10 days of art, storytelling, comedy, film screenings, open studios, live music, poetry, workshops and lots more.

INTRA SPRING invites you to explore and discover something exciting on The Old High Street Intra, where Rochester and Chatham High Streets meet. 

Artists and creatives have joined up with the local businesses to offer an eclectic programme of events for all ages.

Produced by Sun Pier House, INTRA SPRING has received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund #UKSPF

For more information, please contact us on 01634 401 549 or email info@sunpierhouse.co.uk

Accessibility: Each venue has its own access details, please contact the venue directly for more details

Saturday 18 March – 11:00am – 3:00pm

Free, no booking required

As part of Intra Spring, many of our High Street’s private artist studios are opening up for the day to welcome you in. Come along anytime between 11am and 3pm on Saturday 18th March to one of the below creative workspaces to learn more about a range art practices and professional artists based in Medway.

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Intra Arts

337-341 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1DA

Intra Arts bring artists and communities together to collaborate on wonderfully creative projects. Recent activities Medway Light Nights Lantern Parade, and a new large-scale textiles project The Cut Of Her Cloth, celebrating female leaders in Medway.

intraarts.org

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Hulkes Lane Dark Room

The Lion Brewery, 1^st Floor, Hulkes Lane, Rochester, ME1 1EE

HL Darkroom will be opening its studio and darkroom to the public. With guidance from James at HL Darkroom, visitors can create their own photograms to take home.

www.hldarkroom.com

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The Tack Room

Hulkes Lane, Rochester, ME1 1EE

Join Wendy Daws at The Tack Room to learn more about her community art practice, and try your hand at Foil Embossing.

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Marissa Mardon

Studio 9, Sun Pier House, Ground Floor, Medway Street, Chatham, ME4 4HF

Marissa’s work ranges from photographic oil paintings to brightly coloured abstracts in acrylics varying in themes such as Victorian Rochester, modern day Chatham, historical conflicts, photographic reflections, blurred images and abstracted portraits or landscapes.  In-between commissions, Marissa has recently been working on abstracted coloured pencil drawings inspired by words or geometric shapes.

marissamardon.com

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MESS ROOM

Sun Pier House, Ground Floor, Medway Street, Chatham, ME4 4HF

MESS ROOM invites you to explore a selection of paintings and sculptures by the artists that meet and create at the MESS ROOM on the ground floor at Sun Pier House. Join Christopher Sacre at the to create your own Spring Flower Paper Collage!

www.messroom.org.uk

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Louise Nevett

Studio 5, 1st Floor, Sun Pier House, 1^st Floor, Medway Street, Chatham, ME4 4HF

The works are inspired by, amongst other things, expectations around motherhood, food, family and other social issues.

www.louisenevett.co.uk

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Peter Collins

Studio 2, 1st Floor, Sun Pier House, 1st Floor, Medway Street, Chatham, ME4 4HF

Stop motion animation covers many aspects of art & design. Beginning with concept art and storyboards. Then designing and constructing the sets to creating the puppets into characters. All aspects on display including screenings of animation from music videos to fantastic stories, welcome to Blue Dinosaur Animation.

www.bluedinosauranimation.co.uk

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Joan Heasman

Studio 0C, 1^st Floor, Sun Pier House, Ground Floor, Medway Street, Chatham, ME4 4HF

Joan works in many mediums and disciplines, painting, sculpture, textiles. She recently graduated from the University of Creative Arts in Canterbury with a BA in Fine Art. She has been doing art all her life and has had many exhibitions. Joan studied sculpture and etching for a number of years but recently she has returned to textiles, her first love, using textiles as 2D and 3D sculptures.

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Miss Ava’s Millinery – Sarah Blacker-Barrowman

Studio 4, Sun Pier House, 1^st Floor, Medway Street, Chatham, ME4 4HF

Under the guise of Miss Ava’s Millinery, Sarah Blacker-Barrowman uses traditional millinery techniques, tools and materials to handcraft bespoke and ready-to-wear hats and headpieces. With inspiration drawn from sources including vintage fashion and her background in cabaret, Sarah’s work is distinctly unique, eye-catching and highly wearable.

www.MissAvasMillinery.com

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Nadia Perrotta

Gallery Studio 1, 2nd Floor, Sun Pier House, Ground Floor, Medway Street, Chatham, ME4 4HF

Nadia Perrotta is a socially engaged multimedia artist with a participatory and community-based practice. Nadia works mostly with illustration, moving image, performance, and creative writing. From 2006 she started exhibiting at a national and international level and she was commissioned several ACE funded projects for the public realm and local communities in North Kent.

