THE WEEKEND EDIT | 2 – 5 MAY, 2025
It’s a bank holiday weekend and a bumper edition of The Weekend Edit. We at the “Tonbridge Bean” are pumped for a long weekend. I’m scared to say it….but the weather forecast is a corker too!
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND IN AND AROUND TONBRIDGE 2nd to 5th May
All the events that you need to know about, in and around Tonbridge. Family friendly events included.
🎉FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS
80th Anniversary VE Day Celebration 👨👩👦
📍 Tonbridge Castle Grounds | 4th May | 10:00 to 16:00
Join the community in marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a day of remembrance and celebration. The event features live music, historical displays, and family-friendly activities.
Don’t miss the VE Day Beacon Lighting on the 8th May.
In addition look out for street parties on bank holiday Monday on a street near you! We hear there are a few planned for Tonbridge. Pop out the bunting and get involved!
ROCHESTER SWEEPS FESTIVAL 👨👩👦
📍 Rochester | 🕒 3rd to 5th May
Fancy something traditional for the weekend? All weekend, Rochester becomes home to Rochester Sweeps Festival, which promises an “International Festival of Folk Music and Dance is one of the largest May Day celebrations in the world.” Expect Morris Dancing and a lot lot more.
Weald of kent country CRAFT & FOOD SHOW 👨👩👦
📍Penshurst Place | 🕒 Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th May
“Artisan shopping, delectable food, entertainment, craft demonstrations, children’s rides, and a joyful atmosphere – the ultimate bank holiday family outing.” Expect loads of craft demos, and there’s even a “Big Top” tent. Tickets and info can be found here.
👨👩👦 FOR FAMILIES
A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS
📍Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells | 🕒 Saturday 3rd – Monday 5th May
All aboard for a magical journey with Thomas the Tank Engine! Enjoy rides, meet characters, and participate in themed activities — a perfect day out for families. Book in advance.
See also festivals and celebrations for other family friend events.
🎵CONCERTS & SHOWS
TRIO CONCEPT (MUSIC CONCERT)
📍 Tudely Church | 🕒 3rd May 19:00 to 21:00 | 💸 Tickets available online
Live music at the magical All Saints Church in Tudely. Watch the musical trio “Trio Concept” playing piano, violin and cello. Tickets purchased in advance.
SILVER LINING (THEATRE PRODUCTION)
📍Oast Theatre | 🕒 3rd/4th/5th May
A production written by Sandy Toksvig is due to start at the Oast Theatre on the 3rd May. We are told to expect “hilarious comedy” with lots of “strong language”. Sounds ideal! There are a few tickets left for the 5th May – snap them up before you miss out!
May Day Concert (MUSIC CONCERT)
📍EMF Theatre | 🕒 2nd May
A free “May Day Concert” at the EMF Theatre (Tonbridge School). Book in advance here.
HEVER CASTLE SUMMER OPERA
📍Two Sisters Theatre, Hever | 🕒 4th May 20:00
A summer opera event at the new Two Sisters Theatre in Hever. Performed by the Charles Court Opera. Tickets and details here.
🍴 FOOD & DRINK SPOTLIGHT
Food & drink events in and around Tonbridge this weekend. Be in the know.
Duration Great Farmhouse Exploration 2025
📍Fuggles Beer Café | 🕒 Thursday, 1st May – Monday, 5th May 2025
Join the exploration of farmhouse beers with a showcase of mixed-fermentation brews, rare releases, and continental styles.
PENSHURST FARMERS MARKET 👨👩👦
📍Penshurst Place| 🕒 Saturday 3rd May 09:30 to 12:00
The regular Penshurst Farmers Market. Grab some fresh ingredients or pastries, for the long weekend. Details here. See also the Weald of Kent County Craft Show which will be taking place in Penshurst Place all weekend.
PUB QUIZZING
📍Nelson Arms | 🕒 4th May
Let your hair down this Sunday at the Nelson Arms pub quiz. Get in touch with the pub directly to book your table – it’s a popular event!
80s/90s DISCO NIGHT
📍 The Market House | 🕒 3rd May 18:00 to 23:45
An 80s and 90s disco night at the Market House – featuring “Disco Dom”. Find out more here.
JAZZ BRUNCH
📍 Mereworth Wines | 🕒 Sunday 11:00 to 2:00 PM
Each Sunday, Mereworth wines hosts a “jazz brunch.” Enjoy jazz music from a different artist, on Sunday 4th May this is guitarist Stephen Bridgland. Free entry when you sit down for brunch. More details here.
