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South East Open Studios

There’s so much on in the Weald of Kent this month! Something not to miss is South East Open Studios (SEOS), a creative event running til the 23rd June where artists, craftspeople, printmakers and designers open their studio spaces to the public. Its your chance to meet artists up close and personal, learn about their process, passion and philosophy, and see them at work. Many will be giving demonstrations and sharing stories behind their creations, and most will be offering their works for sale (at direct-to-artist prices without gallery mark-ups).

Some 200 artists are participating this year (the 22nd year of this annual event), many of them on our doorstep. Within a few miles of Barnfield House Kent, you have the chance to see talented artists such as. Sue Scullard (wood engravings), Felicity Flutter (watercolours inspired by the sea), Nicola Colbran (wildlife oil paintings), Jackie Summerfield (ceramic wildlife sculptures), Katie Brinsley (ceramic tableware), Ali Stump (etchings), and Peter M Clarke (metal garden sculptures).

https://youtu.be/K9O1aUrTNJs Download a guide and suggested itineraries from SEOS’s informative website (http://www.seos-art.org), or create your own art trail through the enchanting countryside of Kent and East Sussex – truly the Garden of England. You could return home with a piece of art you’ll treasure for a lifetime!

What to do in Kent this weekend – the Wealden Times Midsummer Fair

Fair at Hole Park

Looking for a great day out (or two) in Kent this weekend? Why not head over to the Hole Park Estate for the annual Wealden Times Midsummer Fair. This popular event is in its 11th year, and is set to be the biggest and best yet, with over 250 handpicked exhibitors spread across five large marquees as well as outside in the avenue and around the show-ground.

Browse beautifully curated contemporary and vintage home wares, garden accessories, paintings and ceramics, and fabulous fashion and hand-crafted jewellery. All products sold at the fairs are chosen for their exceptional quality, good craftsmanship, originality and fine design — it’s impossible to leave empty-handed!

Keep up your stamina with mouth-watering treats and gourmet samples from an array of street food vendors,, enjoy a steaming cup of artisanal coffee, or kick back with a glass of sparkling wine from local vineyards. Take a break in the Deck Chair Zone while listening to live music from local schools and bands. And check out the talks and workshops in the Home & Garden Hub, where you can learn everything from upscaling furniture to creating the perfect table setting, and keep bees. I’ve got my eye on the 10.30a, talk on Friday 7th, when gardeners from world-famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden share tips on growing vegetables the no-dig way.

The fair is set in the stunning grounds of the Hole Park estate. If you’re there on Thursday 6th, do attend the 2pm talk on the history of Hole Park given by Edward Barham, the fourth generation of his family to live there. And while there, remember to enter the competition to be in with a chance to win a pair of diamond earrings worth £795.

Wealden Times Midsummer Fair
6, 7 & 8 June 2019
Hole Park, Rolvenden, TN17 4JB

Adult £9.00 advanced booking, £10.00 on the day
Child aged 5 – 15 £4.00
Child under 5 free