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With Christmas over and the festive cheer ebbing away, New Year celebrations provide one last chance to get together with those closest to you for a big party. Welcoming in the New Year, and bidding farewell to the old, always brings out the best party atmosphere, uniting people from all backgrounds in a celebration of fresh hopes for the coming year. Whether it’s joining a rousing rendition of Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne, revelling in magnificent fireworks displays, or simply raising a toast to the striking of the clock at midnight, New Year’s Eve is a great night out for everyone.

New Year in Maidstone provides a host of events and activities to enjoy, with many venues across the borough providing you with a chance to bid goodbye to 2016 and welcome 2017 with a bang. From pubs and clubs to restaurants and fireworks displays, you can pick your form of celebration for December 31, and join the crowds for a magnificent night of celebration and entertainment.

New Year’s Eve events

We’re delighted to provide you with details of just a few New Year’s Eve events happening throughout Maidstone. Regardless of age and interest, you’re almost certain to find something to suit you this New Year in Maidstone. And, even if you’re not one for heading out on the town, there’s always the option of staying home with loved ones, curling up in front of the television, and watching events unfold from the comfort of home. Failing that, you can always have an early night!

Leeds Castle

Where to begin with New Year celebrations than Leeds Castle? Starting with Champagne in the castle library followed by a tour of the castle, a magnificent four-course meal followed by live music and fireworks, what better way to see in the New Year than by heading to one of the region’s most compelling and popular attractions.

Auld Lang Syne lyrics

For those with a sense of tradition, we thought it would be helpful to provide lyrics to the seasonal classic, Auld Lang Syne. Written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788, and featuring passages from poems and songs from years earlier, it has become standard for English speakers everywhere to join in a rendition as soon as the clock strikes midnight and shepherds in the New Year.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

What are your plans for New Year's Eve in Maidstone this year? Do you have traditions you always follow, or perhaps you're trying something new for 2016? Let us know what you have planned to say farewell to the past 12 months.

About the author

Michael is a member of the marketing team at Visit Maidstone and is an experienced writer. He has a passion for history and cinema, and likes nothing more than combining the two. View more by Michael.

The Social Festival at Mote Park promises to be a lively and unforgettable celebration of the world’s greatest dance acts, bringing a taste of the Ibiza nightlife to the beautiful surroundings of this glorious and popular park in Maidstone.

Having hosted such major events as the Radio 1 Big Weekend and the recent Ramblin Man Fair, Mote Park is quickly becoming a location of choice for events promoters to host their events. With the arrival of The Social Festival on September 12, music fans from across the UK and Europe are expected to descend on the town and join the party atmosphere.

Arranged by Saved Records - the independent music label of Maidstone-based house and techno DJ Nic Fanciulli - the event is looking to share the love and passion for dance music with the local community. In addition, the festival will feature an emphasis on locally produced foods, with nearby companies and universities providing creative aspects of the festival. There will even be funfair rides and market stalls for customers to enjoy.

The Social Festival lineup

The line up includes:

• Nic Fanciulli
• Tom Trago
• Die Vogel
• Jackmaster
• Jamie Jones
• DJ Koze

The Social Festival After Party

In addition to the magnificent line up, an exclusive Social Festival after party late into the early hours of the morning is scheduled to take place at Maidstone's own Source Bar. DJ’s Cassy, Jackmaster, Nic Fanciulli and Seth Troxler will be joined by a yet to be announced special guest to round off the festival's activities. With a capacity of just 1,000 people, this post-festival event is guaranteed to sell out.

Accommodation in Maidstone

A number of hotels are within easy reach of Mote Park, providing parking and much-needed accommodation following the event. Among the accommodation in Maidstone available are:

• The Hilton Hotel
• The Village Hotel
• Travelodge Maidstone
• Premier Inn Maidstone
• The White Rabbit Maidstone

Directions to Mote Park

Travel to The Social Festival in Mote Park is simple, regardless of how you plan to travel. Use the map below to plan your journey to the park.

