FESTIVALSEASON
KENT ’ S BEST FESTIVALS 2023 CONT .
© Holland Gladwish Photography
BIDDENDEN TRACTORFEST
Wine Garden of England , Wines in the Vines at Biddenden Vineyard , Ashford // 22 July www . winegardenofengland . co . uk / events
Visit Kent ’ s oldest vineyard and experience a day full of superb English wine , scenic views , expert knowledge and the stories of all seven producers that make up the Wine Garden of England . Enjoy meeting a local cheese producer , with the offering of nibbles too .
Margate Soul Festival , Margate // 4 - 6 August www . margatesoulfestival . co . uk
The three-day party is set to return to Margate this August for the UK ’ s most anticipated Soul Festival . Originally starting in 2002 as a small DJ set , but now , in partnership with Gordon Mac and the team at Mi-Soul Radio , a world recognised event held in and around Margate ’ s harbour and beach , including two new venues : Hall By The Sea and The Ballroom located in Dreamland ’ s theme park . Expect fantastic sea views , DJ-led carnival street parties , beachside programmes and some of the biggest names in British soul . This year ’ s lineup includes Leroy Burgess , Josh Milan , Samm Henshaw and Mad Yella , just to name a few !
Rock the Mote , Mote Park , Maidstone // 5 - 6 August www . parklivekent . com / rock-the-mote-home
Preparing for their biggest year yet with two action packed days including 36 of the UK ’ s most loved tribute acts all across three stages is the ultimate rock ‘ n ’ roll festival , Rock the Mote . From heavy metal and 90 ’ s rock to 00 ’ s pop , this festival is offering it all . Alongside a selection of the very best UK hits , is worldwide cuisine street food , a prosecco , gin and cocktail parlour , a beer , cider and ale village , even a kids funfair ! Why not get amongst the action and camp out over the weekend ; a fantastic way to experience all the delights this festival has to offer .
Broadstairs Folk Week , Broadstairs // 11 - 18 August www . Broadstairsfolkweek . org . uk
A beacon for folk music lovers for over 50 years , and one of the biggest folk festivals in the country , Broadstairs Folk Week promises an event of carefully curated acts and collaborations of community arts , and showcases some of Broadstairs ’ best venues . Visit the Craft and Music Fair at Victoria Gardens , and enjoy a drink from the Festival Bar overlooking the sea . Catch an array of Morris dance displays and performances at The Bandstand every day of the festival , or even pop on your dance shoes and plan a boogie at The Sarah Thorne Theatre , which is open for various events . Get amongst the action and utilise the campsite only a short distance from the centre of the town with regular mini-bus services to and from the main venues throughout the week . Confirmed acts performing at the Queens Road Baptist Centre include Suntou Susso , Jon Wilks , Will Page and many more .
A New Day Festival , Nr Faversham // 18 - 20 August www . anewdayfestival . com
Created by like-minded music lovers who enjoy coming together over good beer , fantastic food and nostalgic music , this three-day festival showcases the very best in prog-rock , classic rock , blue and roots music and is set in the beautiful Mount
Ephraim Gardens . A promising lineup of Nine Below Zero , The Zombies , The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK and more is set to take the stage alongside a selection of bar and food stalls on site . Arrive early , not forgetting your tent to make the most of the excellent camping facilities on offer including electric hookups and provided water , and prepare for a fun-filled summer weekend .
Biddenden Tractorfest , Biddenden // 19 - 20 August www . tractorfest . co . uk
A weekend showcase entering their ninth year , with an expected 200 tractors exhibiting over the weekend as well as plenty of stalls , vehicles , demonstrations , children ' s entertainment , animals and even arena displays , ensuring an interactive experience with something for all ages . Make time to watch the falconry display , or try your hand at trug making , all in the serene setting of the Kent countryside .
Kent Gin Fest , Tonbridge // 26 - 27 August www . kentginfest . com
Returning to The Garden of England this August is the UK ’ S biggest gin festival . Set at the glorious Tonbridge Castle offering a full weekend celebrating extraordinary craftsmanship , accompanied by live entertainment and enticing culinary delights . Showcasing not only fantastic Kent produce , but also independent , small-batch and global gins , local craft beers , fizz and dedicated cocktail bars .
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