insideKENT Magazine Issue 30 - September 2014 | Page 101

annual events Pantiles Harvest Food Festival — Every autumn, foodies are treated to a delicious choice of locally sourced treats from over 50 stalls positioned throughout the Pantiles. Hog roast, seafood, artisan breads, cakes and cheeses are to name but a few, washed down with locally grown fruit juice, wine and beer. In its sixth year, the festival will take place from 20th-21st September 2014. Carola, The Martinez Brothers, Gorgon City and Route 94. Mela Festival — In its eighth year, the town's Mela Festival is a multicultural extravaganza, featuring food, music and performances from across the globe. This July, held in Calverley Grounds, festivalgoers were able to sample the sounds and tastes of Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Europe in an exotic food zone. Unfest Music Festival — Unfest is a free and independent music and arts festival, driven by local venue, The Forum. In the three years since it was formed, it has become town-wide, showcasing numerous events in a variety of shops, cafés and bars. High Definition – High Definition returned better than ever for its fourth year this July, with an incredible line-up in its new location, Eridge Park, in Tunbridge Wells. 2014’s attendees enjoyed a huge line up of electronic music’s finest acts including Carl Cox, Marco Local & Live Music Festival — The ever-popular free annual music festival, Local & Live celebrated its ninth musical gala on the Pantiles this August. Organised by local musician Paul Dunton, this year's festival boasted a bandstand, acoustic stage, hundreds of original performers and electric after-parties. Festive Skating – In what will be its fourth successive year, the openair ice rink will return to the natural amphitheatre in Calverley Grounds from 21st November – 4th January 2015. As well as fun on the ice, visitors can indulge in a hot chocolate or glass of mulled wine. top spot Assembly Hall Theatre Built by the Tunbridge Wells Corporation and designed by Percy Thomas and Ernest Prestwich, the Assembly Hall Theatre first opened in 1939 and has been home to the Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society since 1967. Having increased in size and faced extensive refurbishment over the years, this impressive entertainment hub now seats up to 1020 people and offers a fantastic range of live shows, including comedy, family shows, dance, live music, classical music and drama. It also culminates each year with an annual pantomime. Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk did you know? Small, family-run establishment, G.Collins and Sons, was employed as the personal jeweller to Her Majesty The Queen in 2000. The Tunbridge Wells-based jeweller was later appointed Crown Jeweller in 2007 – the greatest honour that can be bestowed in the field. This involves the care and maintenance of the Crown Jewels housed in the Tower of London and other related duties. www.gcollinsandsons.com 101