JAZZ KITCHEN
📍 Charlie’s Angels Kitchens (Camden Road) Tunbridge Wells | 🕒 Friday 2nd May 18:30 to 22:00
If you don’t fancy Jazz Brunch, what about an evening of Jazz instead? Dine at Charlie’s Angels Kitchens on Camden Road accompanied by a night of jazz music. Tickets and details available here.
🚶♀️ HEALTH & WELLNESS EVENTS
Health and wellness events in and around Tonbridge this weekend.
TONBRIDGE PARK RUN – regular 5km event
📍 Tonbridge Park| 🕒 Saturday 09:00
JUNIOR PARKRUN – 2km 👨👩👦
📍 Tonbridge Farm Sportsground | 🕒 Sunday 09:00
POULT WOOD OPEN WEEKEND 👨👩👦
📍 Poult Wood Golf Club | 🕒 3rd and 4th May
“Swing by” Poult Wood Golf Club this weekend, for a FREE bucket of balls at the driving range, or a discounted round of golf. You must book the round with the pro shop before turning up. And, the offer only applies to non-members/ those who don’t play at the club on the regular.
TONBRIDGE TRIATHLON
📍 Tonbridge School | 🕒 Monday 5th May
It’s the annual Tonbridge Triathlon event at Tonbridge School. If you’re tempted, it’s not too late to sign up! You can also just turn up and cheer on participants. Find out more here.
bREATHWORK AND GONG BATH
📍 Tonbridge Methodist Church | 🕒 3rd May 15:00 to 17:00
A two hour workshop, breathwork, somatic exercises and a gong bath. Book in advance.
LADIES WHO LAUNCH – STAND UP PADDLE BOARD
📍Tonbridge (location can vary) | 🕒Friday 09:30
A regular Friday morning social paddle – ladies who launch. Four hours of paddling with guide Ana. Find more details here.
HAYSDEN WATER OPEN SWIMMING
📍Haysden Water | 🕒 Friday 2nd May
Wild swimming fan? From this Friday, Haysden Water re-opens for the season for open swimming sessions. You must book in advance with triswim – details here.
🖤 THE BLACK BOOK
A little bit boujee and only for the adults. Unique events in Tonbridge and beyond that we love, from our Little Black Book.
🖤SIP AND STRETCH
📍 Mereworth Wines | 5th May 10:00 – 13:00
60 minutes of Yoga, followed by a brunch AND wine tasting. Sounds like our kind of bank holiday Monday! Find out more here.
🖤 MEXICAN FREE FLOW SUPPER CLUB
📍Life on High, Sevenoaks | 🕒3rd May 19:00
Now this one has me excited – a “free flow” supper club. Which basically means unlimited food and drink for 90 minutes, then a normal bar. What could go wrong? This time, it’s Mexican themed. More info and tickets here.
🖤 OUTDOOR CINEMA AT CHARTWELL
📍Chartwell | 🕒3rd May 19:15 to 23:00
In celebration of the VE day anniversary, Chartwell are hosting a series of events. This includes an outdoor cinema showing of “Operation Mincemeat.” Tickets and info available on the National Trust website.
🖤POTTERY TASTER SESSION
📍The Ceramic Studio, Tunbridge Wells | 🕒3rd May 13:30
The Ceramic Studio in TW holds regular taster sessions – I hear that there are one or two spaces left for the taster session this weekend. But think quick! Deets here. If you miss out, find out about different pottery classes in the area here.
🖤Sunset sessions @ the tasting room
📍Folestone Harbour Arm | 🕒3rd May (and Friday’s throughout summer)
A little further afield, but we love a day (or evening) trip to Tonbridge. And, what’s not to love when you can hop on a train from Tonbridge! Friday nights at the Tasting Room on Folkestone Harbour Arm kick off in style this May – for £35pp, you get a welcome drink, 3 courses of food and live music. Sunset over the water anyone?
📣 QUICK HITS
More inspiration for your weekend ahead.
- National Trust: Nothing says “bank holiday” like a visit to a National Trust property. It’s the perfect time of year to visit Emmets Garden in Westerham. Why not combine it with a walk in the area? Find out more about the best National Trust places near Tonbridge here.
- Angel Centre Outdoor Swimming: The outdoor pool is well and truly open for the season – and the weather is set to be a scorcher, get involved!
- Summer vineyard vibes: Why not check out our guide to the best vineyards, breweries and distilleries near Tonbridge? What could be better than a cheeky wine flight on a Monday!
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