We have been working hard putting together a full entertainment programme from Thursday June 2nd to Sunday the 5th June. We hope to have something for everyone, and really hope that many will want to take part in lots of the events over the weekend. Each will be run by a specific village group, some will be ticketed but most will be free for all. This is primarily a chance to get together and have fun, to celebrate the Jubilee but to also celebrate our parish and community.
Parking and Road Closures
Wherever possible please leave your car at home and walk to the events. Limited parking will be available on the Lower Glebe field between 9am and 6pm Friday to Sunday. There will be a one-way system in place. Access is via Church Road/ Maypole Lane and exit via Maypole Lane/ Balcombes Hill. Limited parking for blue badge holders only (badges must be displayed) will be available during events on the Village Green. Parking adjacent to the beacon will be suspended on Thursday.
A Road closure has been granted for the top of Balcombes Hill between the junctions with the A262 and Back Lane on Sunday between 11.30am and 3.30pm.
Platinum Jubilee Thursday
From 11am – 4pm on Thursday June 2nd, Christ Church Kilndown will be opening its doors for a Flower Festival designed to fill your senses and maybe convince you that it really is worth spending a bit longer on your flower beds. Thursday evening at 7pm sees a special showing of ‘Adventure in the Hopfields‘ in the Church Rooms: filmed in the village 70 years ago when the arrival of scores of hop pickers from London was an annual event. No tickets, donations on the door for the preschool. Although jellied eels are unlikely to be served there will be wine, beer, soft drinks, cake and light toys on sale. The film will start at 7:10pm followed by a Cockney sing-along to complete the atmosphere. If you are more country than cockney then head to the Star and Eagle for Morris Men and music from 7pm.
At 8:45pm all are invited to the pond to start a torch lit procession, led by bagpipes, up to the Village Green where a BBQ, Bar, a full Beacon and a pile of fireworks await. The Beacon should be lit at 9:45pm, and whilst it’s always amusing to watch the lighter self-immolate, his family are hoping that for once, ignition is uneventful and that the shock and awe will come from the ensuing fireworks!
Platinum Jubilee Friday
Friday 3rd offers a Family Sports Day from 11am – 2pm on the Village Green – bring picnics but there will be food and drink, whilst the National Service of Celebration will be relayed from 11am on the big screen at St Mary’s. Between 1pm and 5pm you can climb the Tower at St Mary’s. At 3pm and 4.30pm GADS will be showing ‘GAUDEAMUS‘ the story of Goudhurst from Saxon times to WW2 at St Mary’s – a free event.
Friday evening see’s the Proper Platinum Party for 15 – 18 year olds, 8 – 11pm in the Parish Hall with two live bands, DJ and food – £10 tickets are now available at: https://goudhurstjubilee.merlintickets.co.uk/. Apprehensive parents can join everyone else at The Vine and the Goudhurst Club to make use of late opening!
Tickets now available at: https://goudhurstjubilee.merlintickets.co.uk/
Platinum Jubilee Saturday
On Saturday the Village Green will host a Seven Decades Vintage Car Rally from 11am – 4pm, and along with the cars there will be a BBQ, Bar, Pimms tent and Cream Teas – easily enough calories to fuel a trip up the Church Tower (11am – 4pm) for the best views! For those not old enough to drive there’s a Kids’ Tea Party at the Star and Eagle 3 – 5pm (booking required). There is another chance to see ‘GAUDEAMUS‘ the story of Goudhurst from Saxon times to WW2 in St Mary’s at 2pm and 3.30pm – a free event.
Goudhurst Club will also run a full day of entertainment, including a Cream Tea hosted by Lower Ladysden Farm (book by email to goudhurstclub@gmail.com) which will prove an ideal warm up to the 1950’s Dance in the Hall, 7.30pm – 11pm. Tickets are £20 and include food with a DJ and live band providing the noise: dress in your 50’s best! Tickets available at: https://goudhurstjubilee.merlintickets.co.uk/.
Tickets now available at: https://goudhurstjubilee.merlintickets.co.uk/
Platinum Jubilee Sunday
Sunday’s Parish Celebration Service will be at St Mary’s from 10am giving enough time to set up The Big Lunch picnics at Curtisden Green, Goudhurst pond and in Kilndown. The Big Lunch starts at noon and whilst there will be tables set out for your own picnics, copious food will be available courtesy of The Vine, Goudhurst Club and the Scout’s BBQ by the pond. We will also be providing a free lunch in the Parish Hall for the seniors of the parish (those who were grown ups for the Silver Jubilee) and would prefer a more civilised, hassle free event.
The pond then becomes the focus for the Platinum Pond Flotilla from 3pm – a somewhat confusing event involving a fleet of boats we hope the children will have created the week before. St Mary’s Tower will be open between 2.30pm and 5.30pm. The final official event on Sunday evening should be a more controlled affair with the Community Choir performing a concert at Christ Church from 6pm. Tickets available from Tina Gallagher, tinagallagher22@aol.com.
Events at the Star & Eagle
Events at Goudhurst Club
Jubilee opening at Billie Loves
