There’s hardly a pub, street or village green that isn’t throwing a Jubilee celebration from Thurs 2 – Sun 5 June to mark Queen Elizabeth’s 70th year as our reigning monarch. And we’ll all be out in full force – love a celebration – if it supports our local biz, so much the better. Here’s some cool and quirky Kent events that have caught our eye.
Summer Cocktail Evening, Balfour Winery, Thurs 2 June
In the lead up to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, join us for our annual Summer Cocktail Evening. Start the four-day Bank Holiday Weekend with an evening of specially crafted cocktails made with Balfour Wines. Experience the breathtaking views of the Estate from our balcony whilst sipping a selection of cocktails. Enjoy the company of your friends and family as you relax on the terrace to watch the sun set. Enjoy all of this alongside plenty of delicious canapés. 7pm. £45pp.
The Fish Union Royal Event, Chislehurst High St, Thurs 26 May
Join Fish Union for a right Royal event with three delicious courses pared with fine wine – fit for a queen! Eat like royalty and experience fish dishes including one of the Queen’s utmost favourites. There are two seatings on Thurs 26 May, 6pm and 8pm, for £55 per head. Book now!
Jubilee Dickens Weekend, Rochester High St, Thurs 2 – Sun 5 June
Visit Rochester and step back in time at the Dickens’ Weekend to commemorate the life and words of Charles Dickens with a Jubilee twist of course! Immerse yourself in this cultural celebration of literature and entertainment over the 4 days of the Jubilee celebrations. Watch the character parades, listen to the eclectic live music performances, prose and poetry readings and comedy skits as you stroll the high street. Plus meet with family and friends in Rochester Castle Gardens to watch the big Jubilee events taking place in London on a massive screen, including The Queen’s Birthday Parade.
Sparkling Afternoon Tea, Gusbourne, 30 May – 2 June
Celebrate in style! Gusbourne are offering their very first Sparkling Afternoon Tea surrounded by the wildflowers of their Boot Hill Garden overlooking the vines – how regal! On arrival be welcomed with a glass of Gusbourne Brut Reserve being being driven by buggy to their outdoor dining area. Then enjoy their Afternoon Tea for 2 consisting of sandwiches, scones and pastries, each freshly prepared in front of you by their chefs. Then get to experience a bottle of Gusbourne sparkling Rosé that the menu has been carefully paired with. Don’t forget to look at the apple and pear trees at the bottom of Boot Hill that have been freshly planted in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee and are part of the Queen’s Green Canopy. £100 for 2 people, book asap!
A “Darling” Celebration, Kent Life, Thurs 2 – Sun 5 June
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Kent Life this year – 70 years on the throne! With additional 1950s Darling Buds of May entertainment, there will be a real street party vibe, with bunting galore and a traditional village fete. Elizabeth’s go free! To enter you MUST book online and you can get your free ticket with the code ‘FREE LIZ’. Adults £12, Concessions £12, Children (aged 2-15) £12, Family £44, Members Free. 10am – 5pm.
Paddle with Canoe Wild, Canterbury, Thurs 2 – Sun 5 June
Have a paddle and celebrate with a difference on the water! Canoe Wild in Canterbury have lots of fun activities to get involved with on Jubilee Weekend. Kicking off with SUP Social on Thurs 2 June, dress up for a trip on the river with one of their coaches. Then enjoy a Paddle Parade & Picnic on Sat 4 June, watch the Fordwich Town Parade and get involved in decorating your craft before paddling to the Fordwich Town Fayre to enjoy some old-fashion games. Lastly there’ll be Paddle 4 Parskinson’s Day on Sun 5 June raising money for their charity partner with a bake sale as well as lots of games to play after a paddle of course!
Afternoon Tea, Milbrook Garden Centres, Staplehurst & Gravesend, Thurs 2 – Sun 5 June
Celebrate in style at the gorgeous Millbrook Garden Centres in Staplehurst and Gravesend with a delicious Afternoon Tea! The Mill restaurant will be hosting their classic afternoon tea with a royal twist of course – expect an exclusive assortment of exquisite cakes including a Queen Victoria sponge finger and Queen Elizabeth II Cake and sandwiches from Coronation chicken to roast gammon with English mustard. There is also a special menu for children (under 12s). This will truly be a regal affair and not to be missed! Available only Thurs 2 – Sun 5 June, adults £25pp and children £12.50.