It was shaping up to be a typical August Bank Holiday, with the Met Office predicting torrential rain and thunderstorms. But, as Saturday morning dawned surprisingly bright, we decided to take advantage of the sunshine and head for the Military Odyssey at the Kent Showground. The large queue for tickets moved swiftly and, as we collected our passes, it was either eagerness or naivety that saw us forego the purchase of an event programme... an error we would soon regret as we wandered from period to period, stall to stall, surrounded by characters from past eras and scenes straight from the history books. Sometimes a guidebook really does prove an invaluable asset!

Pick a period

Still, inside we were, and we set forth about exploring the various periods being celebrated. The entire showground was covered with tents, stalls, military vehicles, horses, and people in all manner of period costumes. It was a compelling sight to behold, witnessing distinct ‘villages’ for each historical period, with re-enactors steadfastly refusing to break character, instead choosing to live in authentic accommodation, carry out traditional crafts, and eat and sleep as people would have done at the time.

Some even went the extra mile to recall the glory of times past, with Vikings bringing along a magnificent replica of a trading vessel, complete with beach pebbles and seaweed.

From ancient Greece to WWII

Having explored some of the vehicles and tanks from the Second World War, and spent some time browsing the multitude of memorabilia stalls, we headed for the small arena where battle re-enactments were scheduled throughout the day. We arrived just in time to see the end of a confrontation between Greeks and Persians (spoiler alert - the Greeks won), and from there made our way onwards past a display by the Desert Rats to a traditional Kentish scene - a vision far removed from the battle-scarred fields of ancient Greece. That said, with a downed plane having just been ‘discovered’, the Home Guard stationed here had their hands full.

Next up, we headed to the main battle ground, where we witnessed a scene from the Vietnam War. Vietnamese soldiers, with tank support, 'shot' at Americans embedded at the other end of the ground. Despite firing blanks, you could still feel the pressure as the missiles exploded and the realism of war made the hairs on our neck stand. The battle concluded with a spectacular ‘napalm attack’ on the Vietnamese position, with lots of black smoke and flames creating a very realistic illusion. Not so much the smell of victory, but an eye-opening experience nonetheless.

For God and King George?!

In need of food and a sit down, we made our way back to the small arena, passing a company of Saracens and Crusader knights as we went. Both parties were shouting their war cries, although one Crusader seemed a little confused, crying out for King George. He quickly corrected himself and could just about be heard cheering for King Richard above the raucous laughter of his comrades.

This time we arrived at the small arena just as an American Civil War re-enactment ended. The defeated Confederates were being rounded up by the Yankees before being marched off the field. It was at this point we realised that a programme would have been a really good idea for planning where to be and when! Thankfully, the commentator announced that a Crusader battle would follow shortly, so we got out our packed lunches and made ourselves comfortable, determined not to miss the next show. Sure enough, the Saracens and Knights shortly arrived, some on horseback. A ‘fearsome’ confrontation ensued with some excellent commentary.

Ice cream and memorabilia

On a final wander around the show with ice creams in hand (war is a hungry business), we concluded that the whole event was extremely well-managed and organised. Our only slight disappointment was in the retail offering – WWII memorabilia dominated, with very little else available from any other period. Perhaps in part due to the fact it was a military show, but a few more stalls offering traditional leather and wood-working, jewellery, clothing etc. would have been great to see.

With so much to see and so many ‘battles’ to enjoy, it’s hard to pick a favourite bit from the show. What most impressed us, however, was the sheer dedication and enthusiasm of the re-enactors, as they each embraced their chosen historical period wholeheartedly and certainly didn’t hold back in the battles. It's no surprise that the Military Odyssey has been such a staple of August activities in Maidstone for so long.

Share your experience

Did you pay a visit to the Military Odyssey at Kent Showground? Share with us your stories and images below, and let us know what you enjoyed most about this spectacular event.

