A one-of-a-kind immersive midsummer event like no other  Sat 20 June from 6pm.

The Festival Theatre is delighted to present the return of the magical Midsummer Glow Fest in the resplendent gardens at Penshurst Place.

Set within one of England’s most beautiful and historic estates, this unique evening event invites audiences of all ages to experience the gardens like never before – as living theatre. Guests are welcomed on an immersive journey with hidden performances taking place within the enchanting Penshurst Place walled garden.

Guided through the garden’s hidden pathways and atmospheric “rooms”, audiences wander from one surprise to the next – from formal Italian gardens and rose-filled walks to secluded corners and shimmering ponds, brought to life with each performance. It is a chance to slow down, explore, and discover the landscape in a completely new way.

At the heart of the event the Mino Mano Band on Lime Tree Walk will enhance the relaxed midsummer celebration atmosphere. Expect laid-back summer sounds, street food, cocktails from the botanical bar, and an atmosphere designed for connection, celebration and ease beneath the evening sky.

Midsummer Glow Fest is an unforgettable fusion of theatre, nature, music and feasting, created especially for a limited audience in this extraordinary setting.

Featuring artists and performers:

New Creations Collective
Watch one of the UK’s most exciting immersive ballet companies, whose poignant interpretation of extracts from Swan Lake on Diana’s Bath mesmerised audiences last year. This year, they return to Penshurst with another exclusive new piece inspired by a famous ballet – perfectly suited to the setting, though we’re keeping the title a secret for now. Join us to discover it for yourself.

Jon Hicks

Jon Performs his legendary outsized paintings with speed, incredible dexterity, attitude and immaculate timing, all to a kicking soundtrack. Seeing is unbelieving in his unique ‘Painting beyond Numbers’ act, performed with stylish aplomb by a true variety master. Indisputably the Jackson Pollocks. Seen on the streets, stages and TV screens of the world for the past 26 years. You will have to wait and see who he paints for us on the night.

“Amazing” Graham Norton
“How do you do that?” Ronnie Wood

Mina Mano Band
Led by vocalist Lisa Marini and guitarist Arthur Newell, Mina Mano brings a warm, Latin-infused sound with a mix of pop, jazz and soul. Their set includes songs by Billie Eilish, Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Fleetwood Mac and Otis Redding, alongside jazz standards such as Summertime and Come Fly With Me.

GRAND FINALE
Taking place in, on and around an old-school London Taxi our GRAND FINALE show has all the hallmarks of the aerial circus producers who created this show – original live music, humour, a mechanically ingenious set, and extraordinary aerial performers. We guarantee you will not have seen anything like this before.

Alongside the performances, there will be a range of street food and drinks available throughout the evening, including wood-fired pizza from The Eden Garden Kitchen, ice cream, hog roast from Baxters Catering and Chilean hotdogs from El Completo. Annie’s Treats will be serving cakes, savoury snacks and hot drinks, while the Prosecco Pod and bar will be open throughout the night.

Tickets are priced at £30 adults, £25 children and £95 for a family (2 adults, up to 3 children). Book now by visiting www.thefestivaltheatre.org or call the box office on 07379 488477.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.