Thousands of free tickets to Kent attractions will once again be up for grabs this year.

Kent Big Weekend takes place this year on Saturday April 4 and Sunday, April 5, it has been announced.

The event, which is in its 14th year, will see a huge variety of Kent tourist attractions and businesses open their doors or offer special gifts to lucky ticket holders on the first weekend of April as part of an annual celebration of tourism in the county.

Experiences on offer this year range from entry into some of the county’s most iconic castles and close encounters with wild animals, to delicious meals, relaxing afternoon teas for two, and adrenaline-inducing activities.

Organiser Visit Kent has announced that those wanting to get their hands on a pair of free tickets to one of the county's biggest events of the year will, as per previous years, need to register in advance for the ballot.

Registration for this year's Kent Big Weekend opens on Thursday, February 20 at 9am and closes on Monday, March 16.

Some of the county’s biggest attractions have already signed up to take part including Dover Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Hever Castle, the Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Dreamland Margate, Kent Life, Bewl Water, and Ightham Mote.

The Kent Big Weekend was designed back in 2007 to promote Kent's incredible wealth of attractions and encourage residents to discover how much is available to do and see on their doorstep.

Consequently the event also uncovers a wide range of smaller hidden gems throughout the county with spots like Lullingstone Roman Villa, the Seaside Museum Herne Bay, Mount Ephraim Gardens and Rotten Ramsgate Tours also adding their names to the list of Kent tourist spots offering free tickets this year.

How to apply

Kent residents can apply for as many tickets as they like at www.kentbigweekend.co.uk between February 20 and March 16.

Two tickets per household will then be allocated at random by ballot. Whilst most giveaways come in pairs, some family tickets are also available.
Last year there were over 296,000 applications for tickets to the event and so those entering are advised to bid for as many options as possible and not just their one preferred attraction.

For more information about the process and to register after February 20 visit www.kentbigweekend.co.uk