Tunbridge Wells Summer 2022
The Queen’s Jubilee weekend has put us all in the mood for the summer here at OfficeTribe, having fun and socialising outside. Let’s face it, the summers of 2020 and 2021 were both under a metaphorical black cloud so we are ready to find that picnic blanket and enjoy what Tunbridge Wells and the beautiful surrounding area has to offer. So, step out of the OfficeTribe space – we know it’s difficult - and enjoy summer at these great events.
Soapbox racing
Erm what? We hear you cry. Don’t worry, there’s no standing on your soapbox, but instead a day at the races! We know it sounds odd but it’s Tunbridge Wells’ version of the whacky races (if you remember that cartoon), all in the name of charity and quite frankly, a very funny day out.
Competitors are given a basic kart pack which they build and customise as crazily and uniquely as they can to reflect their business, their school (new this year) or however they like. The karts are then raced along a specially designed track in Dunorlan Park, with hilarious consequences.
Like all good ‘motor’ races, there are commentators to entertain the huge crowds that line the race route, and as in previous years, local panto legend Tom Swift and celeb TW chef Rosemary Shrager are taking on those roles to talk us through the twists and turns of the Dunorlan track.
Maybe you’re thinking of entering! Go on, it’s a great community event and all for charity: this year Hospice of the Weald, Nourish Food Bank and the Pickering cancer drop-in centre are the beneficiaries. It takes place 25 June so start planning your kart design! More info here
Pub in the Park
Returning to Dunorlan Park, Pub in the Park is back with a bang. Celeb chef Tom Kerridge’s brainchild, if you haven’t been before, it’s a mix of great food and drink, combining local producers with those from further afield, and fantastic, well-known international music.
As you’d expect, the food line-up is exceptional. There’s Tunbridge Well’s own Sankey’s for great fish dishes (their po’ boys are delish) as well as TV chef Chris Tanner of The Kentish Hare, Bidborough and from Kilndown, Will Devlin of The Small Holding.
You’ll be able to catch a glimpse of Tom K himself as he does a cooking demo, and you can try his menu at The Hand and Flowers tent. His sidekick this year is Simon Rimmer of Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, and he’s also bringing Atul Kochhar (a soon to be TW restaurant owner so go try out his fabulous Indian influenced food!) once again.
To finish the evening, there’s great music from the likes of Spice Girl Melanie C, kitchen-disco queen Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Supergrass (‘We are young, we are free, keep our teeth, nice and clean’) and The Feeling.
It really is one of those events that everyone goes to so don’t miss out! It’s on 8-10 July in Dunorlan Park and tickets can be bought here.
Black Deer Festival
Black Deer sounds cool, and you know what, it really is. It’s held just outside Tunbridge Wells in Eridge and is our very own music festival, right on our doorstep.
You might be in Kent, but this festival is all about Americana, bringing you a ‘melting pot’ of music from across the pond, from country to blues, well-known acts to first timers. And depending on the kind of venue you like, there’s something for everyone – the loud and boastful main stage to the intimate but fun Haley’s Bar, its namesake being a huge part of why the festival was founded.
Like any great festival, there’s lots more to it than just music and families are definitely encouraged. For children there are music and craft workshops (Calverley Park’s very own Freckles on the Inside will be there) and loads to do outside – you’re in stunning Eridge Park after all with its lush countryside, lakes, and forests.
And as for food, well, there’s a strong BBQ smokehouse theme as you might expect with live demos from outside cooking experts so that you can have a go at home. And if you feel as though you need a little salvation on the Sunday, there’s The Gospel Brunch – waffles as you’ve never experienced them before!
Black Deer is on 17-19 June and more info can be found here.
Jazz on the Pantiles
From country music to jazz now as we lead you from the countryside back to the heart of Tunbridge Wells and the Pantiles for the Thursday night jazz nights.
The Pantiles’ bandstand has seen jazz lovers gather round for these free, intimate concerts for ten years now and they really have become a mainstay of TW’s social calendar. The performers range in notoriety which brings a happy blend of the familiar with the new, ensuring that the jazz calendar stays fresh and inviting.
Why not go straight from OfficeTribe one Friday and grab a bite to eat at one of the fabulous eateries – a very short walk from either office and the perfect place to unwind.
It’s so important to support local and that means events too! So, book
· your soapbox for the races
· tickets for Pub in the Park
· tickets for Black Deer
· and forget about booking, just wander a little way on a beautiful summer’s evening and enjoy some jazz and a glass of something cold.
Here’s to the summer! Let the OfficeTribe community know what you get up to by tagging us in your photos #OfficeTribeSummer