Your guide to all things #KentyTwenty
Calling all the Outdoor Champions, the History Heroes, the Memory Makers, the Story Sharers and the Taste Makers – this is your year because 2020 in Kent is going to be big!
We’ve got A LOT to share with you this year, from the arrival of The 149th Open (now we’ve got your attention) and the 100th birthday of the Scenic Railway, to the anniversary of Thomas Becket’s murder and 150 years since the death of the iconic Charles Dickens. So what are you waiting for? Grab a cuppa and start reading – you’ve got plans to make.
Calling all the Outdoor Champions
We may have mentioned it once or twice before but The 149th Open is coming to Royal St George’s in July, so are you ready to take a swing at some of our esteemed courses? What with this, the Junior Championship and the Senior Amateur Championship coming to our greens, all you golfers had better start packing up your clubs. But if your idea of the great outdoors is more scintillating scents and gorgeous gardens, you’ll find plenty of floral festivals to look forward to, from the wonderful Leeds Castle Festival of Flowers, to the Snowdrop Festival at Hever Castle. Ready for fresh air and a taste of the Kent countryside?
Head on out…
Calling all the History Heroes
Kent is renowned for its history – after all, it does have a few dozen iconic castles and is known to be the frontline of England, but this year is THE year to visit. You’ve probably heard of the murder of Thomas Becket, but did you know this year marks 850 years since his death in Canterbury Cathedral? Remember when we told you Kent was the frontline of England? With this year marking the anniversary of both Dunkirk and The Battle of Britain, it’s safe to say there will be many commemorations of Kent’s important role in both campaigns, so don’t miss out.
One for the history buffs
Calling all the Memory Makers
Families, this one is for you! 100 years ago the iconic Scenic Railway first arrived in Margate and Dreamland was born! There may have been many rides since, but this vintage favourite still stands, so we reckon it’s time you packed up the family, from the little ones to the grandparents, and made the pilgrimage back to the land of dreams. Plus, with heaps of festivals going on this year, including The Kent County Show and Dickensian Christmas, you might want to stick around and discover a few more family favourites.
Family fun
Calling all the Story Sharers
Our little corner of the UK can be found throughout some of the world’s greatest works of art and literature, and if you’ve ever paid us a visit, you’ll know why. One of Kent’s biggest fans, Charles Dickens, died 150 years ago, so this year we’ll celebrate his life the only way we know how - with two festivals and a five-day celebration in his honour. But it doesn’t end there, as the county gets an artistic makeover, with the Folkestone Triennial, Estuary 2020 and your last chance to see The Turner Prize exhibition.
Creative to the core
Calling all the Taste Makers
You didn’t think we’d forget our foodie roots, did you? We are famous for our oysters, fresh fruit and veg, hops and wine around here, so it’s time to raise a glass and start celebrating! From the great Faversham Hop Festival, to the Wine Garden of England’s celebration of our vineyards, and tours of the newly opened Curious Brewery in Ashford, there is plenty going on in Kent to raise a toast to.
Just a taste
Ashford & Tenterden Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable Dover, Deal & Sandwich Faversham, Isle of Sheppey and Sittingbourne Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh Gravesend & Dartford Maidstone Margate, Broadstairs & Ramsgate Rochester, Chatham & Gillingham Sevenoaks Tonbridge and Malling Tunbridge Wells