Visit Kent has launched its 2020 campaign #KentyTwenty to highlight an exciting calendar of events and anniversaries throughout the year.
For sports fans, the 149th Open will be hosted at the Royal St George’s Golf Club in July, while the Junior Championship and the Senior Amateur Championship will take place at the Littlestone Golf Club and the Royal Cinque Ports. 2020 will also see Kent County Cricket Club celebrate their 150th anniversary with a packed programme of matches, special events and concerts.
Horticulture enthusiasts can enjoy the Snowdrop Festival at Hever Castle from 9 February – 3 March, Brogdal’s annual cherry blossom Hanami festival in April with 350 flowering cherry trees, and the Leeds Castle Festival of Flowers from 12 – 16 September.
Renowned for its history, Kent’s many castles and fortresses have guarded the gateway to England for centuries. 2020 marks 850 years since the death of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral and a programme of events – ‘Becket2020’ – will commemorate the life and death this extraordinary figure. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of Dunkirk and The Battle of Britain, and memorial events will take place throughout Kent, including at Dover Castle and in Folkestone.
Families can enjoy a thrilling day out at Dreamland, Margate, with its ‘Scenic Railway’ standing tall since the park first opened 100 years ago. Surviving two separate fires, the park is now fully restored and will host a series of events in celebration of its centenary. There are also plenty of festivals throughout the year to choose from, including The Kent County Show and Dickensian Christmas. The latter forms part of a series of events taking place throughout the year in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the death of Charles Dickens, who spent much of his time in the county.
Throughout 2020 Kent will continue to celebrate its vast range of local produce with a series of festivals including the Whistable Oyster Festival in July, the Faversham Hop Festival and Canterbury Food & Drink Festival in September, and the Rochester Food, Drink and Wine Festival in November.
For more ideas and inspiration please visit the Visit Kent website.
