Free Kent food and drink festival in spectacular castle grounds next to river has children's stage

This fantastic free two-day event in Kent is a celebration of local and international produce and is set in spectacular castle grounds close to the River Medway. Tonbridge Food and Drink Festival on Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, is open between 11am and 6pm each day.

It's an opportunity to fire up your taste buds and try, taste and buy from the more than 70 stalls selling a range of food and drink produced in and around Kent, and also from across the globe.

This family-friendly event has lots of activities to keep the youngest to the oldest entertained and an exciting programme of cooking demonstrations. The youngsters are promised a great time, and there are events based around the Children's Stage.

They can get busy with the drawing wall, and have a go at what sounds like a showstopper, the Disgusting Food Challenge. And for the adults, there will be more than 30 local brews featured in the Beer and Cider Festival.

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There is also a street food cafe or try a taster menu from one of the many stalls selling hot food, including English, European, Asian and New World specialities.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s cabinet member for community services Des Keers said: "Tonbridge is fast becoming one of the top places in Kent for people to enjoy the best in summer entertainment."

"Our castle is a brilliant venue, right in the heart of the town and offers the perfect setting for events or to simply enjoy a picnic in picturesque surroundings."

"We’re looking forward to hosting new event Action Arena this year as well as welcoming back popular favourites like Pride and the Food and Drink Festivals. Join us this summer as we celebrate the community, culture and spirit that Tonbridge has to offer."

To keep up to date with the festival, you can find organisers on Facebook here

More events taking place at Tonbridge Castle and surrounding grounds

25 & 26 May – TN90s Festival (Deacons Field)

25 & 26 May – Food & Drink Festival (Tonbridge Castle)

26 May – Artisan Market (every fourth Sunday at Tonbridge Castle)

9 June – Tonbridge Lions Community Fete & Dog Show (Tonbridge Castle)

23 June – The first of the free band concerts on the castle lawn on Sunday afternoons

5-7 July - Tonbridge Music Weekend (Deacons Field)

18 July – Open-air theatre, The Railway Children (Tonbridge Castle)

19 July – River Walk Music begins every Friday evening

27 July – Open-air theatre, Wuthering Heights (Tonbridge Castle)

3 & 4 August – Tonbridge Pride (Tonbridge Castle)

10 August – Open-air theatre, Midsummer Nights Dream (Tonbridge Castle)

22 August – Open-air theatre, Romeo & Juliet (Tonbridge Castle)

31 August – Open-air theatre, Doctor Dolittle (Tonbridge Castle)

31 August – 1 September – Tonbridge Food and Drink Festival (Racecourse Sportsground)

1 September – Dragon boat racing on the River Medway (River Walk)

Find out more about things to do and activities in Kent with our free What’s On email HERE.