It's very nearly the time of year when diets go out the window, novelty jumpers make an appearance throughout workplaces, and clumsy parents cover gifts in so much sellotape it takes less effort to break into Fort Knox. Yes, Christmas is just around the corner... which also means it's panto season!

Maidstone's Hazlitt Theatre has a fantastic reputation for hosting high-quality shows all-year round, ranging from comedy and drama to live music performances. But it's the annual Christmas pantomime that often sees locals flock to the stalls, eager to enjoy family fun featuring stars from the screen. For 2016, the opportunity for such enjoyment returns, with a magnificent new production of Sleeping Beauty featuring BBC EastEnders starlet Louisa Lytton taking to the stage.

The production - which runs from December 2 to January 2, 2017, also features Bethany Black, Adam Borzone, and Craig Anderson, and promises to offer a show that offers great entertainment for all ages.

Watch the preview today

To support the promotion of this year's pantomime, some of the stars of the show paid a visit to Maidstone Museum in order to film a short trailer. Take a look today and get in the festive spirit!

Win a family ticket

Fancy the chance to win a family ticket (for up to five) to see this exciting new production over the festive period? For your chance to win and see Louisa Lytton and the team, simply head over to the Visit Maidstone competition page today and sign up. Closing date for entries is Friday, November 25, so make sure you enter now to avoid missing out.

For more details on Sleeping Beauty, or to order your tickets online, head over to the Hazlitt Theatre's pantomime page today. Tickets start at just £12 per person.

One of Maidstone’s most popular annual events is returning to Whatman Park this May, with the Proms the Park 2016 concert providing residents and visitors to the area the opportunity to join in the celebrations of the Queen’s 90th birthday on a glorious spring evening.

Scheduled for Saturday, May 28, 2016, the Proms in the Park event offers an entire day of free entertainment that is perfect for families and fans of live music. From community events to local suppliers of food and refreshments, performances by the Hazlitt Youth Theatre to a programme of renowned classical and big band works by Maidstone Wind Symphony, the event promises to showcase the very best of Maidstone during a relaxed and enjoyable May evening.

Arranged in conjunction with Maidstone Borough Council and the Hazlitt Theatre, Proms in the Park 2016 has been scheduled to feature an earlier finishing time in comparison to previous years, thereby enabling visitors with young families to enjoy the performances without the need for late evenings in colder temperatures. As such, while there will be no fireworks display, the earlier finish provides the perfect opportunity to head into the heart of Maidstone and discover the nightlife of the area, or simply head home as the evening chills set in.

“We’re delighted to be able to return to Proms in the Park for 2016,” said Maidstone Wind Symphony music director Jonathan Crowhurst. “Following the success of last year’s performance, we hope to be able to offer a magnificent show for visitors to Whatman Park this May. In celebration of the 90th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, we can’t wait to perform music from each decade of her life, alongside traditional Proms numbers.”

“The schedule for Proms in the Park 2016 promises to offer something for everyone,” added Natalie Moor, General Manager at Hazlitt Theatre. “We’re proud to be working alongside Maidstone Borough Council and Maidstone Wind Symphony to put on this free event for all ages. With the Hazlitt Youth Theatre also set to take to the stage, we’re certain that those in attendance will be able to enjoy a great day’s entertainment and magnificent community spirit.”

Performers

Maidstone Wind Symphony

Widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom's finest wind orchestras, Maidstone Wind Symphony was founded by Brendon Le Page in 1998, and has had musical directors including Jeremy Cooper and current director Jonathan Crowhurst.

Under the baton of Jonathan, the orchestra has greatly expanded its repertoire and championed new music for wind orchestras. Resident at All Saints Church in Maidstone, where it gives around six concerts each season. In summer 2014, the orchestra was invited to take part in the inaugural National Concert Band Symposium in Canterbury, a new organisation devoted to the promotion and development of the wind orchestra. It is also the current National Concert Band Champions having won the NCBS in 2015.

Hazlitt Youth Theatre

The Hazlitt Youth Theatre started in September 1997 as a weekly workshop for 11-18 year olds. Since then, HYT has expanded dramatically and now consists of nearly 200 members, aged 6-18 years. Each week, members attend a workshop dedicated to the learning of different aspects of the theatrical world, including acting, performing arts, improvisation, devising, text work, theatre styles, film, stage combat, mime, and a whole lot more. In recent times, members have devised and produced their own work and learnt the basics of lighting and sound design.

