ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT Kent’ s Unmissable 2026 Festivals cont...
27 JUNE Beer & BBQ Festival, Faversham macknade. com
Back for its third year, renowned food hall Macknade’ s flavourpacked Beer & BBQ Festival makes its return for another mouthwatering day filled with craft beer, barbecue, street food and live music for all ages. Hungry festivalgoers will love watching skilled chefs and butchers in action as Smokey Rebel hosts a range of live cooking demonstrations, as well as sampling the brilliant tipple lineup of pale ales, stouts and ciders from local producers. Other festival highlights include high-energy performances from GrooveZoo, Heroes, The East Kent Rock Choir and Jam Sandwich, a bustling BBQ Marketplace offering opportunities to speak with experts and discover the latest outdoor cooking equipment, and free activities for little ones.
27- 28 JUNE Headcorn International Airshow, Headcorn headcornairshow. com
History is brought to life at this inaugural airshow set against the historic backdrop of classic World War II airfield, Headcorn Aerodrome. Promising an unforgettable weekend, get ready to be swept up in the story of what once was with a constantly evolving programme of flying displays and static exhibits that celebrates aviation in all its forms- from the earliest years of powered flight and classic warbirds all the way up to the electronic aircraft of the future. The ground show is sure to be just as thrilling with futuristic and ancient static aircraft, an international food offering and brilliant traders.
3- 5 JULY Rochester Castle Live, Rochester rochestercastlelive. com
Rochester Castle Live showcases another incredible lineup of open-air concerts this July. With the historic grounds of Rochester providing an atmospheric backdrop for soaking up summer sounds, this dazzling concert series is known best for its lineup of world-class artists. This year is set to be one of its very best with Ministry of Sound Classical performing all the iconic 90’ s anthems reimagined by an enchanting 31-piece orchestra, indie rock legends The Libertines taking to the stage with support acts Maximo Park, Kid Kapichi and Opus Kink, and the beloved McFly headlining fresh from sellout tours.
3- 12 JULY Deal Music & Arts Festival, Deal dealmusicandarts. com
This enthralling coastal festival has brought the very best in the arts to East Kent for over 40 years. Welcoming great musicians, talented actors and distinguished writers to the towns of Deal, Walmer, Sandwich and Dover to enrich, inspire and celebrate both established and up-and-coming creativity, get ready as Deal Music & Arts Festival once again takes over the coast for another 10 days packed with culture. Embark on a historic walking tour of Deal, join a creative writing workshop with poet, educator and mentor Jacob Sam-La Rose, and be sure to grab a coveted ticket for a spellbinding performance from renowned musicians Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason.
8- 12 JULY JAM on the Marsh, Romney Marsh jamconcert. org
Set within an array of unexpected settings, medieval churches and community spaces, annual multi-arts festival JAM on the Marsh has long brought together many of the UK’ s most celebrated performers, ensembles and creative voices for a festival like no other. With its chosen landscapes shaping every event, the atmosphere and the way artists and audiences connect, 2026’ s anticipated outing will build on more than a
decade of artistic ambition, beckoning even more new music, stellar artists, theatre, film and visual art to the many stages of beautiful Romney Marsh.
18 JULY Priory Live, Orpington priorylive. co. uk
Fantastic one-day festival held in Orpington Priory Gardens founded from a pure love of original live music. Now a growing grassroots music festival that only showcases bands and artists that create and perform their own work, Priory Live supports some of the best indie music artists. This year, Professor Green, Republica, Heartless Crew and Maze are among its unique act lineup, with the restorative wellness gardens and dedicated Kids’ Zone also making their return alongside an array of delicious global food and drink to keep everyone fuelled for dancing the night away!
18 JULY Sausage & Cider Festival, Birchington sausageandciderfest. co. uk
The UK’ s only touring Sausage and Cider Festival, visiting over 30 different locations across the country, is heading back to Thanet’ s Quex Park this summer for more sampling of some of the world’ s finest sausage and ciders flavours. Joined by a silent disco, axe throwing, a festival market and drum and circus workshops, festivalgoers can test their skills in one of the eating competitions and sing their hearts out to top tribute acts.
25 JULY Maidstone River Festival, Maidstone maidstoneriverfestival. com
JAM ON THE MARSH
A long-loved family-friendly festival set on the historic River Medway running through the heart of Maidstone, expect dressed up boats, raft races and plentiful fun and games for the whole family. Following the local’ s favourite annual Raft Race, where teams of daring rafters navigate the 650m stretch of river to the Archbishop’ s Palace, the evening celebrations bring illuminated boats and paddleboarders alongside the Firmin Family Fireworks Spectacular.
36 • www. insidekent. co. uk