About the author

Ann-Marie is part of the marketing team at Visit Maidstone. She studied archaeology at Southampton University and has a particular passion for historic buildings. View more by Ann-Marie.

Maidstone Museum has been spoilt recently, with the magnificent Brick City exhibition by renowned LEGO^® artist Warren Elsmore being on display to residents and visitors of Maidstone. The exhibition, which runs throughout the summer holiday, has been an eagerly anticipated since it was first announced, with kids (of all ages!) excited by the potential of seeing some of the world's most iconic landmarks in miniature form.

Once the time came to open the exhibition, there was no disappointment to be found, with Elsmore's meticulously crafted displays simply breathtaking. Taking in a number of iconic attractions and evoking the spirit of some of the world's most vibrant events, the Brick City exhibition has proved a massive hit, with children and adults alike revelling in the enduring appeal of the famous toy.

To mark the success of the success of the exhibit, and to celebrate the fantastic work of Elsmore and the entire team at Maidstone Museum, we're pleased to provide out five favourite LEGO^® structures of the Brick City exhibition.

1. St Pancras International, London

Comprised of a staggering 180,000 pieces, the magnificent recreation of St Pancras International station in London is arguably the star of the Brick City exhibition show. This grand structure, which is set in a room away from the rest of the exhibition, features a number of 'Easter Eggs', with miniature replicas of such notable characters as Robin Hood, Batman, and more hidden among the crowds.

2. Colosseum, Rome

It's one of the most awe-inspiring feats of architecture anywhere in the world, so it's no surprise that the miniature LEGO^® is equally as impressive. Though the design looks somewhat sparse and simple, construction was anything but, taking nearly 3,000 pieces to complete. It's not quite big enough to host gladiatorial battles, but it's certainly big enough to impress!

3. Mona Lisa, Paris

Arguably the most famous image ever painted, the majestic Mona Lisa is painstakingly recreated in LEGO^® for the Brick City exhibition at Maidstone Museum. Tucked away in the corner of the exhibition room, you'd be forgiven for letting it pass you by, but missing out would be a fantastic shame. Unfortunately, we're no closer to understanding the mysterious smile of the figure in da Vinci's masterpiece, but it remain a fascinating sight to behold.

4. Olympic Park, London

Another structure that almost defies expectations, this painstaking recreation of the Olympic Stadium in London is magnificently detailed representation of a modern sporting arena. More than 120,000 LEGO^® pieces were used in the construction of the model, but its intricacy is enough to evoke the memories of Mo Farah, Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis, and many more.

5. Macy's Parade, New York

Though is may be a tradition we're not quite familiar with here in the UK, this exceptional representation of the renowned Macy's Mayday Parade is magnificent in its detail. Featuring a host of figures all in parade, as well as the replicas of the grand balloons that form part of the celebration, this is a wonderful display of colour and vibrancy.

About the author

Maidstone town centre was fortunate enough to have international visitors pitch up in Jubilee Square this week, when Italia in Piazza – the real Italian food market – packed its stalls with a taste of Italy’s finest food. From delicious dipping oils to sumptuous desserts, freshly cooked meats to a wide assortment of delicious cheese, the market provided Maidstone residents with an opportunity to savour a taste of the Mediterranean in their own town.

Competition time

In addition to simply bringing the flavours of Italy to the borough, Italia in Piazza also provided one lucky local the opportunity to win a hamper packed with food items from the market. The competition - which simply required entrants to like a status on the Visit Maidstone Facebook page - saw a number of entrants stake their claim to the delicious prize.

Once the market was fully set up in town, a winner for the competition was selected, and duly presented with the winning prize in the middle of Jubilee Square.

La dolce vita

With the success of the Italian food market in the town, it's hoped that Italia in Piazza will return to Maidstone in the near future, helping residents and visitors to the region a chance to enjoy some of the world's finest cuisine and purchase items from the marketplace.

You can stay up-to-date with the full range of events happening in Maidstone and the surrounding borough by following the Visit Maidstone What's On listings. Visit today for more details.