Unframed Festival
Ashford Town Centre’s facades and streets have been transformed into an unframed arts trail thanks to the Ashford Unframed Festival. Well established artists including the world-famous Mr Doodle were commissioned to decorate a part of the town and many other local artists were involved too. As well as the trail of the murals, there's also walking tours, talks and family-friendly workshops hosted by local businesses like Coachworks and Made In Ashford.
You can pick up a trail map from participating local businesses and the festival will run until the 16th April, although the plan is for the art pieces to stay a while longer for visitors and locals to enjoy throughout summer.
Independent Marketplace at Coachworks
I was lucky enough to sell my sustainable goods at James’s Independent Marketplace last year. Alongside his full time job running his own company, James saw an opportunity to not only promote his brand but also to support other local small businesses and set up the Marketplace.
Hosted on the last Sunday of every month, you can grab yourself a coffee from The Coffee Shed, a freshly baked pizza from Il Pekkaro then browse and buy from the twenty or so stalls within Coachworks. There’s also The Made In Bottle Shop which sells a tasty line up of beer, with a few on tap. There are some fantastic brands selling there and the next markets are being held on the 26th March and the 30th April.
Rebellious Gardening
If you’ve been to Wye’s Farmer’s Market, you’ll have met the lovely Ed aka Rebel Farmer who sells his delicious super green salads, along with Zac’s Kombucha. Ed uses permaculture principles, ‘No-Dig’ and regenerative methods to produce completely chemical free produce. If you fancy yourself as a rebel farmer and interested in understanding more about sustainable methods of gardening and growing vegetables, Ed will be hosting workshops during the Easter break.
For kids and family
Another venue hosting family-friendly Easter fun (on April 5th and 7th) is Singleton Environmental Centre. Firstly, families can learn about eggs in nature in an engaging talk followed by the chance to become detectives by clue-solving and egg hunting around the grounds. Once the mission is completed and you’ve become an eggspert hunter, children can get creative with egg decorating and join in some egg-based challenges. If I was under ten years of age, I would love to join in!
Slightly further afield, I have yet to venture to Leeds Castle but it does come up on my radar quite a lot. Their Easter plans sound delightful, with a trail through the grounds to view the flowering tulips and daffodils. There will be hidden golden eggs to count along the way to win an Easter treat and the birds of prey display which will be running daily.
Situated closer to home, between Ashford and Hothfield, Godinton House is surrounded by stunning grounds on a large estate which is also great for a dog walk. As well as the grounds, you can enjoy a tour of the 14th century building and learn about its 600 year history.
From the 4th - 7th April, you can wander around the blossoming trees in the grounds and join in some family-crafting and games in the walled garden. On 6th April, florist Caroline Miller is leading a spring wreath making workshop using foliage from the Godinton Estate. Included in the £75 price tag is a coffee, a selection of tray bakes and entry to the gardens. A plant fair takes place on the 23rd April, run by local specialized plant suppliers. Although the tours won’t be running, there will be a chance to grab a delicious coffee and cake in their tearoom.
Swig and Stitch or Drink and Draw
I was really excited when I saw the Instagram post about the collaboration between Made In Ashford and Low Key Taproom - On the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, you can pop down to the Low Key Tap room for a ‘Swig & Stitch’ or ‘Drink & Draw’ session where the best things in the world meet - creativity, food and drink! It costs £5 for a ticket which allows you to join in and purchase creative materials, and the Low Key Tap Room are offering 10% off their drinks menu.
If live music is more your thing, then Coachworks is hosting a local music showcase called Uncovered on Easter Sunday, the 9th April between 7 pm - 11 pm. Next To Mountains, The Worry People and Sky Cassettes are all playing live that evening.
Another venue in the centre of Ashford, Revelations, is a hidden gem when it comes to music. In April they are hosting a few performances including two different shows that play tribute to Dolly Parton and Celine Dion, and the Maddy Prior and The Carnival Band will celebrate the lives and culture of ordinary folk through their music.
That’s my round up of Easter fun but if there’s something I’ve missed, tag me on Insta @HannahLivesInAshford and I’ll do my best to share and promote it.
Hannah
We're pleased to share this blog by Hannah, the daughter-in-law of Adam Roake and Catriona Campbell, partners in Orchard Farm.
