That'll be The Day
A theatre performance of 'That'll Be The Day' at Assembly Hall Theatre.
THECITYBRIEF
Royal Tunbridge Wells
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The Village at dusk holds a quiet energy, its Georgian colonnade of historic shops and cafes along Pantiles glows under the Millennium Clock. The sound of steam trains passes by Groombridge, while Dunorlan Park echoes with laughter from Calverley Grounds. You know this town: its rhythms, its seasons.
But between endless event listings and social media noise, it’s easy to miss what truly matters, like a new gig at The Forum or an open garden only locals know about.
We’ve cut through the clutter. Every week, we share just the best moments in Royal Tunbridge Wells, the kind you should know.
A peek inside recent issues



A theatre performance of 'That'll Be The Day' at Assembly Hall Theatre.
Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu perform in a reborn musical act at Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre.
Amy & Carlos perform their new show 'Reborn' at Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall.
A theatre performance of 'That'll Be The Day' at Assembly Hall Theatre.
Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu perform in a reborn musical act at Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre.
Amy & Carlos perform their new show 'Reborn' at Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall.
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Amy & Carlos perform their new show 'Reborn' at Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall.
Comedian Scott Bennett performs his new stand-up show 'Stuff' at Hazlitt Theatre.
Drum and bass event featuring special guest Crystal Clear at The Old Auction House in Tunbridge Wells.
A large end-of-exams party with DJs, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere at The Manor House in Tunbridge Wells.
A dance party celebrating 2000s and 2010s anthems at The Manor House in Tunbridge Wells.
Food & Drink
ChocolatiYou can find Chocolati on Tunbridge Wells’ main shopping street, serving handmade hot chocolates and seasonal treats.
View Info →Food & Drink
Dame TartineDame Tartine is on High Street in Royal Tunbridge Wells, serving straightforward coffee and baked goods.
View Info →Bar
Fuggles Beer CafeFuggles Beer Cafe is a craft beer bar on Grosvenor Road in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
View Info →Thai Restaurant
Giggling SquidGiggling Squid is a Thai restaurant at the corner of Calverley Road and Calverley Street in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
View Info →Restaurant
GustaGusta on Camden Road in Royal Tunbridge Wells is an Italian-inspired delicatessen with modern minimalist decor.
View Info →Events across Royal Tunbridge Wells span multiple areas and themes. You can find live music at The Forum, family activities at Calverley Grounds, and seasonal events like the Christmas Market at Pantiles. Events include culture and arts experiences such as guided tours of Chartwell Highlights or the Spoon Opera, food and drink offerings in local cafes along High Street or Victoria Place Shopping Centre area, fitness sessions near Tunbridge Wells Common, shopping options across The Village or Pantiles, and kid-focused fun during events like Emmetts Garden Easter Events.
You’ll find historic sites such as Dunorlan Park’s Grecian temple or the ancient sandstone formations at The High Rocks. venues like Pantiles host seasonal markets, while Calverley Grounds offers concerts in spring and summer. Art displays appear at Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery, which holds the world's largest collection of Tunbridge ware. Local guides list events by date and category, Food & Drink, Family & Kids, Nightlife & Music, Culture & Arts, Fitness & Outdoors, Shopping & Markets.
Throughout the week, Royal Tunbridge Wells offers a variety of cultural and community activities. Theatre performances take place at The Forum, while food and drink experiences are available across local cafes and markets such as those held on High Street or Victoria Place Shopping Centre area. Art exhibitions occur regularly at venues like Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery, which holds the world’s largest collection of Tunbridge ware. Seasonal activities include events in historic settings, the Pantiles hosts Christmas festivities and artisan fairs; Dunorlan Park features outdoor concerts near Calverley Grounds or family days around its boating lake.
Most events occur within the town centre’s key locations. The Pantiles, with its Georgian colonnade of historic shops and cafes, serves as a frequent venue for markets, seasonal celebrations like the Christmas Market, and cultural gatherings throughout the year. Dunorlan Park hosts family-friendly activities including concerts at Calverley Grounds or boating on the lake in spring and summer months. Victoria Place Shopping Centre area regularly features pop-up stalls during market days.
Yes, families can engage with a range of accessible experiences across several locations. Children enjoy exploring Dunorlan Park’s formal gardens, boating lake, Grecian temple and Calverley Grounds’ tennis courts, bandstand or winter ice rink along lit pathways for evening walks. The Forum frequently hosts seasonal workshops tied to Easter celebrations at Emmetts Garden; Tunbridge Wells Common provides open green space ideal for playtime.
Nightlife and music events are hosted across several venues, including live gigs at The Forum which has a 250-capacity stage known for early shows by emerging artists. Events such as Oldskool Nostalgia Day Party or Sing-Along Bingo take place there regularly. Other nights occur in venue-specific settings: Aura Nightclub Tunbridge Wells holds weekly club events, while Ashdown Forest Centre Car Park hosts seasonal festivals.
To discover what’s on, refer to our current listings under 'this week' and ‘this weekend’. These sections cover major categories including Nightlife & Music, Family & Kids, Culture & Arts and Shopping & Markets. Events are listed by venue, such as the Christmas Market at The Pantiles or ice-rink openings at Calverley Grounds, with full details on times, locations and ticketing to support planning without delay.