Park Feast, Canterbury, Thurs 2 – Sat 5 June
Don’t miss this delicious 4-day Street Food Festival, a wonderful new event, coming to Canterbury for the first time this June. The foodie festival will be taking place across the 4-day extended Queen’s Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend in the Dane John Gardens. Expect international street food vendors arranged in ‘zones’; craft beers, ciders and ales; hand-made cocktails; music and entertainment. These mouth-watering Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations are delivered by the team behind Park/City Feast. Running daily from 12:00pm – 7:30pm.
The Platter-num Platter, The Happy Grazing Company, Sat 4 & Sat 5
Hosting a party at home or need to bring along a plate for the street party? Never mind what you’re up to, set to impress with this extra special Platter-num Jubilee Special from The Happy Grazing Company. Serving 6-10 comfortably this delicious platter includes Godminster Vintage Cheddar, Somerset Brie, Stilton, homemade asparagus pate, homemade sausage rolls, pork pie, coronation chicken and cucumber and minted cream cheese finger sandwiches and much more!
Luxury Table Settings: Quintessentially Queenie, SET Table, available all weekend
So you’ve got the food sorted how about a hassle free hosting experience to make the weekend extra special with the events experts at SET Table? Get everything you need for a gorgeous table set up delivered straight to your doorstep, complete with ready-made napkin bows plus everything is collected and washed up by them! £15pp to include everything you need for a 2 course celebration. Visit their website to order.
1940s Weekend, Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway, Sat 4 – Sun 5 June
Step back in time at this 1940s themed event – dress up and ride in a traditional passenger carriage pulled along by a smart Diesel engine through the beautiful woodland! The ride takes 15mins, ideal for little ones to enjoy as there’s plenty to look at. The Station Tea Room will be open 9am – 3pm serving quality hot drinks, lunches and cake with indoor and outdoor seating. Trains will be running 11am – 2pm. Adult (16 years+) £3 and Kids (4-15yrs) £1. Infant (0-3yrs) FREE.
Afternoon Tea & Gin Festival, The Dove in Dargate, Fri 3 – Sat 4 June
The Dove in Dargate have the Jubilee weekend sorted! Perfectly positioned just 15mins from the pretty seaside town of Whitstable and 15mins from the city of Canterbury. Kicking off with Afternoon Tea on Fri 3 June from 12pm and it’s not your ordinary afternoon tea either (pictured), view the menu here. Then there’s The Dove Dargate Gin Festival kicking off 12pm – 6pm on Sat 4 June only £20 per head where you get a gin and mixer for FREE plus a personalised gin glass with BBQ food and live music (playing 1-4pm). Nope that’s not it! There’ll also be a Jubilee 6 Course Tasting Evening Menu on Sat 4 June, view the menu here and book your table now!
Hever Castle, Thurs 2 – Fri 5 June
Where better to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee than the home of two former queens of England? Enjoy a picnic on the lawn in the sunshine, take part in the various free trails to spot the corgis and hunt for the Queen’s crown and jewels, get your face-painted, explore the stunning gardens and let the kids burn off some energy in the Tudor Towers Adventure Playground or the Acorn Dell Natural Play Area. Book your day tickets now!
Afternoon Tea, Whitefriars, Canterbury, Thurs 2 – Sun 6 June
Diaries out! Whitefriars in Canterbury are marking this momentous occasion with a right royal Afternoon Tea in Whitefrairs Square, served up by the Real Eating Company. Book a table for up to 6 people and enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches and scruffy cakes which as much tea as you can drink including a glass of Prosecco or Pimm’s for just £14.95 a head. PLUS there’ll be live music, face-painting and much more!
The Guildhall Strings, Hever Festival Theatre, Sat 4 June
Bring your picnic with porcelain plates, best silver cutlery and flags for an evening of beautiful music on the lawn at Hever Castle with Hever Festival Theatre! On Sat 4 June at 8pm, sit back and enjoy one of the UK’s leading classical groups, The Guildhall Strings with an ensemble especially chosen to mark The Queen’s Jubilee packed with British composes including Henry VIII. Flag waving required for the National Anthem!
Afternoon Tea, One Warwick Park, Weds 1 – Mon 6 June
Enjoy the traditional British afternoon tea surrounded by quintessential British decorations at One Warwick Park in the centre of Tunbridge Wells. Enjoy a choice of loose leaf tea or coffee served with sultana home-baked scones, clotted cream, strawberry preserve, a selection of freshly cut finger sandwiches and assorted homemade seasonal sweet treats – yum!
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