Friday 17 March

The Vanabond plus Support – 7:30pm

Poco Loco, 58-60 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Contact venue for details: www.facebook.com/PocoLive

Celtic and World folk artist – celebrate St Patrick’s Day and welcome in spring!

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The Singing Loins – 7:30pm

Rams Micro Pub 12 Degrees, 352 High Street, Rochester ME1 1DJ

FREE – Numbers are strictly limited by space. Contact venue for details.

Arfur, Oli and Rob with a set of Medway street shanties and blue-collar Brechtian ballads. Extending the Loins legacy of songs by the late Chris Broderick and Arfur stretching back to the 1980s. www.facebook.com/people/The-Singing-Loins

St Patrick’s Day Celebrations – 7:30pm

The Dead Pigeon, 378 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1DJ

Contact venue for details: www.thedeadpigeon.com

A weekend of celebrations with special burgers and drinks deals.

Saturday 18 March 

 

‘Wonderwomen: The Heroines of Medway’ Illustration Workshop – 10:00am-12:00pm

Cafenetics, 92 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Free – no need to book

With Kent Illustration Network (KIN).  An illustration workshop celebrating local talent.  Materials will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own.

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Create an Abstract Painting with Marissa Mardon – 10:30am-12:00pm

1^st Floor Community Hire Space, Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

Free – book via: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/559567309887

Join artist Marissa Mardon and create an abstract painting using geometric shapes or lettering.  Suitable for all ages.

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Rochester PhotoBook Club – 11:00am – 1:00pm

Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

Free – no booking required

The PhotoBook Club is a monthly informal get-together for people who like photography and books. It’s like a book club, but specifically for books by photographers. Everyone’s welcome. 

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River Silhouettes Workshop – 11:00am-1:00pm

Sun Pier House Gallery, 2^nd Floor Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

Free – book via:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/567870845987

Join us in The River Zone and help us create silhouettes of sights found on The River Medway!  Using black card and scissors, you can draw and cut out your silhouette to build up the shores and banks, add to the river’s surface and horizons, or leave something lurking in the water’s depth. We are creating silhouettes of real things you’ve seen on The River Medway, like local wildlife, the many kinds of ships spotted sailing or buildings surrounding the river’s banks including Upnor Castle and Sun Pier!  Suitable for all artistic abilities and ages 5+. Children MUST always be accompanied by an adult.

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Embossed Foil Delights Workshop – 11:00am – 3:00pm

The Tack Room, Hulkes Lane, Rochester ME1 1EE

Free – no booking required

Join Wendy Daws at The Tack Room and try your hand at Foil Embossing. All materials supplied to emboss gold, silver or copper foil to create your artworks to take home.  Suitable for all ages and abilities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

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Photogram Workshop – 11:00am – 3:00pm

Hulkes Lane Dark Room, The Lion Brewery, 1^st Floor, Hulkes Lane, Rochester, ME1 1EE

Free – no booking required

A unique opportunity to experience the art of photogram-making. Unlike traditional photography, photograms are created without a camera by placing objects directly onto light-sensitive paper and exposing them to light. This produces a striking silhouette of the objects. Visitors are encouraged to bring along their own objects to use in the photogram-making process. Whether it’s a leaf, a piece of jewellery, or a favourite trinket, the possibilities are endless. With guidance visitors can create their own photograms to take home.

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Spring Flower Collages Workshop – 11:00am-3:00pm

Mess Room, Ground Floor Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

Free- no booking required

Join Christopher Sacre at the MESS ROOM to create your own Spring Flower Paper Collage! We’ll have all you need to make your paper collaged cards and you could also try your hand at a Wonky Portrait too. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

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House of Stars Film Screening: ‘HJ and the Mermaids of the Estuary’- 11:00am – 3:00pm

Gallery Studio 1, Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

Free – no booking required

Visual poetry By Nadia Perrotta and Barry Fentimam-Hall 

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Bow Hair Clip Making Workshop with Miss Ava’s Millinery – 1:00pm-2:30pm

1^st Floor Community Hire Space, Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

Free – book via: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/559558423307

Visit the Community Hire Space and join Sarah, SPH’s resident milliner, to have a go at making a bow hair clip using sinamay, a modern millinery material. Requires basic hand sewing skills. Suitable for ages 10+ with adult supervision required.  Contact details: Sarah Blacker-Barrowman at Miss Ava’s Millinery, 07795992375 / info@MissAvasMillinery.com

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VR Cinema by Electric Medway – 11:00am-3:00pm

Mrs. Sourdough’s Bakery, 74 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Free – no booking required

Have you ever wanted to try out virtual reality? Pop on a headset and experience ‘Tales From Soda Island’, an immersive animation.  Family-friendly, suitable for ages 7+ (headsets weight recommended for ages 13+). Running time: approx. 10 minutes. Highly sensory/ stimulating experience.

