ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
FESTIVALS ARE BACK :
KENT ’ S UNBEATABLE 2022 LINEUP
FESTIVALS IN KENT
SPRING IS IN FULL SWING , AND WITH THE WARMER WEATHER CREEPING IN ( SLOWLY ), WHAT BETTER TIME TO START GETTING SOME FESTIVALS PENCILLED IN THE DIARY TO LOOK FORWARD TO . FROM ROCK TO FOLK , BOOKS TO HISTORY , AND A WHOLE LOT OF FOOD AND BOOZE , HERE ’ S insideKENT ’ S GUIDE TO SOME OF THE COUNTY ’ S BEST FESTIVALS IN 2022 – AND THE LINEUPS ARE SOMETHING ELSE ! PICNIC BLANKETS ( AND WELLIES ) AT THE READY …
© Ania Shrimpton
BLACK DEER FESTIVAL
Proms in the Park , Mote Park , Maidstone // 28 May
Prepare for a day of magnificent music , community spirit and unforgettable entertainment in one of Maidstone ’ s glorious parklands ; this year with a Jubilee twist . Dress up , sit back , relax and enjoy the serene surroundings of Mote Park while listening to the fabulous lineup of musical acts including Whatman Park Riverstage , who will be providing the backdrop to this year ' s unforgettable afternoon and evening of music . Celebrate in style with the local Maidstone Wind Symphony and dance along to Invicta Jazz , the Hazlitt Choir , Fred Clark and The Ashatones . Hot food , Pimms , craft beer , cider and various other drinks will be available . www . facebook . com / promsinthepark
Wine Garden of England Summer Festival , Squerryes Court , Westerham // 29 May
Stroll through the beautiful backdrop of Squerryes Court and embark on a day full of great English wine . Meet and sample wines from eight vineyards that make up the Wine Garden of England and sample some tasty local food while learning all about the industry , and what makes Kentish wine so special . www . winegardenofengland . co . uk / festival
Summerlove Festival , Mote Park , Maidstone // 4 June
An all new reggae and ska festival is set to grace Maidstone ’ s Mote Park this Jubilee bank holiday weekend , and it ’ s the one they are all talking about . The ultimate reggae experience will include performances from renowned act UB40 featuring Ali Campbell , alongside Aswad , The Dualers , General Levy , and the Bob Marley Revival . There ’ s a whole lot more to summer love than just the music too - with its very own street food festival , stalls will be serving up the best Caribbean cuisine as well as other worldly dishes for the whole family to enjoy . Adults can also head to the bar for a Summer Love rum punch or two while the kiddies play on the festival funfair or enjoy one of the many other activities . This is a festival with something for everyone ! www . parklivekent . com / summer-love-home
Black Deer Festival , Tunbridge Wells // 17-19 June
Immerse yourself in all things Americana at this award-winning festival that promises a one-of-a-kind weekend experience . Taking place in the picturesque setting of Eridge Park , Britain ’ s oldest deer park located on the Kent and East Sussex border and very close to Royal Tunbridge Wells , this cultural haven festival is just a short one-hour train ride from London . Expect an array of authentic Americanastyle smokin ’ eateries that will transport you to America ’ s deep south , bespoke custom motorcycle showcases where you ’ ll feel the true growl of Americana culture , and a woodland tribe fit for the little ones - all set to the backing soundtrack of a fantastic musical lineup . This year ' s stellar performers include the fantastic Jake Bugg , Foy Vance , The Felice Brothers , The Waterboys , Courtney Marie Andrews and Sunday ’ s finishing headline act , Van Morrison . This is a place to not only see the bands you know and love , but to uncover and discover the bands that you are going to love ! www . blackdeerfestival . com
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