ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
Kent’ s Unmissable 2026 Festivals cont...
30- 31 MAY Tonbridge Food Festival, Tonbridge tonbridgecastle. org
BEER & BBQ FESTIVAL
Calling all local foodies! Held on the Bailey Lawn of Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge Food Festival is set to delight the taste buds as over 70 stallholders pitch up for a two-day, free-to-enter extravaganza. Try, taste and buy from a host of stalls selling a delicious range of food and drink produced in Kent and beyond- from cheeses, breads, cakes and sweet treats to locally roasted coffee and specialist teas. There’ s also plenty of entertainment to look forward to including an exciting programme of cooking demonstrations from popular local chefs, food producers and local food writers, and enticing global tasting menus.
JUNE- AUGUST( various dates) Pride, Multiple locations across Kent Check online for individual websites
A vivid, uplifting celebration of love and self in all its forms, Pride will once again light up Kent’ s towns with its vibrant LGBTQ + community spectaculars. Championing diversity, equality and identity, Pride’ s colourful parades, greatly anticipated music lineups and inclusive entertainment are not to be missed. Tonbridge, Canterbury, Folkestone, Margate and Deal are among the many locations set to join the fun, each planning a host of positive events during the sunny season for all to enjoy.
5- 6 JUNE CAMRA Real Ale & Cider Festival, Tenterden kesr. org. uk
One for the real ale aficionados, Kent & East Sussex Railway’ s Tenterden Town station will once again play host to this beloved ale and cider celebration. Sample a wide range of real ales, ciders and Perry at the station’ s festival setup, or enjoy them as you travel through beautiful Wealden countryside onboard a heritage steam train. Tuck into plentiful festival eats and watch upon great live music, with confirmed acts so far including Bromley vs Pilcher, KB4 and Curb Pilots.
12- 14 JUNE Sound Bites, Tunbridge Wells sound-bites. co. uk
Brand-new for 2026, Sound Bites is preparing to transform Tunbridge Wells’ Dunorlan Park into a fantastic long weekend packed with flavour, music and social dining. This thrilling new foodie spectacular promises endless food and drink experiences, alongside top live bands, DJs and emerging artists, and a fabulous programme of chef-focused events. Look forward to BrewDog x Ginger Wings’ Big Wing Weekend and The Classics Feasts where pop-up restaurants and top chefs, including Atul Kochhar, serve pub-style British favourites and classic Indian dishes, and The Firepit Stage & Feasts, where smoky flavours and BBQ twists are served straight from the flames.
19- 28 JUNE Stour Music Festival, Boughton Aluph stourmusic. org. uk
Tucked away amongst rolling countryside in the enchanting medieval church of All Saints’ Boughton Aluph, Stour Music Festival has been a firm local favourite since it was founded in 1962 by counter-tenor Alfred Deller. Taking place over two consecutive weekends, this well-established festival of early music boasts an exceptional display of musical artistry showcased by remarkable artists from across the globe. This year’ s festival lineup is nothing short of triumphant, with highlights including Handel’ s Music for Royal Occasions performed by The 24( University of York), Lees Court Music and Manchester Baroque, and Master Byrd, a play looking back on William Byrd’ s life- with live music from London’ s The Renaissance Singers.
20- 21 JUNE Wealden Literary Festival, Woodchurch wealdenliteraryfestival. co. uk
SOUND BITES
Launched in 2015, Wealden Literary Festival was born from a simple idea: to provide a space where people could slow down, come together and connect with nature. Set amongst over 100 acres of ancient woodland, the festival brings together readers, writers and wanderers of all ages to share their love of wild places and storytelling. Take part in talks with acclaimed authors, hands-on workshops and inspirational outdoor activities, and even camp in the designated Dark Sky Zone to enjoy evenings spent sharing stories under the stars. www. insidekent. co. uk • 35