Pantiles events for 2012 announced

Seeing the Pantiles continue to flourish was one of the things we most wanted to see in Tunbridge Wells this year, and judging by the line up of events announced for 2012, we're not going to be disappointed.

A packed calendar of events is planned, kicking off with an Easter Weekend of Family Fun.

The Pantiles Easter Egg Hunt will run from Good Friday until Easter Monday (6-9 April) inclusive from 10am to 4pm. The event is free entry for all children, who must be accompanied by an adult. Forms are available from The Corn Exchange. All those who complete the hunt win an Easter Egg.

There's also a free-to-enter colouring competition. On Easter Sunday and Monday those children who haven't over-indulged in chocolate can have fun on a bouncy castle, in front of The Corn Exchange, for a small charge.

May heralds The Pantiles Food & Drink Festival - following up from the successful inaugural event. Attracting around 15,000 visitors last year, this is a 'must' for all gourmets - to be held on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May.

TV chef and owner of Thackeray's restaurant, Richard Phillips is again patron of the event. Hot and cold food, Kent and Sussex wines, beers and juices, local produce and some tasty surprises will be on sale at some 50 market stalls. The event is supported by Produced in Kent and Kent County Council.

As last year, an al fresco demonstration kitchen, constructed on the bandstand, will form the centre-piece of the festival. Meanwhile a programme of demonstrations and talks will be held.

Festooned with red, white and blue bunting throughout the summer season... The Pantiles will give more than a nod to the main national events of 2012 – namely the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics.

The extended Jubilee weekend running from Saturday 2 to Tuesday 5 June will feature The Pantiles Markets on the Saturday and Sunday. A street party will also take place on the Sunday, forming part of a national initiative 'The Big Jubilee Lunch'. This will be part- organised by Broadwater Down Primary School - who the Association of Pantiles Traders hope to work with throughout the year.

The Queen's Pantiles Garden Party is a new event. In the wake of the Chelsea Flower Show, The Pantiles aims to play host to the ultimate plant sale, heralding in a riot of floral colour on the Monday and Tuesday (4th and 5th June).

As June moves into July, local fashionista Lady M (www.ladympresents.co.uk) will be hosting the second Pantiles Fashion Festival on Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July - with sartorial splendour on offer for all the family. As last year, Lady M will be championing new designers, exciting brands and local retailers, with catwalk shows and style workshops.

Vintage was a fun addition to The Pantiles calendar last year and returns this year with the Vintage Fair on Saturday 29 and Sunday 29th July. Visitors will again be encouraged to dress the part and enjoy the vintage stalls, swing band, lindyhoppers and more.