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COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS 065 to look a lot like
The countdown to festive fun starts here with our cracker of a seasonal round-up on shopping, dining out and partying in the run-up to Christmas in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells
F
rom the top of the town at Camden Road, stopping off at Royal Victoria Place, along down the High Street through Chapel Place and onto
The Pantiles, locals and visitors alike are in for a festive treat with twinkly lights, decorated shop windows, inviting bars and eateries, family fun and pantomimes – and the town’s very own ice rink in the picturesque setting of Calverley Grounds. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to eat and drink and celebrate, or to shop for those unique and personal gifts, you won’t be disappointed. With late night shopping and free parking in the town’s car parks on selected dates during December, planning a stress- free up-run to Christmas couldn’t be easier. With free parking all day at Royal
Victoria Place on Sunday 18th November there’s no excuse for not bringing the family along to see Santa make his big entrance for the offi cial opening of his magical grotto (see page 41 for more details), with a little help from TV stars Claire Sweeney and Derek Moran, who are starring in this year’s panto, Sleeping Beauty, at the Assembly Hall Theatre (
assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk) – and don’t go home before the grand switch-on of the Christmas lights! There’s also the chance to catch up
with Ratty, Mole and the rest of their friends when Wind in the Willows comes to Trinity Theatre from 13th December-2nd January (
trinitytheatre.net).
Farmers’ Markets
Taking place in Civic Way outside the Town Hall, the festive farmers’ markets are held on the second and fourth Sunday of December (8th and 22nd) between 9am- 2pm and offer the perfect opportunity to pick up local fresh produce and gifts – so stock up on all the essential ingredients for all your festive fare. And don’t forget to check out the markets and events taking place on The Pantiles, featuring local farmers and artisans, for beautiful gifts and delicious foodie treats.
Get your skates on!
A favourite festive destination, skating in Calverley Grounds offers something for skaters, shoppers and spectators across the season – and booking in advance is advised to avoid disappointment. Open daily from 16th November (closed Christmas Day), alongside the skating, visitors can enjoy an apres skate drink and snack, live music on certain dates, and shop from an exciting array of offerings in the traditional wooden chalets alongside the ice rink.
And no family outing to the ice rink would be complete without a visit to see Father Christmas. One mounted photograph per family, children’s gift and visit is all included in the ticket price of £14.50 per child (all adults pay £2). Booking fee £1.50 per transaction. Minimum charge is £14.50. To pre-book your tickets, visit
fatherchristmasinkent.co.uk
Tickets to skate are now on sale, adults £14.50 and children £9.75 including skate hire. There are also dedicated 30-minute Parent and Toddler sessions three times a day until the schools break up for Christmas, price £9.50, which includes toddler and adult ticket and seal skating aid. • Tickets are available to buy online at
assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/ice-skating-in- calverley-grounds, from the Tunbridge Wells Gateway, via the box offi ce on 01892 530613 or at the ice rink from 16th November. Booking fee applies.
Deck the halls
Christmas wreath-making workshops will be taking place at The Polar Bar, at the ice rink in Calverley Grounds. Wreaths are a lovely way to show
off the wonderful natural foliage of the festive season as well as your creative fl are. Make your own beautiful 3D Christmas ivy and holly wreath that can be hung from a door, a window, ceiling or laid fl at on the table as a centrepiece. Dates: 5th December (9.30am-1pm); 10th December (9.30am-1pm); 12th December (6pm-9.30pm). The cost, £37.99 per person, includes refreshments and materials. If, however, you have any special decorations that you would like to include, i.e. ribbons, baubles, pine cones, bring them along with you. • To book your place, visit the website
assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk. Spaces subject to availability. Classes minimum of eight.
Christmas! It’s beginning
Image licensed by Ingram Image
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