Everyone may be tightening the purse strings but you can forget all the economic doom and gloom at hundreds of free days out across the county. As the ballot for tickets opens, Chris Price looks ahead to this year’s My Kent Big Weekend.

Thousands of free tickets will be given away across the county for My Kent Big Weekend 2012.

The two-day event, formerly known as Kent Big Day Out, will see scores of attractions and destinations open their doors for free.

Organised by Visit Kent, this year’s event on Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18, will offer free entry to castles, historic houses, animal attractions and museums – whether you’re up for a tipple at Chapel Down Winery in Tenterden, or a search for secrets round Dover Castle there’s something for you.

Kent residents will be able to apply for free tickets, two per household, at www.mykentbigweekend.co.uk from Monday, January 23.

Issues with the website crashing became a thing of the past last year. Previously, the site had gone down as people rushed for tickets when the dates opened. However, last year, organisers made tickets available on a ballot rather than first come first served and the problem was solved.

It means you have just as much chance of getting tickets if you apply on the opening day as you do just before the website closes on Monday, February 13.

For 2012, people can also visit attractions in France via cross-Channel companies Eurolines and Eurotunnel.

The weekend will also mark the end of the first England Tourism Week, highlighting how important the industry is to the national economy.

“The My Kent Big Weekend is going to be bigger and better than ever for 2012,” said Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive at Visit Kent.

“It is a special occasion for us all to discover the numerous attractions and destinations on our doorstep, which entertain more than 56.6 million people every year and help contribute more than £3.2 billion to the local economy. Six years ago, we launched the Kent Big Day Out. Last year we spread our celebrations over two days so even more people could take part and we received more than 51,000 applications for tickets.

“It is a tremendous showcase for all the attractions and experiences Kent has to offer, including hidden gems such as art galleries, theatres, museums, sporting venues, creative experiences, hospitality venues and even the whole centre of a village.

“This year is going to be even more exciting,” Sandra added.

“The My Kent Big Weekend will be a great start to 2012 as we prepare to greet all our visitors soaking up the atmosphere of the London Olympic Games, enjoying the Cultural Olympiad, and exploring all our literary connections with Charles Dickens as part of the bicentenary celebrations of his birth.”

My Kent Big Weekend 2012, of which the KM Group is a media partner, is on Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18. Applications for tickets can be made from Monday, January 23. Closing date Monday, February 13. Visitwww.mykentbigweekend.co.uk