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Ostara Poetry – 2:00pm-4:00pm

Cafenetics, 92 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Free – no need to book

A relaxed afternoon of poetry featuring – Louisa Campbell (Shortlisted for Forward Prize for Best Single Poem 2022), Sian Thomas (Poet In Residence for Ashdown Forest), Rosie Johnston (Rosie’s 5th collection ‘Off The Map’ is due to be out in 2023) and Bethany Goodwill (One of Medway’s best and most original voices, and co-host of Big Trouble).

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Old High Street Intra Heritage Walks with Mrs Bakers Medway Theatre Company – 11:30am, 2:00pm and 3:30pm

Meet outside Chatham House, 349 High Street, Rochester ME1 1DA

Free – book via: medwayartstours@gmail.com

Discover the heritage of the Old High Street Intra with a free one-hour guided tour of the area – lean about life in Medway with tour guides from Regency gentlemen to a Napoleonic prisoner of war.  With thanks to Mrs Bakers Medway Theatre Company and Arts Council England. 

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Luna Lacuna, Scars of Sense, Trash heads, The Black Bison, Vesicarum – 7:30pm

Poco Loco, 58-60 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Contact venue for details: https://www.facebook.com/PocoLive

Folk, Doom Metal and Alt Rock.

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Junk Box Jury – 7:30pm

Rams Micro Pub 12 Degrees, 352 High Street, Rochester ME1 1DJ

FREE – Numbers are strictly limited by space. Contact venue for details.

A frenzied 45rpm free-for-all. Rummage through the heaps of vintage vinyl and hand your selections to the DJ for some lo-fi one-deck action!

Sunday 19 March

Old High Street Intra Theatreland Heritage Walk with Rob Flood – 11:00am and 2:30pm

Meet at Anchorage House (opposite Poco Loco) Chatham ME4 4DW

Free – book via: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/559573688967

Anchorage House to Sun Pier:  On this walk you’ll learn about the Empire Theatre, Theatre Royal, the Great Fires of Chatham, Sun Pier and the river industries of Chatham Intra.

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Minimus Lounge – 5:00pm-8:00pm

Rams Micro Pub 12 Degrees, 352 High Street, Rochester ME1 1DJ

FREE – Numbers are strictly limited by space. Contact venue for details.

A low-voume, high intensity session of improvised acoustic and electronic music. Curated

performances are followed by an opportunity for everyone to get involved. Bring an

instrument or just your voice and get plugged in.  https://www.facebook.com/theminimus

Monday 20 March

The Alternative Pamper Night at Poco – 7:00pm

Poco Loco, 58-60 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Contact venue for details: https://www.facebook.com/PocoLive

Mothers’ Day treats or general pamper – get ready for spring with a new you! Beauty treatments, piercing, tarot readings, holistic therapies, crafts, cocktails and tapas!

Tuesday 21 March

Preschool Music Workshop – 10:00am and 11:00am

Medway Little Theatre, 26 St Margaret’s Banks, Rochester ME1 1HY

Free – book via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/566279355797

Pretending People Theatre invite you to come along with your little ones and sing, move and learn about music. With real musical instruments to explore, children will come away from this workshop having heard the sounds of instruments from around the world, whilst getting the chance to play them too! They will then finish with a mini performance showcasing all their hard work!  

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Mid-Kent College Music Students’ Gig – 7:00pm

Poco Loco, 58-60 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Contact venue for details: https://www.facebook.com/PocoLive

Tales of Places and Old Suitcases: An Evening of Storytelling – 7:30pm

The Ship Inn, 347-349 High Street, Rochester ME1 1DA

Free – Book via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/566266968747

Pretending People Theatre company invites you to take part in an immersive evening of storytelling. Do you have an age old family tale, a hilarious anecdote, a funny song or poem, or just want to tell everyone a little bit about yourself?  We aim to share an experience with you and remind us all of a simpler time, when humble entertainment was the stories we shared around the hearth! Story telling is within us all, so why not share yours…

Wednesday 22 March

‘Owl Babies’ Story and Craft Session with Child Friendly Medway – 10:30am – 12:00pm

Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

Free – no booking required

Bring your babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers along to the free book reading, then enjoy making your own fluffy owl to take home. For more details and to reserve your space, email childfriendly@medway.gov.uk. The activity will take place on the first floor and unfortunately there is no disabled access, so please call Sun Pier House on 01634 401 549 for any questions regarding accessibility.

