Festivals Coming Up This Spring In Kent & Sussex
The days are getting longer and weather warmer – so it’s time to get ready for festival fever. Here we take a look at 10 great festivals you'll want to put in your diary!
Top Image Photo by Aranxa Esteve on Unsplash
3rd-5th July 2026: Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival, Sandwich
This annual celebration of music, culture and community will be taking place for the 14th time this year on 3rd-5th July. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque town in Kent, Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival was established with a passion for preserving the rich traditions of folk music and the art of brewing. The beloved gathering brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy a weekend filled with captivating melodies, flavourful ales and a vibrant atmosphere. Kent singer/songwriter Will Varley is set to headline the festival launch at St Mary’s Arts Centre on Friday 3rd July, with more line-up details set to be announced.
24th & 25th July 2026: Blue Reef Festival, Loddington Farm, Maidstone
This summer Blue Reef Festival will be returning to Loddington Farm for two days of live music, great food and festival vibes. Set in the heart of the Kent countryside, the sixth edition of this festival will be set across five stages, offering the chance to see an eclectic line-up, including legendary headline acts including Kula Shaker, Sleeper and Stereo MC's, as well as rising talent. There will also be creative workshops, family-friendly activities, DJs, street food, bars and more.
31st July to 2nd August 2026: Margate Soul Weekender, Newgate Lower Promenade
Celebrating 25 years of street soul by the sea, Margate Soul Weekender is back this summer filled with live acts and DJs across three days. Non-stop soul will be available across three stages with acts including Incognito, Brass Construction, Change, Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson, Shaun Escoffery, The Real Thing, Brit Funk Association, Peter Hunnigale, Dave Lee JN, Bobby & Steve, CJ Mackintosh and Seamus Haji. The Sunset Stage is set on the seafront and the new live arena, The Drill Shed, is open all weekend. As Margate Soul Weekender say: “From the beachfront to the afterparties, this is the weekend that defines the soul of the UK.”
21st-23rd August 2026: A New Day Festival, Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham
With great food and drink, craft and music stalls, book signings, camping and glamping, and of course featuring the very best in prog-rock, classic rock, blues and roots music, A New Day Festival is back for 2026 from 21st-23rd August. The three-day festival in the beautiful setting of Mount Ephraim Gardens, this year features Sweet, Peatbog Faeries and Brave Rival on the Friday, Hawkwind, Lindisfarne and Curved Air on the Saturday and Gong, Henge and Martin Turner on the Sunday, among many others.
28th-31st August 2026: Local & Live, Tunbridge Wells
Local & Live festival is a four-day celebration of the best live music and culture in the town and beyond taking place over the August Bank Holiday at Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells – as well as other venues including Tunbridge Wells Forum, Trinity Theatre, The Grey Lady, The Sussex Arms and more to be announced. An annual highlight in the regional events calendar, the festival gives grassroots artists their biggest show of the year. In 2019, Local & Live became a charity with a remit to support, encourage and nurture local music and culture.
29th-31st August 2026: Military Odyssey, Kent County Showground
Held over the August Bank Holiday weekend (29th-31st August 2026) at the Kent County Showground, Detling, Military Odyssey is the largest event of its kind in Europe. Brining together more than 2,000 years of history with immersive displays, re-enactments and living history encampments, it is a unique experience for history enthusiasts and families alike. From trenches and Vietnam War scenes to the Home Front and German strategy, you’ll see history unfold before your eyes. There will also be trade stalls to explore packed with militaria, antiques, uniforms and rare collectibles, or enjoy model displays crafted by international experts. Plus there will be a beer hall with vintage entertainment, dance lessons and music. There is also the chance to camp there.
29th-31st August 2026: We Love Hythe Life Food Festival, Hythe Green
Held every year on the August Bank Holiday weekend, the We Love Hythe Life Food Festival is held on Hythe Green – starting on the Saturday and continuing through to Monday every year. At this three-day event there will be more than 70 stalls and the festival looks to innovate new stalls and new food every year. Entry to the festival is free, with designated parking available on nearby. We Love Hythe Food Festival takes place on the Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 7pm and on the Monday from 11am to 6pm.
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29th-31st August 2026: East Sussex Living History Festival, Hailsham
The East Sussex Living History Festival is being held over the August Bank Holiday Weekend at Michelham Priory in Hailsham. In its fifth year, the festival will feature hundreds of reenactors, hands-on activities, live demonstrations, entertainment and historical encampments. There will also be combat demonstrations, Devilstick Peat, bringing comedy and circus skills, Gallyard Tudor Dancers, and Anderida Border Morris and Mythago Morris. There will also be a bustling medieval-style market and Splendoure Tavern with a fully licensed bar. Plus take the opportunity to enjoy some hands-on activities, including traditional blacksmithing workshops, axe throwing, a Knight's Training Ground for children, craft demonstrations and displays exploring medieval medicine, religious practice, cooking over open fires and chainmail and weapon-making.
Image Hever Festival, Forest Fest 2025
Until December 2026: Festival Theatre 2026 Season, Hever Castle, Chiddingstone Castle & Penshurst Place
The Festival Theatre’s 2026 season, featuring a vibrant family-friendly programme of music, comedy, drama and history, is being staged across three of Kent’s most beautiful historic locations: Hever Castle, Chiddingstone Castle and Penshurst Place. The season includes the enchanting puppetry productions of Flyaway Katie and Kaspar: Prince of Cats followed by a run of classic matinees including The Jungle Book, Pinocchio, Treasure Island and Around the World in 80 Days. Music and tribute acts the whole family will enjoy are brought to life by The Ed Sheeran Experience and Hannah Jenkins as Taylor Swift. Following last year’s success, In the Walled Garden returns on 20th June, transforming the Elizabethan Gardens of Penshurst Place with immersive performance, dining and dancing. Illyria’s As You Like It promises to bring a drama highlight to the programme and music-lovers are in for a treat with Mary Queen of Rock. For history fans they are collaborating with The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich: Feel Like A Tudor! interactive workshops.
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