Sevenoaks community news
Sevenoaks community news, newest first: events, fundraising, heritage and the volunteer groups keeping the district's halls, clubs and theatres going.
Top story
Halstead Nursery graded strong in all six Ofsted areas
Ofsted grades the 40-place Halstead village nursery strong standard in every one of its six areas, with safeguarding met. It is the setting's first inspection since it re-registered in 2024.
More stories
Council
Sevenoaks children can design a real Christmas light
Sevenoaks Town Council will turn one child's drawing into a working Christmas light outside the House in the Basement youth cafe. Entries close on 17 September and it is open to under-12s.
Planning
Sevenoaks School boarding house: listed consent granted
Consent for 18 en-suite bedrooms, lifts and links through six listed High Street houses was granted on 10 August, over the council's own conservation officer and the Town Council. The full application is still undecided.
Planning
Brittains Lane 284 homes: residents' walk on 23 August
Three residents' associations are walking the fields off Brittains Lane on Sunday 23 August, where the draft Local Plan earmarks 284 homes on two grey belt sites. Comments close 17 September.
What's On
What's On in Sevenoaks: Free Bandstand Gigs to 27 August
Free live music at the Vine bandstand until 27 August, free Alice shows in four parks, Street Food Fest on 29 August and free entry to Knole on 15 September.
Westerham
Westerham padel courts planned for King George's Field
Westerham Town Council says operator Padel Up will fully fund padel courts and a half basketball court on the town's playing field, at no cost to the taxpayer. No planning application has been lodged yet.
Sevenoaks
Hundreds turn out for Bradbourne Lakes festival as time capsule is buried in the park
Hundreds of people came to Bradbourne Lakes Park in Sevenoaks on 11 July for the free Re-bourne summer festival, where the Mayor helped launch a community time capsule ahead of the £2.1m restoration of the historic lakes.
Family
Free Family Fun Days return to Sevenoaks villages across the summer holidays
Sevenoaks District Council is running free Family Fun Days for under-12s at 20 villages and parks from 27 July to 21 August 2026, with arts, crafts, sport and free bike marking by Kent Police at several sites. No booking needed.
What's On
Free Bradbourne Lakes summer festival returns to Sevenoaks on 11 July
A free family festival comes to Bradbourne Lakes Park in Sevenoaks on Saturday 11 July 2026, from 12.30pm to 4.30pm, with a bouncy castle, magician, history walks and raft-building, tied to the £2.1m restoration of the historic lakes.
Council
Spitals Cross Edenbridge: £10.3m rebuild, 23 new homes
Edenbridge's Spitals Cross estate is in the final phase of a £10.3m rebuild: 23 affordable homes, a replacement community hall and shop, all due this autumn.
Council
Sevenoaks names its 2026 community heroes at Making it Happen awards
Twelve winners, from DAVSS to a lifetime achievement award for Jan Berry, were honoured at Sevenoaks District Council's Making it Happen Community and Voluntary Awards on 18 June 2026, after more than 100 nominations.
Council
Council backs more than £2m of works at Edenbridge Leisure Centre
Sevenoaks District Council has agreed to spend more than £2 million on Edenbridge Leisure Centre, with a new sports hall roof, refitted changing village and replacement heating planned between now and 2027.
Council
The Stag Sevenoaks: officers back £650,000 transfer
Officers recommended handing the Stag to Sevenoaks Town Council for £650,000, or a 30-year lease. A late commercial bid complicates the 16 June vote.
Council
The Stag's future: council offers town a £650,000 buyout or a 30-year lease
Sevenoaks District Council has offered the town council two ways to secure the Stag Community Arts Centre long term: buy it outright for £650,000, or take a new 30-year lease at a peppercorn rent. A decision runs through three meetings this summer.
News
Sevenoaks community news: new £2m pavilion due in August
The £2m Greatness Recreation Ground pavilion, a new home for 1,200 grassroots players, is due to open this August. Plus the district's volunteer awards.
Bonfire Night
Fireworks near Sevenoaks 2026: Bonfire Night Dates
Fireworks in Sevenoaks and nearby for Bonfire Night 2026: confirmed dates, times and ticket prices for Tonbridge, Swanley, Edenbridge and Leeds Castle.
Christmas
Pantomimes near Sevenoaks 2026: Robin Hood at the Stag
Pantomimes near Sevenoaks for 2026/27: Robin Hood at the Stag, plus Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Dartford, Bromley and Canterbury dates and prices.
Days Out
Hever Castle day out: adult entry is £22.35 until 1 Sep
A Hever Castle day out is £22.35 an adult booked online until 1 September, then £25.50. Verified 2026 prices, opening hours, mazes, boating and parking.