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Things to do on the first weekend of July, including Deal Festival, the Spirit of Tenterden Festival and Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival

Get this July off to a fantastic start with five things to do this weekend, from fringe festivals to vintage fairs...

BBC Young Musician of the Year finalist Jess Gillam will perform at this summer's Deal Festival. Picture: Supplied by the Deal Festival
BBC Young Musician of the Year finalist Jess Gillam will perform at this summer's Deal Festival. Picture: Supplied by the Deal Festival

Deal Festival

This summer, Deal Festival celebrates a whopping 40 years with an extravaganza of music and arts. Kicking off this weekend, the festival will see live music from the likes of award-winning pianist Alim Beisembayev and BBC Young Musician of the Year finalist Jess Gillam. The festival will be jam-packed, with thrilling performances from Changeling Theatre and Minima’s riveting live soundtrack performed alongside 1920s film the Cabinet of Dr Caligari - you simply won’t want to miss it.

The Deal Festival takes place from Saturday, July 1 to Sunday, July 17. Find out more online here.

Spirit of Tenterden Festival

Despite a number of setbacks over the last couple of years, this family-friendly festival is finally ready to make its triumphant return. The recreation ground is set to be filled with 40 arts, crafts and produce stalls, delicious street food vendors serving up tasty treats, live music from local bands, real ale, cider and gin bars, children’s activities and an adorable dog show. Bring the kids along and breathe in the Spirit of Tenterden.

The Spirit of Tenterden Festival takes place from Saturday, July 1 to Sunday, July 3. Find out more online here.

This weekend, Chiddingstone Castle will host a bustling vintage fair. Picture: Darryl Curcher Photography
This weekend, Chiddingstone Castle will host a bustling vintage fair. Picture: Darryl Curcher Photography

Summer Vintage Fair

Take in the picturesque surroundings of Chiddingstone Castle, near Tonbridge, all while picking up a vintage treasure or two. This delightful fair will give visitors a chance to wander through the castle grounds browsing fabulous French and English homewares, textiles, fine china, rustic furniture, fashion, accessories and pre-loved items. Enjoy live music from Miss Vintage, watch fun-filled demonstrations from Homefront Lindy Hop and sample dishes from independent food stalls.

Chiddingstone Castle's Summer Vintage Fair takes place on Sunday, July 3. Find out more online here.

Treasure Trail

Set off on an adventure in Maidstone’s town centre this weekend. Let the kids dress up as their favourite swashbuckling pirates and head out on the Heart of Kent Hospice Treasure Trail, which takes explorers to many well-known sights throughout the town, to solve clues and figure out where the treasure is hidden. Grab a free trail map, choose your captain and work together to crack the code - the fastest team wins the biggest prize!

The Heart of Kent Hospice Treasure Trail takes place on Sunday, July 3. Find out more online here.

Mr Bubbles will be at the opening weekend of this year's Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival. Picture: Supplied by the TW Fringe Festival
Mr Bubbles will be at the opening weekend of this year's Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival. Picture: Supplied by the TW Fringe Festival

Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival

With more than 160 acts to choose from, including comedy, dance, spoken word, children’s entertainment, live music and workshops, the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival has something for everyone. Opening this weekend with performances from ‘70s new wave band 2.3, kids’ entertainer Mr. Bubbles, DJ AJk and cover artist Sofia Lovell, the following two weeks are packed with show-stopping performances.

The Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival takes place from Saturday, July 2 to Sunday, July 17. Find out more online here.

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