January is a tough time of year, and it doesn’t help when the ‘most depressing day of the year’ is right around the corner.

Blue Monday - this month on Monday, January 16 - is said to be the gloomiest day of the year, so we’ve picked five things to do in Kent to cheer you up and keep the blues at bay.

A Beautiful Noise, Dartford

If you’re a fan of Neil Diamond, this West End show is surely a must-see. A Beautiful Noise sees impersonator Fisher Stevens bring the singer’s huge hits to life in Dartford, with the help of live musicians and vocalists who have performed on stage at the Lyric Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. Expect to hear much-loved numbers such as Sweet Caroline, Love on the Rocks, America, Forever in Blue Jeans and many more.

Details: Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £29.50 and can be booked online here.

Leeds Castle, near Maidstone

This much-loved historic attraction offers great days out, all year round. With lots of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy, you can take a brisk winter walk around the beautiful grounds or, if the weather is a little cold and wet, you can duck inside the castle and take in its beautiful 1930s decor. This lavish new interior, inspired by the golden age of Hollywood and the scandalous parties held inside the castle walls at the time, was introduced last year and gives you a chance to see the castle adorned in glitz and glamour. There’s also the gardens, moat and outdoor trails to follow if you fancy some fresh air.

Details: Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL from 10am. Tickets cost from £29 and can be booked online here.

Meditative Drawing, Broadstairs

This calming and meditative session is a free taster class, hosted especially for those struggling with Blue Monday. The class aims to help you reduce stress, improve your well-being and enjoy a more positive life through the medium of art. During the session, you will be shown ways to boost your painting and drawing skills, as well as finding out the mental health benefits that go along with it, to help you through the rest of the month - and beyond.

Details: Broadstairs Adult Education Centre, 14 St Peter's Road, Broadstairs CT10 2JW from 4pm. The taster session is free and can be booked online here.

Paint Night, Tunbridge Wells

Let your creative side loose with a night of relaxing guided painting. The session will be led by a professional artist who will take you through more than two hours of step-by-step instructions on how to create your masterpiece, no matter your level of ability. All materials will be provided, along with a soundtrack of fun music to keep you entertained as you paint, and there will be snacks and refreshments available to purchase throughout the evening.

Details: The Hare, Langton Road, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0JA from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £29 and can be booked online here.

Empire of Light

The latest blockbuster from director Sam Mendes, starring Olivia Colman, Michael Ward and Colin Firth, has finally hit the cinemas. The movie was filmed in and around Margate last year, including locations such as Dreamland, the Old Town, Darcy’s Cafe and the former Manston Airport site, and the stars even returned to the Kent coast recently for a special premiere screening at Thanet’s Carlton. Take a trip to your nearest cinema to see familiar spots from across Kent in the Oscar-tipped film.

Details: Released in cinemas from Monday, January 9 and showing at cinemas around the county. Check your local cinema timetable for more information.