Kent’s Coastal Week is a programme of free and subsidised events around the 350 miles of our coast. What’s On headed off for a breath of sea air.

Sea slugs and sea creatures, a beach hut made from bottles, cartoon characters and artists from Turner Contemporary will all share a marquee in Whitstable this weekend to mark the start of Kent’s Coastal Week.

Events at the marquee run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 22, and Sunday, October 23.

On both days, visitors to the harbour will be able to enjoy inspiring free creative events, workshops and demonstrations, including the opportunity to make their own unique ceramic tile for artwork that will brighten an area of the harbour.

On Sunday, October 23, Kent’s Coastal Week sponsor, Southern Water, will show how to make mulch and advise on the best plants to conserve water in coastal gardens.

Another sponsor, wind farm company London Array, will be providing scientific and creative workshops, including the chance to make a whirligig.

Event organiser Catriona Campbell said: “There are so many opportunities to be creative in Kent’s coastal towns whatever the weather.

“This year’s Kent’s Coastal Week programme has been inspired by the Creative Coast and includes almost 100 mainly free events, from Dartford to Dungeness, via the Medway towns, Whitstable, Herne Bay and Margate.”

The Creative Coast at Whitstable launch event will bring together creative people from destinations on the Kent coast, including Turner Contemporary, the Horsebridge Arts Centre and the Creative Quarter in Folkestone, to encourage people to explore the coast and be creative.

Visit Kent chairman Amanda Cottrell said: “The many events on offer celebrate not only Kent’s unrivalled and diverse coastline but also all the creative people who live near our renowned beaches and marshlands or are inspired by them.”

Also in Kent Coastal Week

CRAFTS

Turner Contemporary, Margate - Sunday, October 30, 1pm to 4pm

Make a beach hut and a hat with a sea theme with Turner Contemporary and Thanet Coast Project. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Info: £2 per child

SEA SAFARI

Boat trip from Ramsgate Harbour - Saturday, October 22, to Sunday, October 30.

See seals on the River Stour, or head along the coast to the bays beneath Kent’s White Cliffs.

Info: A special price of £10. For booking contact Thanet Coast Project 01843 577672 or see www.thanetcoast.org.uk.

BOAT CRUISE

Boat trip from Gillingham Pier - Saturday, October 22, 10.30am to 4.30pm

All aboard the Julie-Sue for a day out on the estuary and get close to wildlife. Bring a packed lunch and waterproof clothing.

Info: £15 a head, to book ring 01634 233957 and mention Coastal Week.

COME TO THE BEACH

Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs - Sunday, October 23, 3pm

Explore the shore with a marine ecologist. Ages four years and over.

Info: Free, to reserve a place ring Thanet Coast Project on 01843 577672

FAMILY MARINE DAY

Reculver Visitor Centre, near Herne Bay - Monday, October 24, 1pm to 4pm

Join in with fun 'fishy’ activities and marine displays and go rock pooling on the beach at 1.30pm.

Info: Kent Wildlife Trust, 01227 740676

FIND WILDLIFE

RSPB Dungeness nature reserve, Dungeness Road, Lydd - Wednesday, October 26, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Follow the footprints and trails left behind by the mammals that live on the reserve. Have a go at making plaster casts, follow a poo trail and investigate owl pellets.

Info: Free but booking is essential. Ring 01797 320588 or see www.rspb.org.uk for information.

Kent’s Coastal Week runs from Saturday, October 22, to Sunday, October 30. The Kent’s Coastal Week programme can be downloaded fromwww.kent.gov.uk/coastalweek