Maidstone Singers

The Maidstone Singers, founded in 1998, is a group of 20 accomplished singers who perform a cappella choral works dating from the 16th century to the present day. Based in Maidstone, concerts take place locally and also internationally. In recent years, performances have been given in Croatia, Slovenia, Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Malta, France, Portugal, and Spain. In 2014, the Maidstone Singers even appeared in an episode of the popular BBC series ‘Call the Midwife’.

ANNOUNCEMENT

We're delighted to announce that Helen Bailey will be joining Maidstone Wind Symphony for the finale of its performance at this year's Proms in the Park.

Helen Bailey

Middlesbrough-born soprano, Helen Bailey, is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music opera course, Trinity College of Music, and Liverpool John Moores University.

Helen enjoys a busy schedule of opera, oratorio, and recital engagements, appearing regularly as a soloist with Bromley Oecumenical Singers, Ember Choral Society, Hampton Choral Society, and Sutton Valence Choral Society. Recent highlights include Jenkins' The Armed Man with the Voices for Hospices choir at Kempton Park racecourse, Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle with Botley Choral Society, and Mozart's Mass in C minor with Ember Choral Society.

Opera roles include Pamina (The Magic Flute, Ryedale Opera), Micaela (Carmen, Meantime Opera) Véronique (Le Docteur Miracle, Popup opera), and Giovanna (cover, Giovanna d'arco, Buxton Festival Opera), Helen has also sung principal roles for Hampstead Garden Opera, Blackheath Halls Opera, British Youth Opera, and Bath Festival Opera.

This summer, Helen will return to Buxton Festival Opera to cover the title role in Beethoven's Leonore. See www.helenbailey.org for more information.

If you're looking for something a little different to do in Maidstone, you may well find a visit to Maidstone Museum on Saturday, January 23 offers a day out that guarantees entertainment. As part of the museum's Magic of Masks and Puppets exhibition - which runs until February 20 - a special appearance by Aslan from 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' will can be enjoyed.

Of course, it's not going to be a real lion - or even Liam Neeson, for that matter - but instead a magnificent puppet version that first appeared in the Hazlitt Theatre's production back in 2013. Crafted by the team behind the ever-popular War Horse production, the life-sized lion puppet will be operated by performers from the Hazlitt Youth Theatre from 11am until 12.30pm, and will provide a fascinating insight into the dexterity and skill required of puppeteers in modern theatre productions.

Speaking about the event, Maidstone Museum's Interpretation and Exhibitions Manager Lyn Palmer said: "We’re delighted to be able to bring this magnificent version of Aslan to Maidstone Museum. To be able to have the Hazlitt Youth Theatre perform with the model perfectly complements the current Magic of Masks and Puppets exhibition on show at the museum, and represents a wonderful display of modern puppetry in the world of theatre.

"We’ve had a great reception for the Magic of Masks and Puppets exhibition at the museum, so welcoming Aslan represents an added bonus for visitors on the Saturday. The history of puppetry has provided a fascinating education for everyone fortunate enough to see the display and, with this live demonstration, it promises to be equally as fun and entertaining."

Entry to the demonstration of Aslan begins at 11am on January 23, so make sure you're up and about early to avoid missing out.

Actor Hywel Dowsell is currently performing at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone as Mrs Smee in the popular pantomime Peter Pan. Taking time out from performing, Hywel was delighted to chat with Visit Maidstone about his career and time in Maidstone.

Hi Hywel, welcome to Maidstone. Would you like to tell the Visit Maidstone readers a little bit about yourself?

Hiya! I’m Hywel Dowsell, a Welsh actor from the South Wales Valleys, and I’m currently playing Mrs Smee in Peter Pan at the Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone.

How are you finding Maidstone?

Maidstone is a little gem. The shops, bars and local attractions are great, and the people are even greater!

How is it playing Mrs Smee?

Oh, Mrs Smee is fabulous; what a joy to play! It is my first time playing the Dame in panto and I couldn’t have wished for a better place for the debut. The cast and crew have been very supportive of me and the audiences have been so welcoming. Playing a comedy role is something of a regular occurrence to me, having played many of Shakespeare’s fools and comedy roles within musicals.

