As spring blossoms into early summer, Tonbridge is abuzz with events and activities for all ages. From commemorations and festivals to markets and sports, here’s your comprehensive guide to what’s happening in and around town this May.
🎉 May Bank Holiday Events
80th Anniversary VE Day Celebration
- Date: Sunday, 4th May 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Tonbridge Castle
- Cost: Free
- Details: 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.
VE Day Beacon Lighting
- Date: Thursday, 8th May 2025
- Location: Tonbridge Castle Grounds
- Details: A ceremonial beacon lighting to honor the significance of VE Day. tonbridgecastle.org
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!
See also food and drink events -the Tonbridge food festival is back at the end of May!
🛍️ Markets & Festivals
Tonbridge Farmers’ Market
- Date: Sunday, 11th May 2025
- Time: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Location: Sovereign Way Car Park
- Details: Kent’s largest farmers’ market offers a variety of local produce, artisan goods, and delicious street food. A perfect Sunday outing for food enthusiasts.
Tonbridge Food and Drink Festival
- Dates: Saturday, 24th May & Sunday, 25th May 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Tonbridge Castle
- Cost: Free
- Details: Indulge in a gastronomic weekend featuring a wide array of food stalls, drink vendors, and live entertainment. A must-visit for culinary adventurers. This is one of my fave events of the year in Tonbridge and I cannot wait!
🎶 Music & Festivals
TN90 Festival
- Dates: Saturday, 24th May & Sunday, 25th May 2025
- Location: Deacon’s Field
- Details: Relive the vibrant 90s with performances from some of the era’s best acts – East 17 anyone?! A weekend filled with music, dancing, and nostalgia. tonbridgecastle.org
🎭 Theatre & Dance
“Silver Lining” at The Oast Theatre
- Dates: Saturday, 3rd May – Saturday, 10th May 2025
- Location: The Oast Theatre
- Details: Experience this compelling production at Tonbridge’s cherished community theatre. Written by Sandi Toksvig – viewers are told to expect “strong language” so I expect it’ll be a hoot! More info here.
Janet Young Studio Double Bill
- Dates: Friday, 16th May – Sunday, 18th May 2025
- Location: The Oast Theatre
- Details: A special showcase featuring two engaging performances. Find more information here.
Tonbridge Comedy Night
- Dates: Friday 16th May
- Location: EM Forster Theatre
- Details: A regular comedy event with guest comedians. Tickets must be purchased in advance via the EM Forster website.
Much Ado About Nothing
- Dates: 25 May 2025
- Location: Outdoor performance run by the EM Forster Theatre
- Details: An environmentally sustainable twist on the classic Shakespeare play. Find out more information here.
⚽ Sports & Wellbeing
Poult Wood Open Weekend
- Date: 3 and 4th May
- Time: Various
- Location: Poult Wood Golf Club
- Details: An open weekend for anyone who hasn’t visited the club regularly before. Reduced rates for 9 and 18 holes and you can get a free bucket of balls at the driving range. More details here.
Tonbridge Triathlon
- Date: 5th May 2025
- Time: Various start times
- Location: Tonbridge School Sports Centre
- Details: A run, swim and cycle event in classic triathlon style. Sign up and find out more info here.
Dawn chorus river boat experience
- Date: 8th May
- Time: 04:30 to 06:30
- Location: TBC
- Details: A special wildlife experience cruising down the river at dawn to hear the dawn chorus. £30 per person. Book ahead via the River Cruises website.
Scrambled Leggs Running Club
- Date: Second Wednesday of the month – 14th May
- Time: 19:00
- Location: Meet at Fuggles beer cafe
- Details: A free and fun running event, enjoy a free half pint at the pub after your run.
Tonbridge Parkrun
- Date: Every Saturday
- Time: 9:00 AM
- Location: Castle Road (behind the swimming pool), Tonbridge
- Details: A free, weekly 5k run open to all ages and abilities. Whether you’re running, jogging, or walking, it’s a great way to start your weekend. Parkrun UK
Ride Castle
- Date: Sunday, 11th May 2025
- Location: Starting at Tonbridge Castle
- Details: Cycling enthusiasts can choose from routes ranging from 33 to 124 miles, exploring the scenic countryside around Tonbridge. You’ll need to bag your place ahead of time.
Paddle Boarding
- Date: Various events in May
- Time: TBC
- Location: Various
- Details: Contact Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Ana for more information on her latest events.
Sound Bath
- Date: 22nd May
- Time: 19:00
- Location: Goldsmid Hall, Tudely
- Details: A sound bath evening with Naomi Charlotte. Book your space in advance.
Tonbridge Bowling Club Open Weekend
- Date: 24 and 25th May
- Time: 10:00 to 16:00
- Location: Tonbridge Bowling Club
- Details: Try bowls for free at the Tonbridge Bowling Club. Tea and coffee provided and the bar is open. Find more details here.
🍻 Food & Drink Events
Duration Great Farmhouse Exploration 2025 at Fuggles Beer Café
- Dates: Thursday, 1st May – Monday, 5th May 2025
- Location: Fuggles Beer Café, Tonbridge
- Details: Join the exploration of farmhouse beers with a showcase of mixed-fermentation brews, rare releases, and continental styles. Untappd
Pub Quizzes at Fuggles Beer Café
- Date: Last Tuesday of the month – 27th May
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: Fuggles Beer Café, Tonbridge
- Details: Test your knowledge at the monthly quiz night. Teams can reserve a spot in advance. fugglesbeercafe.co.uk
📚 Community & Library Events
Knit and Natter
- Date: Every Monday
- Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Tonbridge Library
- Details: A welcoming group for knitting enthusiasts of all levels to share projects, tips, and conversation.
Storytime Sessions
- Details: Engage your little ones with stories and activities designed to foster a love of reading. Check with Tonbridge Library for specific dates and times. Kent County Council
Please note that event details are subject to change. It’s advisable to check the official event websites or contact organizers directly for the most current information.
Enjoy all that Tonbridge has to offer this May!
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