Celebrations marking the Platinum Jubilee result in busy week of entertainment
On Friday 3, there will be a Military Parade at the Tunbridge Wells War Memorial, attended by the Mayor and Vice Lord Lieutenant of Kent.
This is followed by a fun procession to Dunorlan Park Events Field through Monson Road, Calverley Road and Bayhall Road, and then a Big Jubilee Lunch at Dunorlan Park Events Field.
These celebrations, arranged by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will please lovers of music and dance as a diverse selection of artists representing musical styles from across the Commonwealth and beyond will be performing in the park.
Performers include Bloco Fogo band and dancers, The Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Choir who will perform some of The Queen’s favourite classical tunes, and the Queen’s regular visits to India will be acknowledged with an amazing Kings of Bhangra dance display as seen at the Tunbridge Wells Mela.
And of course, there will be street parties a-plenty over the weekend as the Royal Town celebrates 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II.
While the Jubilee may dominate the activities on offer this week, but there is still plenty going on, whether you are a half-term holidayer or even – a Republican!
The long holiday weekend coincides with the Unfest programme, bringing spoken word, poetry and food together, as well as the music we expect from the creative partnerships at The Forum.
On Stage & Screen
Comedian Shaparak Khorsandi tries to remember ‘the decade of binge drinking and walks of shame’ – the 90s, of course. Trinity Theatre this Saturday [June 4], at 8pm.
‘Waiting for Godot’ is on at 7pm this Sunday [June 5] at Trinity Theatre. Ironic that the production, by Theatre Nation (Hastings), itself should have been delayed – after originally being due to premiere in 2020 just before lockdown.
The Hever Festival continues, with Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘Patience’ by Charles Court Opera. Sunday [June 5] at 8pm, Two Sisters’ Theatre (Hever Castle).
Rusthall Community Cinema presents Swedish comedy drama ‘A Man Called Ove’ this Saturday [June 4]. Doors at 7pm. [See the Times feature on RCC’s filmmaking workshops and film festival in October, page __]
If your patriotism is of the American sort and all of this Jubilee bunting is the wrong kind of red, white and blue for you, get your red blood pumping with Top Gun: Maverick (12A) at the Odeon (multiple daily showings). The children’s film ‘Good Guys’ (U) is also still on – can a bad Mr Wolf go good?
Going Live
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra has a two-night run at The Assembly Hall, starting tonight [June 8-9] at 7:30pm.
Fairport Convention are on at St Dunstan’s Church (Cranbrook) Friday 3rd June, 2022 Door time: 7:00pm
(Saturday, May 28, at 8pm). Age 18 and older.
The Lyle has a busy weekend, featuring DJ Tim Cullen of the Ministry of Sound on Thursday [June 2] at 6:30pm-12:30am. Then, on Friday night comedian Reginald D Hunter is on from 8pm before the DJ takes over at 10pm. Tickets £20 from www.TheLyle.co.uk
Family Fun
The Godfather of the Horrible Histories juggernaut, Terry Deary baptises a next generation with the comedy ‘Twisted Tales’. Victorian schoolteacher Mr Pimm asks: “Can the past really tell the future?’ The Assembly Hall on Tuesday, [June 7] at 7pm.
Cycling Shakespearean actors the HandleBards put on ‘Twelfth Night’ at the Library Gardens (outdoor performance) of the E.M. Forster Theatre (Tonbridge), this Friday [June 3]. Doors open 6pm, show starts 7pm.
Rhyme Time is on, free, at The Amelia for pre-schoolers, Tuesdays at 10 and 11am, and Fridays at 10am. Find the event in the Children’s Library, under the night-sky projection.
The Amelia also has a free Story Time on Mondays at 11am, or you can ask the librarians about Kent Libraries’ audiobook collection.
