arts, in the beautiful medieval town of Sandwich. Expect to see live bands, food and ales, morris dancing, craft stalls, mini golf and a vintage funfair at this unmissable festival!
Black Deer Festival
It’s back! The Black Deer Festival is riding its way to Eridge Park in Tunbridge Wells for another year of celebrating the festival of Americana! The popular festival will have you pumped and yee-hawing through the night with another year of excellent artists set to take the stage, including Bonnie Raitt and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats. With food and bar stalls and Young Folk Adventures to keep the little ones entertained, this is another summer fest you can’t miss!
Battle of Britain Air Show at Headcorn Aerodrome
The 2023 Battle of Britain air show will be making its way to Headcorn Aerodrome for the 8th time this summer! This fantastic show will set to have everyone cheering as the astonishing aircrafts dance through the sky of the very airspace where the Battle of Britain took place over 80 years ago. Get this family day out in the diary and why not get your tickets early with earlybird tickets now available.
It's all go in Canterbury
Canterbury has a jam-packed schedule this year and is looking forward to welcoming visitors far and wide (and the locals of course!) to its upcoming events!
From an Easter Extravaganza and Spring Produce to looking ahead at the summer months and what's to come, including the likes of Canterbury Wine Festival, Pride, Canterbury Medieval Pageant and bOing Family Festival.
