insideKENT Magazine Issue 29 - August 2014 | Page 42

EVENTS Clash of Knights // 16-17 Aug A Summer Squall // 23-25 Aug Chain-mailed and adrenalinfuelled, four teams of highly skilled knights meet head-on with shield and club at this year's Clash of Knights event at Dover Castle. Tensions will rise, alliances will be made and broken, but only one team will triumph. Let the battle commence! 10am-5pm. Price: Nonmembers – Adults £17.50, Concessions £15.80, Children £10.50, Family £45.50. English Heritage members go free. Dover Castle, Castle Hill, Dover CT16 1HU www.english-heritage.org.uk / 01304 211067 Combined Military Ops // 16-17 August Run by Ramsgate Arts, this three-day festival manages to annually transform this small coastal town into somewhat of a creative epicentre. A Summer Squall presents an eclectic mix of work, from exhibitions and workshops to dance, theatre and film. Visitors will also get the chance to browse the artists’ studios, with the option to purchase their work. Various locations, Ramsgate CT11 www.ramsgatearts.org/a-summer-squall Relive the sounds and drama of the wartime airfield at this year's Combined Ops Weekend. In its sixth consecutive year, visitors will enjoy another spectacular display of military vehicles and aircraft at Kent's historic Headcorn Aerodrome, home of many real wartime dramas. A great day out for the whole family, guests can look forward to a variety of vintage displays, on the ground and in the air; static military vehicles; living history re-enactment groups; arena events; military stalls; children's mini tanks and much more. www.headcornevents.co.uk Royal Harbour Festival // 23-25 Aug A three-day celebration of the great British seaside, Ramsgate's Royal Harbour Festival is one summer event not to be skipped. With local food, including seafood such as lobster and scallops, drink stalls, a vintage fun fair, live music from CoCo and the Butterfields, visiting historic ships and more, this year's festivities are set to be bigger than ever. Pier Yard Royal Harbour (by Ramsgate Maritime Museum), Ramsgate CT11 8LS www.royalharbourfestival.co.uk Teddy Bears Picnic // 22 Aug Dress up your favourite teddy bear and join Maidstone Museum this summer for its summertime picnic in the park. Little ones can take part in craft activities, enter their bear into the best-dressed competition, and meet author and illustrator of the Old Bear and Little Bear stories, Jane Hissey. 10.30am-3pm. Price: Free admission to picnic, £5 per child for talk with Jane Hissey. Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery, St Faith’s Street, Maidstone ME14 1LH www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk / 01622 602838 The Medieval Festival // 23-31 Aug Leeds Castle's flagship event for 2014, The Medieval Festival is a magnificent nine-day celebration of medieval life and combat, staged in the beautiful grounds of the 900-year-old Castle. Experience life as it was in the Middle Ages with a different programme of inspiring activities each day, ranging from the Royal Armouries’ Knight School, Mounted skill-at-arms, medieval market and living history re-enactment camps to a 15th-century-style Longbow Tournament. A thrilling Grand Tournament comprising authentic jousts and an unplanned Mêlée will takes place on 30-31 August. This is a special ticketed event – please visit the website for details. 10am-4pm. Price: Day ticket, Adults £19, Children £11, Concessions £16, Under 4s go free. Leeds Castle, Maidstone ME17 1PL www.leeds-castle.com / 01622 765400 Outdoor Theatre: History of Britain // 22 Aug Join the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company for a breathless race through the centuries in this delightfully inventive open-air show. Harold II and William the Conqueror don't see eye to eye, Henry VIII decides five marriages just isn't enough, and Queen Victoria is most certainly not amused. Suitable for all ages, this hysterical show is packed with songs, sketches and silliness. 7-10pm. Price: Adults £13.50, Children £8, Family £40. Booking essential – call 0844 249 1895. Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JN www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle / 01892 893820 42