Home   Kent   News   Article

Kent's Christmas quirks from knitted angels to the Boxing Day dip

There's no doubt a traditional Christmas with carol singing, holly wreathes and turkey dinner is a wonderful thing.

But some people like to add a little quirkiness to the festive period. Check out the unique and creative ways people are celebrating in Kent below.

Santa paddle boarders on the river at Tonbridge
Santa paddle boarders on the river at Tonbridge

Knitted angels appear on benches and gateposts

A host of angels have descended on two Kent villages, where residents have been finding the heavenly figures attached to fences and gateposts.

In High Halden, near Tenterden, 500 knitted angels have been left in various places, waiting to be found.

Angels adorned the fences in High Halden
Angels adorned the fences in High Halden

A card which reads: "A gift of love. Take me home" along with the hashtag #AngelicHostHighHalden. is fixed to each of the figures.

Mysterious well-wishers secretly distributed the angels overnight.

Cally Honeysett. 33, who has lived in High Halden for eight years discovered an angel on the tree in her front garden.

The mum-of-four, who is married to Matt, said: "Finding the angel made our day. It was such a sweet thing to do."

Bearsted Methodist Church has similarly been scattering knitted angels around the village green, discovered by delighted dog walkers and families.

An angel found in Bearsted now sits upon Kim Lyon's bookshelf (24025605)
An angel found in Bearsted now sits upon Kim Lyon's bookshelf (24025605)

The Bearsted angels also have a special message attached. This time it reads: "Please take me, I'm free. Bearsted Methodist Church wishes you a happy Christmas."

Knitted festive friends sit upon a postbox

Instead of angels, a number of other knitted creations have appeared in the village of Upchurch.

The railings have been decorated with hand-knitted characters. Picture: Upchurch Matters
The railings have been decorated with hand-knitted characters. Picture: Upchurch Matters

Snowmen, Christmas trees, lanterns and more adorn the railings which surround St Mary the Virgin churchyard and also the fence around Nursery Days pre school.

Several characters have also been found perched upon a postbox.

They were made by the Upchurch ladies knitting group.

The creations were also found perched upon a post box. Picture: Upchurch Matters
The creations were also found perched upon a post box. Picture: Upchurch Matters

A rather impressive woolly tree sits upon another postbox outside Barming post office.

The base fits around the top like a hat and presents surround the carefully crafted tree, a yellow star fixed atop.

This woolly tree can be found outside Barming post office
This woolly tree can be found outside Barming post office

A Dickensian Christmas Festival

While most towns will drape festive lights across the streets and see Santa ride in on his sleigh, Rochester has a slightly different way of celebrating.

Inspired by author Charles Dickens who spent much of his childhood here, the historic district is transformed into a Victorian festive scene for a weekend.

Dickensian characters parade through the streets
Dickensian characters parade through the streets

Costumed characters parade through the streets and there is a Christmas market in Rochester Castle Gardens - plus guaranteed snowfall.

Highlights include street performers, an open air carol concert, a candlelit procession and a funfair.

This year's event has already been and gone, held on December 6 to 8. But don't worry if you missed it - it happens every year.

Fagin and Nancy at last year's Dickensian Christmas Festival. Picture: Steve Crispe
Fagin and Nancy at last year's Dickensian Christmas Festival. Picture: Steve Crispe

Deck the halls of Tovil tip

You know Christmas has really arrived when the staff at the Household Waste Recycling Station in Burial Ground Lane, Tovil get out the decorations.

Visitors seeking to dispose of their old bedsteads, washing machines and tree cuttings are treated to an array of Santas, baubles, snowmen and Christmas wreaths as they drive up to the tip, with two further extensive displays outside the staff cabin.

John Clark at the Tovil WasteTransfer Station
John Clark at the Tovil WasteTransfer Station

If you are lucky, you will even hear operative John Clark humming Christmas carols.

Lisa Rackett, clerk to Tovil Parish Council, said: "The staff at the recycling station always put on a grand display every year. It really cheers you up on your pre-Christmas tip-run."

The Boxing Day dip

Perhaps it's excessive mulled wine consumption sending everyone a bit mad or just good old Christmas spirit but either way, Deal's Boxing Day dip is a sight you don't want to miss.

Deal beach gets pretty crowded the day after Christmas
Deal beach gets pretty crowded the day after Christmas

On December 26, hundreds of residents clad in festive costumes gather on the beach before plunging into the freezing cold sea.

The Rotary Club of Deal has taken over the annual event from Margaret Edwards of Deal Icebreakers 1981 who hosted its for almost four decades.

It is now under a new name of Deal Rotary Icebreakers.

Go to realrotaryicebreakers.co.uk if you want to take part.

Deal's busy seafront during a Boxing Day dip
Deal's busy seafront during a Boxing Day dip

Santas float into town on paddle boards

To finish - possibly our favourite quirky story this Christmas - more than 100 Santas were seen drifting along a river in Tonbridge.

The plethora of Father Christmases were also joined by the Grinch, a turkey, a Christmas tree and several dogs, all stood on paddle boards.

Santa paddle boarders on the river at Tonbridge Picture: Sean Aidan
Santa paddle boarders on the river at Tonbridge Picture: Sean Aidan

This was the annual Santa flotilla's first time in the town.

People came from as far afield as Southampton, Norfolk and London to take part.

Jay Manning is the organiser. Known as 'J-Sup' in the paddle-boarding community, he has been SUPing (stand up paddle boarding) for around 16 years.

He said: "It's just a chance to have a bit of fun and to promote the sport, which is still relatively new."

A lion Santa was one of the many costumed figures
A lion Santa was one of the many costumed figures

Have you got anything quirky going on in your town this Christmas? Let us know by emailing rtuffin@thekmgroup.co.uk

Read more: All the latest Kent news

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More