KENTSTAYCATION
inside THE FESTIVAL :
THE KNOCKHOLT FEST
SEVENOAKS SPLENDOUR
THE KNOCKHOLT FEST IS A COMMUNITY MUSIC AND STREET FOOD FESTIVAL SET ON A FAMILY FARM IN A BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE . IT IS PERFECT FOR ATTENDEES WHO WANT A WONDERFUL DAY TO RELAX AND ENJOY GREAT MUSIC AND FOOD IN A RELAXED AND PEACEFUL SETTING . THE FESTIVAL , HELD IN KNOCKHOLT , SEVENOAKS , IS DUE TO LAUNCH ON THE 5 AUGUST 2023 AND insideKENT CAUGHT UP MICHAEL CUTTING , FOUNDER OF THE KNOCKHOLT FEST TO FIND OUT MORE .
Tell us a bit more about you , your team and your vision for The Knockholt Fest ?
We wanted to create a festival that we would enjoy attending ourselves with incredible street food , amazing live music , top DJs and lots of fun activities for the little ones to enjoy , all at an affordable price . I got introduced to Jay , who has run the very successful Kent Food Fest for the past seven years , and we got on so well that we wanted to create something in Knockholt . He has over 20 years ’ experience in the music industry , community charity events and music and food festivals so we knew he would be the perfect partnership .
What can guests expect when they arrive at The Knockholt Fest ?
We have a lineup of different styles of live music on our main stage which includes acoustics from the headlining legendary Finley Quaye (‘ Love Gets Sweeter Everyday ’), along with an amazing choice of five food trucks each bringing their own unique style of food and incredible activities , rides and face painting , not forgetting the brilliant The Outdoors Project who will bring so much fun for all the little ones to enjoy . There is also an Ibiza DJ tent , award-winning craft beers , lagers and wines - everything you would expect at a fantastic summertime British country festival .
We understand you are also supporting a local charity . Can you tell us a bit more about that ?
We are supporting a brilliant Sevenoaks-based charity who support families that are in financial hardship . Upon speaking to the chair of trustees , I knew they were the right charity to support , not only because of the financial hardship in the world that families are currently suffering , but also their approach to spend only 1 % of donated funds to the running of the charity , meaning 99 % of funds go to people in need . I am very excited to partner with them , not only for this event but also moving forward to do all I can to help .
What other project are you working on ?
I am proud to be creating The Knockhot Retreat , a farm-based glamping retreat for all the family to enjoy . I ’ m creating a getaway from the day-to-day life of stress , technology and hustle and bustle to a farmland oasis of bell tents , fire pits , BBQs , beautiful countryside walks , children ’ s activity areas and just generally being able to utilise the amazing countryside space with all the family in such a beautiful setting .
Can you tell us a bit more about this and what we can expect from your retreat ?
The Knockholt Retreat is a vision I had when I lived in Australia . It ' s an opportunity to unwind from day-to-day life with all the family enjoying the great outdoors , making fires , stargazing and just being at one with the beautiful nature on offer . My vision is to create a truly off-grid experience where our daily use of electric , mobile phones and video games is not even thought about .
What are the things you are most proud of regarding your two new projects ?
The aim of The Knockholt Retreat is to appeal to everyone and to encourage them to forget about using technology as there will be so much fun to be had making fires , sleeping under the stars , and partaking in treasure hunts , outdoors sports and recreation , cooking on the BBQ for breakfast , lunch and dinner , and enjoying the wildlife and activity areas . I am also proud to have created The Knockholt Fest to support the best in upcoming local talent whether that be through the music , food or produce they are bringing to the event ; there really is something for all the family at this festival no matter what age .
www . theknockholtfest . com
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