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Poco Spring Themed Quiz – 7:00pm

Poco Loco, 58-60 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Contact venue for details: https://www.facebook.com/PocoLive

Teams of up to 6 – winners prize is a family size platter of our loaded Muchos Nachos and a Jug of Cocktail of your choice! Losers; Chilli Tequila Shots for the team!

Thursday 23 March

Life Drawing Evening modelled by The Loco Cabaret Drag artists – 7:00pm

Poco Loco, 58-60 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Contact venue for details: https://www.facebook.com/PocoLive

All abilities welcome.

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Big Trouble Poetry Night – 7:30pm

Rams Micro Pub 12 Degrees, 352 High Street, Rochester ME1 1DJ

FREE – Numbers are strictly limited by space. Contact venue for details.

Spoken word and poetry with verse and short-form prose from experienced performers and

promising newcomers.  https://www.facebook.com/BigTroublePoetry

Friday 24 March

Messy Paint Workshop for Under 5s – 9:30am-12:00pm

Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

FREE – drop in

Explore the Riverside Gallery as it is transformed into wild, creative habitats inspired by woodlands, skies, urban nights and rivers.  In this FREE workshop, we will be getting nice and messy with paint and large rolls of paper.  Old clothes and a spare set are advised ready for the inevitable creative accident!  The activity is suitable for all artistic abilities and ages 5 and under. Children MUST be always accompanied by an adult. Booking is not required for this event.

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Pro-Comedy Night with Much Laughter CIC – doors at 7:00pm for an 8:00pm start

Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

£10 a ticket – book via: https://www.jokepit.com/comedy-in/chatham/sun-pier-house-comedy-presented-by-much-laughter/8690

Poco Introducing Stage – 7:30pm

Poco Loco, 58-60 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Contact venue for details: https://www.facebook.com/PocoLive

Acoustic acts.

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Mick Hampshire – Mick Hampshire (+ vintage vinyl R&B one deck DJ)

Rams Micro Pub 12 Degrees, 352 High Street, Rochester ME1 1DJ

FREE – Numbers are strictly limited by space. Contact venue for details.

Solo blues and raw folk-inspired acoustic set from the Medway legend and Masonics

frontman. Check out his new LP on Spinout Nuggets Recordings.

https://spinoutnuggets.bandcamp.com/album/micks-cat-and-rooster-blues

Saturday 25 March

Fish in a Bottle Workshop – 10:30am-11:30am

Sun Pier House Gallery, 2^nd Floor Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

Free – book via:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/567885549967

Help us make ‘Fish in a Bottle’ for The Wild Escape at Sun Pier House!  In this workshop, we will be using a variety of recycled materials to decorate the inside of plastic drink bottles to turn them into fabulous, fancy fish. Once created, the fish will then feature in The River zone!  Suitable for all artistic abilities and ages 5+. Children MUST always be accompanied by an adult.

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Fushigi Medway: Anime Workshop – 12:00pm-2:00pm

Sun Pier House Cafe, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

FREE – book via: info@house-of-stars.co.uk or 07727 940094

Create your anime superheroes inspired by Medway stories, places and characters.  Original Manga/anime paper, inking pens and professional watercolour pen-brushes provided.  Open to young and adults (12+)  Contact info@house-of-stars.co.uk or 07727 940094 for more details.

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Explore and Draw ‘Spring’ with artist Luna Zsigo – 10:30am – 1:30pm

Unitarian Church Chatham, 3 Hammond Hill, Chatham ME4

FREE – book via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/545914945297

Join local artist Luna Zsigo for an uplifting ‘Art for All’ workshop at The Unitarian Church, Chatham, all abilities welcome.  Inspired by female artists, let’s come together to celebrate the beginning of Spring, a season of rebirth, renewal and hope.  There will be lots of reference images provided, however please feel free to bring along your favourite spring flower/s and/ or any images that you enjoy, relating to Spring.  All art materials are provided, you can bring your own too if you wish.  Refreshments & biscuits included.  You are welcome to bring along a packed lunch. 

