Lilly Croucher’s edit of the month’s most entertaining and romantic events happening this February
FUTURE SOUNDS
STABLE SHOWCASE 2023
The Forum
FEBRUARY 8, 13 & 20
The Forum is hosting three nights as part of its Stable Showcase spring session 2023. A host of up exciting bands and artists from across the South East will perform at the famous Tunbridge Wells music venue, following the likes of Oasis, Adele and Coldplay who have all played at The Forum over the last 30 years.
On February 8 the alt rock trio, Civil Villains will be headlining, supported by New World Dreams, SOFT and This Elegant Gull. February 15 sees bands Big Reference, The Steelworks, theillusivefish and The Wot Nots on The Forum’s stage, while on February 20 the mic is handed over to solo artists Ned Holland, Sonny Palmer, Dan summer and Charlie J White.
NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS
BROADWAY AND BEYOND
Trinity Theatre
FEBRUARY 10
If you enjoy musicals, you will love Broadway and Beyond – an entertaining mix of show tunes from classic New York theatre productions such as Kiss Me Kate, The Music Man, Miss Saigon The Producers and Oklahoma! The eight talented performers will reprise classic musical numbers with their own instruments and singing abilities that will be sure to have you humming (or singing) along!
Book tickets at: trinitytheatre.net/events/broadway-beyond
WINTER WALK
SNOWDROP WALK
Hever Castle
FEBRUARY 8
Why not take a romantic stroll along the Snowdrop Walk at Hever Castle & Gardens with a special loved one?
You’ll be treated to the sight of 115,000 stunning snowdrops scattered throughout the castle grounds, including unusual varieties such as the yellow-tipped ‘Wendy’s Gold’ and green-tipped Galanthus ‘Green Bush’. The Snowdrop Walk is open from February 8 and through the winter, welcoming visitors from across Kent to see the seasonal flowers and visit the Moat Café for a warm drink and a selection of snacks.
DID YOU KNOW?
Hever castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Tudor king, Henry VIII. She was only queen for 1,000 days before the couple separated and she was famously executed. The castle has been featured in a number of film and TV productions including comedy-drama The Great and films The Princess Bride and Inkheart.
CLASSICAL CARNIVAL
THE ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Assembly Hall Theatre
FEBRUARY 5
The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra brings a carnival twist on classical notes as Brazilian music expert, Neil Thomson joins the RTWSO as Guest Conductor to perform Pernambucana by Guerra-Peixe. The concert is guaranteed to bring some sunny tunes and vibrant beats from his time at the Goiás Philharmonic in Brazil. Neil will be joined by pianist Isata Kanneh- Mason who will be performing with the orchestra for the first time as she leads with her Piano Concerto, Prokofiev 3.
The concert will end with two renditions of Beethoven’s classic Overture to Coriolan and his famed Eighth Symphony.
The concert is part of the orchestra’s 2022/2023 season at the Assembly Hall, which returns from its Christmas break on February 5 at 3pm. With two more concerts taking place in March and April, those wanting to attend all three performances can get a half-season ticket with a 20 per cent discount. For more information visit, rtwso.org
LOVE TOKENS
CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S AT
Salomons Estate
THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY
If you’re in the mood for love – and perhaps a mini break – then why not hire a beautiful new Garden Cottage at Salomons Estate during the month of February? If you quote ‘LOVEFEB’ when booking, you’ll also receive a complimentary Prosecco & Strawberries hamper to enjoy during your stay. Take a stroll around the grounds, indulge in afternoon tea or cosy up by the roaring fire.
Or you can simply go along on February 12 when the venue’s talented chef and his kitchen brigade will be creating a mouth-watering selection of tasty dishes to enjoy.
For more information, visit: www.salomons-estate.com
DID YOU KNOW?
February 14 was declared ‘St Valentine’s Day’ by the Roman Pope Gelasius in the 5th century, but it wasn’t considered a holiday until the Middle Ages. Valentine’s Day became synonymous with love and romance after a common belief that birds start their mating season on this date.
REACH OUT!
MAGIC OF MOTOWN
Assembly Hall Theatre
FEBRUARY 24
A tribute to one of the biggest shows in theatre, Motown comes to the Assembly Hall this month, marking 17 years of touring in the UK. With over a million people having seen the show, you won’t want to miss one of the most successful performances in British theatre history. Be prepared for glitz, glamour and dancing as this phenomenal cast perform a spectacular slice of Motown, including songs by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes and The Jackson Five. This fantastic show is a must-see for all music fans…
Tickets cost between £34 and £38 and can be purchased at: assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/magic-of-motown
ALL THAT JAZZ
WINE AND JAZZ NIGHT WITH JOE STILGOE
Balfour Winery
FEBRUARY 25
For an indulgent romantic treat, look no further than Balfour Winery as they host internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter, Joe Stilgoe. Experience a night of delectable wines and jazz performed by a performer who has redefined the genre with his fresh sounds and unique rhythms. Joe is also well-known as the presenter of Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night.
While you enjoy Joe’s masterful jazz you will be served a three-course set menu with a glass of sparkling Balfour wine made on site at the winery.
Tickets are £95 per person and for more information, visit: balfourwinery.com