What about when you’re not on the stage? What do you like to do when not performing?

A very interesting question, and one that I get asked often. Sometimes, when I finish an acting job, I take time to have a little break, whether this be going on holiday or simply sitting at home with a good book or a box set. However, I am always keen to get stuck in with the next job. When I have the time, I’m often playing the French Horn in professional gigs or playing alongside the Central Band of the Royal British Legion.

What would you say was your proudest moment?

I’ve had a few of these in my life, but I think the most prominent one was performing for HRH Queen Elizabeth II for the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. What an honour!

And any regrets?

I don’t really have any regrets in life. Christmas is a time of reflection, so If I think of something, I’ll let you know.

What's your favourite film?

This is probably the easiest question I am ever asked: Mrs Doubtfire, without a doubt. I am a huge Robin Williams fan and his performance in this film is up there with his very best. I can also quote the whole thing, so if we ever have a night in, don’t let me choose the film, as my “joining in” becomes quite annoying… at least, so I’ve been told!

What’s your favourite food?

I am a hopeless cook and I’d never put anyone through the ordeal of eating a meal prepared by myself, so when I suggest having dinner with a friend, it normally involves a takeaway or eating out. I think my favourite place to eat is Pizza Express. Those doughballs! However, I am looking forward to my mam’s Christmas dinner in Wales this year.

Do you have any New Year resolutions?

I think it would have to be, and I say this every year, to get a little bit fitter. I often spend January at the gym and at dance classes, but that soon dies down. I spend too much time in Pizza Express!

Finally, do you have any tips for Christmas?

Spend it with your friends and family. Last Christmas I was working in Dubai. While I did have a great time, you simply can’t celebrate Christmas without your nearest and dearest. Remember what Christmas is all about and have a great time.

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Hywel Dowsell will be performing as Mrs Smee in Peter Pan at the Hazlitt Theatre throughout December until January 3, 2016. Find out more about the show on the Visit Maidstone website today.

Currently appearing as Captain Hook in the Hazlitt Theatre’s pantomime production of children’s classic Peter Pan, Ricky Groves took time out from treading the boards to speak to Visit Maidstone and discuss his time in the region.

Hi Ricky, welcome to Maidstone. Would you like to tell the Visit Maidstone readers a little bit about yourself?

Hello, I'm Ricky Groves, best known for playing Gary Hobbs in EastEnders for nine years. I'm 47 and am currently playing Captain Hook at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone.

How are you finding Maidstone?

The good thing about performing is you get to travel the country and, with panto, you stay a month or two in one place, so I'm still discovering the area. I always try to go to the local museums and shops, and am planning a trip to Leeds Castle.

How is it playing Captain Hook?

I'm normally the comic turn – playing roles such as Buttons in Cinderella – and have only played the baddie once before, Abanazar in Aladdin. It's a bit strange being booed… but I suppose it comes with the job!

What about when you’re not on the stage? What do you like to do when not performing?

I have a girlfriend who has quite a lot of horses and a farm down in Dorset, so that keeps us busy. I also love fishing and always take a fishing rod with me wherever I go. I find it very relaxing.

What would you say was your proudest moment?

Probably EastEnders, although Strictly Come Dancing is up there – I went on tour with the stage show and danced at all the big arenas like Wembley and the O2.

And any regrets?

I would have loved to play the piano. It's not too late but I'm just being lazy I suppose!

What's your favourite film?

I like all films, but my favourite has to be The Long Good Friday. Bob Hoskins plays a London gangster whose life slowly crumbles around him over the bank holiday weekend. It’s possibly his finest performance. Rest in peace, Mr Hoskins.

What’s your favourite food?

I enjoy dining out – normally Indian – but also enjoy cooking at home. I've just finished filming Celebrity Come Dine With Me Couples Christmas Special. It was lots of fun and will be shown over the festive period.

Do you have any New Year resolutions?

I want to do the Three Peaks Challenge and also see a bit more of Scotland. It's right on our doorstep and it's beautiful.

Finally, do you have any tips for Christmas?

Don't eat too much and try not to waste food. The shops are pretty much open the next day, so you won't starve! Plus, of course, to have a great time.

Peace on Earth

Ricky xxx

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Ricky Groves will be performing as Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Hazlitt Theatre throughout December until January 3, 2016. Find out more about the show on the Visit Maidstone website today.