Free VE Day Event

Tonbridge Castle has announced its summer line-up of entertainment, featuring food, music, theatre and community events.

The Castle is run by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council which said: "The historic venue in the heart of Tonbridge will see the return of regular crowd-pleasers and new shows, further boosting the town’s reputation as the place to come for fun in the sun".

Two special events will be taking place to mark the 80^th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. 

On Sunday 4 May, the castle bailey lawn will feature a free to attend 1940s-themed party with food, refreshments, music and dancing. This will be followed on Thursday 8 May with a service and beacon lighting with band music from 8.30pm to mark the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

May will also see the return of the ever popular two-day food and drink festival (24-25 May) alongside the TN90s music festival taking place on neighbouring Deacon’s Field.

There’ll be even more music as the summer schedule gathers pace. Free Friday night River Walk Music makes its return as does Tonbridge Music Weekend (4-6 July), guaranteed to get crowds moving with disco classics and Michael Jackson tributes. 

For those seeking something a little more laid back, regular free band concerts on the castle lawn provide the perfect way to laze away sunny Sunday afternoons.

Outdoor theatre will be making a welcome return to the castle with a range of  performances to suit every taste and age group. 

Helping celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in style, will be a production of Pride and Prejudice by the award-winning Illyria theatre company. 

There’ll also be a raucous retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth, both performed in one night. On 20 July youngsters can join Ratty, Mole, Badger for a delightful performance of Wind in the Willows. 

The monthly artisan markets are running throughout the summer and continuing to Christmas in their new home on the castle’s lawn. Stalls selling beautiful hand-crafted products, delicious food, jewellery and accessories in a beautiful setting make this a Sunday experience not to miss.

Laura French, Tonbridge Castle Events Manager, said:  “We’re excited to have such a brilliant line-up of events for people to enjoy this summer".

She continued: "However you like to spend your spare time, whether it’s dancing the night away, browsing a market or watching performers tell amazing stories, Tonbridge Castle is the place to come.  With even more events in the pipeline and yet to be announced, 2025 looks set to be one of our biggest and best summers yet.”

Meanwhile Tonbridge Castle Gatehouse visitor attraction is currently closed for roof repairs. This does not have an impact on the events listed which are held in the grounds and on neighbouring council owned land. The Gatehouse is expected to re-open to visitors in July 2025.

Key events at Tonbridge Castle 2025:

• Monthly artisan markets – fourth Sunday of every month  
• 80th Anniversary VE Day Celebration – 4 May
• VE Day 80th Anniversary beacon lighting – 8 May
• Tonbridge food and drink festival – 25-25 May
• TN90 music festival – 24-25 May
• Tonbridge Lions Community Fete – 1 June
• Canines at the Castle dog show – 7 June
• Free summer band concerts – Sundays 22 June-24 August
• Supercar charity rally – 29 June
• Tonbridge Music Weekend – 4-6 July
• Riverwalk Music (Fridays) – 4 July-1 September
• Immersion presents: The Wind in the Willows – 20 July
• Forty Forty presents: Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth – 26 July
• Illyria presents: Pride and Prejudice – 6 August
• Tonbridge Pride – 9 August

View the full list of events at Tonbridge Castle.