From seeing iconic castles to close encounters of the wild animal kind, time is running out if you want to get free tickets to hundreds of experiences at top Kent locations.

Thousands of free tickets are currently on offer through the Kent Big Weekend’s ballot, which closes on Monday, March 16.

Now in its 14th year, Kent Big Weekend will take place on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5.

Organised by Visit Kent, tourist attractions and businesses open their doors or offer special gifts to lucky ticket holders as part of a celebration of tourism in the county.

Experiences on offer this year range from entry into some of the county’s most iconic castles, such as Dover Castle, and close encounters with wild animals, such as at Wingham Wildlife Park, to afternoon teas for two, and adrenaline-inducing activities.

To be in with a chance of getting some tickets, you need to register in advance for tickets to your chosen activities before Monday, March 16.

Kent residents can apply for as many tickets as they like at kentbigweekend.co.uk

Two tickets per household will then be allocated at random by ballot. Whilst most giveaways come in pairs, some family tickets are also available.

Last year there were more than 296,000 applications and so those entering are advised to bid for as many options as possible.

To find out what’s going on in the county and for all the latest entertainment news click here.