Crafts, Antiques & Gourmet Treats In Kent

International Craft and Hobby Fair (ICHF) will return to the stunning location of Penshurst Place near Tonbridge with the Weald of Kent Craft Show, their creative, outdoor craft show from 5th to 7th September.

An Interview With Antiques Expert Ian Harris

Ian Harris, who will be giving free valuations at the Weald of Kent Craft Show, takes 50connect behind the scenes of the Antiques Roadshow and discusses his 55 years in the business.

Those who delve into this artistic, inspiring world can discover hundreds of speciality crafts, both traditional and contemporary, and try their hand at creating their very own as well. Family and friends can enjoy a peaceful but stimulating day out, trying delicious food and wine, shopping for presents or treats and watching one of the many rural craft demonstrations.

The Weald of Kent Craft Show is held in the stunning gardens at Penshurst Place. Steeped in history, Penshurst Place and its Tudor gardens were recently used as a film location for The Other Boleyn Girl, a film based on the best selling novel by Philippa Gregory and directed by the director of BBC's Bleak House, with a host of Hollywood actors.

The show has 10 large marquees with over 250 British individual makers and artist craftsmen, offering thousands of unique crafts.

Are you decorating your house? You'll find a bespoke clock for the living room, some vibrant, ceramic bowls for the kitchen, a scenic painting for the dining room or an exquisite, silk cushion for the bedroom.

If you're looking for a gift for someone special, there's a huge collection of exclusive and sensational jewellery, eye catching glass vases, paperweights and bowls and fashionable clothing for all ages.

Does your garden need a magic touch? You can also visit the inspirational Show Garden for horticultural ideas and guidance plus vivid and unusual plants to add some colour to your backyard.

Ian Harris, antiques expert and specialist from the Antiques Roadshow, will join the resident panel of antique professionals in the Antiques Valuation marquee this year on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th September. Visitors must remember to bring along their precious items to discover their value and some of the history, completely free of charge. All visitors to the show are eligible to bring up to two antiques each.

This outdoor craft show promises to provide great family entertainment with a young persons play area to keep the children occupied, plus interactive demonstrations and hands on workshops to keep both kids and adults amused. In the daily workshops, discover how to make decorative ceramics, personalised pencils and paper, and then revive your artistic skills with drawing and painting lessons. Children will enjoy learning how to make traditional scarecrows in the rural craft demonstrations, plus visitors can discover the secrets of wheat straw thatching, watch how to use a pole lathe turner to beautifully shape wood and even have a go at wire sculpting.

After a day of shopping and fun activities, visitors will appreciate the chance to wander around the Specialist Food Marquee, inhaling the tempting aromas of the sumptuous, gourmet delights such as handmade cheeses, fruit punch, luxury dips and chocolates. They can get into high spirits with the tutored wine tasting, sample a selection of delicious wines from around the world and then learn about how they're made.

With the opportunity to shop for hard to find, interesting items both in marquees and under the sun, beautiful surroundings to appreciate, inspiring and fun pastimes and interactive demonstrations, this summer craft show should provide a great day for all the family to enjoy, come rain or shine.

Visitor Information

The Weald of Kent Show takes place from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September 2008 at Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, Kent. It's open from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Ticket prices: adult £4.20 advance/£5.60 on the door, seniors £3.20 advance/£4.60 on the door, children under 16 free if accompanied by parent or otherwise £3.

You can call the ticket hotline on 01425 277988 or buy online at www.ichf.co.uk.

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