ad. If you’re looking for free ways to keep the children entertained around Tunbridge Wells this summer, Royal Victoria Place has your summer holidays covered!
Throughout the school holidays (from 23 July to 31 August), families can enjoy a packed programme of completely free entertainment, from dinosaur adventures and magical shows to country dancing, live music and retro arcade games. Best of all, there’s no need to book – simply turn up and join in.
Here’s what’s happening throughout the summer…
Pixel Bash (23 July – 1 August)
One of my personal favourites! The summer fun kicks off with the return of Pixel Bash, transforming Royal Victoria Place into a retro gaming paradise.
Featuring 10 classic-style arcade machines, all completely free to play, it’s the perfect opportunity for parents to relive childhood favourites while introducing a whole new generation to the games they grew up with. Challenge each other to beat the high scores or simply enjoy some nostalgic family fun while visiting the shopping centre.
Available throughout Royal Victoria Place opening hours, there’s no need to book – simply drop in and play.
Week One: 3 – 7 August
The first full week of August is packed with interactive family entertainment and hands-on adventures designed to keep little ones smiling all summer long.
Monday 3 August – Saddle Up & Dance
Dust off your cowboy boots and join a Wild West adventure packed with line dancing lessons, country-themed games, creative crafts and plenty of opportunities to dress up as your favourite cowboy, cowgirl, sheriff or outlaw.
Wednesday 5 August – The Great Dino Dig
Young dinosaur enthusiasts can become junior palaeontologists as they excavate fossils, discover dinosaur bones and come face-to-face with a realistic animatronic dinosaur. Every budding explorer can even earn their own Junior Palaeontologist Certificate.
Friday 7 August – RVP Fest
Round off the week with a family-friendly festival atmosphere. Enjoy a live mini concert from the Idolz performers, learn energetic dance routines to today’s biggest hits and add a touch of festival sparkle with complimentary glitter application.
10 – 14 August: Week Two
The summer fun continues at Royal Victoria Place with another exciting week of free family entertainment. Expect magical adventures, laugh-out-loud performances and live music, with something different to enjoy every day.
Monday 10 August – Princess vs Superheroes
Step into a magical world where princesses and superheroes collide! This interactive show is packed with audience participation, laughter and surprises as little ones help decide whether bravery, superpowers or a little pixie dust will save the day.
Wednesday 12 August – Magic, Mischief & Mayhem with Silly Billy
Get ready for a laugh-out-loud family show with the wonderfully wacky Silly Billy. Performed by experienced entertainer Ant Payne, this energetic performance combines comedy, magic and audience participation to keep children and adults entertained from start to finish.
Friday 14 August – RVP Fest
Round off the week with a high-energy mini concert featuring the Idolz performers. Sing along to children’s favourite songs, learn a dance routine and enjoy free festival glitter application (subject to availability).
17 – 21 August: Week Three
There’s no shortage of family fun at Royal Victoria Place this summer. Week Three brings together country-themed dancing, prehistoric discoveries and festival vibes, making it another brilliant week of free entertainment for children of all ages.
Monday 17 August – Saddle Up & Dance
Dust off your cowboy boots and join a fun-filled country celebration featuring line dancing lessons, themed games, a creative “Wanted Poster” craft activity and plenty of photo opportunities. Little cowboys and cowgirls can learn some new moves, while parents are encouraged to join in too!
Wednesday 19 August – The Great Dino Dig
Young explorers can become real-life palaeontologists as they uncover hidden dinosaur bones and fossils, meet a realistic animatronic dinosaur and test their roar on the Roar-O-Meter. Every child will receive a Junior Palaeontologist Certificate to take home.
Friday 21 August – RVP Fest
Get ready to sing, dance and celebrate with the Idolz performers. This energetic mini concert features children’s favourite songs, fun dance routines and free festival glitter application (subject to availability).
24 – 28 August: Week Four
The final week of free family entertainment at Royal Victoria Place brings magical adventures, hilarious live performances and festival-inspired fun to round off the summer holidays.
Monday 24 August – Princess vs Superheroes
Who will win in the ultimate showdown? Join this enchanting interactive adventure where princesses and superheroes come together for a fun-filled performance packed with audience participation, laughter and surprises. Little ones will love helping the story unfold as bravery, kindness and a little pixie dust work their magic.
Wednesday 26 August – Magic, Mischief & Mayhem with Silly Billy
Expect plenty of laughs, amazing magic tricks and mischievous fun as Silly Billy returns to Royal Victoria Place. Performed by experienced entertainer Ant Payne, this high-energy family show is packed with audience participation and comedy for all ages.
Friday 28 August – RVP Fest
Sing along to children’s favourite hits, learn fun dance moves with the Idolz performers and enjoy free festival glitter application (subject to availability) as part of this energetic mini concert experience at RVP Fest.
31 August: Week Five – Bank Holiday Finale
The summer celebrations finish with one final day of free family fun at Royal Victoria Place on the August Bank Holiday.
Saddle Up & Dance
Pull on your cowboy boots for one last Wild West adventure! Join in with lively line dancing lessons, themed games, creative crafts and plenty of opportunities to dress up as a cowboy, cowgirl, sheriff or outlaw. It’s the perfect way to round off the summer holidays with the whole family.
RVP Fest
Keep the celebrations going with RVP Fest, featuring live performances from the Idolz entertainers, children’s favourite songs, energetic dance routines and free festival glitter application (subject to availability). Expect plenty of music, dancing and feel-good festival vibes to end the holidays in style.
A Fantastic Free Family Day Out
Whether you’re popping in for a quick activity or making a full day of it, Royal Victoria Place offers plenty to keep families entertained throughout the summer holidays. Combine the free events with lunch, shopping or a sweet treat, and you’ve got an affordable day out right in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.
All activities are free to attend, no booking is required and, unless otherwise stated, sessions take place at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm, 2.15pm and 3.30pm. Pixel Bash (23 July – 1 August) is available throughout the centre’s opening hours.
Find out more
Click the links below for full details of each week’s events:
23 July – 1 August: Pixel Bash
3 – 7 August: Week One Summer Events
10 – 14 August: Week Two Summer Events
17 – 21 August: Week Three Summer Events
24 – 31 August: Week Four Summer Events