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Hartley Owls – 11:00am – 4:00pm

Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

FREE – drop in, no need to book

Come and meet the Hartley Owls – captive rescue birds that people either don’t want or can’t look after.  See the owls close-up and learn all about these beautiful birds.

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Old High Street Intra Heritage Walks with Mrs Bakers Medway Theatre Company – 11:30am, 2:00pm and 3:30pm

Meet outside Chatham House, 349 High Street, Rochester ME1 1DA

FREE – book via: medwayartstours@gmail.com

Discover the heritage of the Old High Street Intra with a free one-hour guided tour of the area – lean about life in Medway with tour guides from Regency gentlemen to a Napoleonic prisoner of war.  With thanks to Mrs Bakers Medway Theatre Company and Arts Council England.  This project is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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Rochester Film Society:  BELLE (120) (JAP) 122mins – 2:00pm-4:00pm

Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

FREE – book via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/541149541847

This beautiful, big-hearted anime from director Mamoru Hosoda (Mirai) sees shy teen Suzu enters the virtual world of “U” where she escapes into the persona of Belle, a world-famous singer, and together with a mysterious creature who interrupted her concert, she embarks on a quest full of adventures to discover her true self.  Director: Mamoru Hosoda.  Cast: Kylie McNeill, Manny Jacinto, Jessica DiCicco, Brandon Engman, Hunter Schafer.

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Rochester Film Society: AFTERSUN (12) (UK) 101mins – 6:00pm-8:00pm

Sun Pier House, Medway Street, Chatham ME4 4HF

FREE – book via:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/541197394977

The stunning debut from Scottish writer-director Charlotte Wells juxtaposes a hopeful coming-of-age story with a poignant family portrait, as 11-year-old Sophie (Frankie Corio) treasures the days spent with her loving and idealistic father, Callum (Paul Mescal) at a fading holiday resort in the late 1990s and then, twenty years later, reflects on their time together and the closeness of their father-daughter relationship.  Director: Charlotte Wells.  Cast: Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio, Celia Rowlson-Hall, Kayleigh Coleman.

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Some Kinda Cultcha – 8:00pm

Poco Loco, 58-60 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Contact venue for details: https://www.facebook.com/PocoLive

World Dance Music beats and rhythms from the global underground.

Sunday 26 March

Tours of Chatham Memorial Synagogue – 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm and 3:00pm

Chatham Memorial Synagogue, 366 High Street, Rochester ME1 1DJ

Free – book via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/566341421437

Visit this unique and exceptional historic Grade II* listed site; experience the finest substantial example of a late 19th Century British Synagogue in the Romanesque style with its exceptionally richly decorated interior and unique attached cemetery.  Learn about the Jewish community in Medway, compare religions, look at “Leper’s Walk”, or just admire the beauty of this wonderful building- just don’t miss this rare opportunity to visit!

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Create a Mixed Media flower bouquet Workshop – 7:00pm-9:00pm

Poco Loco, 58-60 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Free – no need to book.

With Kent Illustration Network (KIN).  Work with a variety of materials to create an expressive and unique illustration.  Materials will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own.

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Gundulf’s Experience – 7:30pm

Rams Micro Pub 12 Degrees, 352 High Street, Rochester ME1 1DJ

FREE – Numbers are strictly limited by space. Contact venue for details.

Traditional folk music session with singers and musicians from the Rochester-based Bishop

Gundulf’s Morris and friends.

 

• Catriona Faulkner

Intra Arts, 337-341 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1DA

Window exhibition, visible 24/7 – 17^th – 26^th March

Free, no need to book

Glorious mixed media artworks scrutinise pain, ritual, and devotion. Employing assemblage and hand stitch methods to communicate and examine her own life and relationship living with a chronic pain condition and related health issues.

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• Rachel Moore || I Printed That

No.64 Coffee & Brunch, 64 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4DS

Open: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 3pm

Free, no need to book

A mix of monotypes and typography created using screen printing techniques, gel plates and linocut. Rachel runs relaxed printmaking workshops from her studio in Rochester.

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• *TBC*

Poco Loco, 58-60 High Street, Chatham ME4 4DS

Open: 12:30pm – 4pm

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• Various Artists and ‘The Wild Escape’ community exhibition

Sun Pier House, Sun Pier, Medway Street, Chatham, ME4 4HF

Open: Wednesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm

Free, no need to book

With multiple exhibition spaces, come and discover work by local artists and explore The Riverside Gallery as it is transformed into wild, creative habitats inspired by woodlands, skies, urban nights, and rivers.