Kent’s Spectacular Festival Line-Up For 2025
The wait is over! Kent’s best festivals are well and truly back for another unforgettable celebratory season. Promising a host of fun in the sun, heaps of Kentish excellence and lending the perfect opportunity to spend time with loved ones, our county’s array of annual extravaganzas are something you definitely won’t want to miss.
Whether you are seeking outdoor adventures with the little ones in tow, wanting to gather your best pals to dance the night away to your favourite artists or are a keen foodie searching for the greatest gastronomical delights on offer, 2025’s festival calendar has got you covered. With no better time like the present to start the all-important diary planning, insideKENT has put together a handy guide to some of the county’s top festivals this year – get ready, it’s a good’un!
Image by: Manuel Vason
Edenbridge // Until 17 October
Situated within the grounds of Hever Castle and boasting diverse performances that unite history and magical entertainment, the Festival Theatre will present an extended programme for 2025. Taking place in both the undercover theatre space and outdoor viewing areas, performances this year include a range of outstanding tribute acts, local theatrical groups and even historical showcases from castle curator, Dr Owen Emmerson. Visitors can also opt for a delicious pre-theatre supper or splendid afternoon tea in Hever’s Guthrie Pavilion or bring a picnic to make the most of the beautiful surroundings.
Sacconi Chamber Music Festival
Folkestone // 16 – 18 May
Offering audiences the chance to hear mellifluous string compositions in various intimate settings, the award-winning Sacconi Quartet, joined by the delightful Folkestone Young Strings, will perform five captivating concerts this May as a part of their 18th Chamber Music Festival.
The Chatham Maritime Food and Drink Festival
Chatham // 24 – 26 May
A free-to-attend, family-friendly festival that combines both a vibrant commemoration to Chatham’s rich maritime heritage and a superb display of award-winning local food and drink. With live music and watersports activities, including the popular Medway Sunlight Rotary Dragonboat Race on the Sunday.
Tonbridge // 24 & 25 May
Back and better than ever for another jam-packed weekend of nostalgia is Tonbridge’s TN90’s Festival. Promising good vibes and the hottest tracks of the ‘90s and ‘00s you just can’t help but sing along to, this year’s confirmed headliners include the likes of Ironik, Artful Dodger and Sweet Female Attitude. Pairing with exclusive VIP areas with plush facilities, fully-stocked bars, great food and life-sized games, TN90’s is certainly not one to miss.
Various dates and locations
This festival season will see the return of vibrant parades of love, diversity and inclusivity as we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through a host of spectacular parties, inclusive talks, welcoming workshops and uplifting musical performances. With numerous Kent towns set to join the fun, including Canterbury, Deal, Ashford, Margate and Folkestone, 2025’s Pride celebrations are looking to be bigger and brighter than ever. Be sure to visit the website for more information and to find your local festival.
Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration
Chilham // 7 June
Now in its fourth year, Wine Garden of England’s Summer Celebration is heading back to the idyllic grounds of Chilham Castle with Kent’s award-winning vineyards for another spectacular showcase of the county’s strides within England’s viticulture scene. Look forward to meeting leading producers including Balfour, Biddenden, Chapel Down, Domaine Evremond, Gusbourne, Simpsons, Squerryes, Westwell, and Yotes Court, while sampling acclaimed wines from refreshing sparklings to fine stills. Ticket holders will be given a tasting glass, tote bag and vouchers for the day and can also enjoy food stalls, live entertainment and Q&As with the experts.
Detling // 7 & 8 June
Embark on a positive journey of self-discovery, mindfulness and empowerment at this uplifting festival unlike any other. Take the unique opportunity to join like-minded individuals and learn from the experts from all aspects of the wellness industry, from fitness, nutrition and meditation, to yoga, mindfulness and spirituality – catered to guide both those just beginning their wellness journey and experienced fanatics. Across the two days, look forward to educational workshops, talks, practical classes and readings, as well as revitalising spa treatments and all kinds of self-care goodies from the wellness marketplace.
Birchington // 14 June
Championing providing an inclusive setting for a vibrant day of music and celebration that is accessible to all regardless of ability or impairment, Festability’s fun-filled festival environment has accessibility at the very forefront. Situated in the grounds of Quex Park, the event’s considered line-up of performances and activities caters to all interests with a variety of music genres and attractions on offer including karaoke, silent discos, drumming workshops, fairground rides, adapted sports and games and sensory or chillout zones providing options for quiet time.
Boughton Aluph // 20 – 29 June
Nestled in the heart of the Kent countryside and set against the atmospheric backdrop of the beautiful medieval church of All Saints’ Boughton Aluph, Stour Music is an outstanding festival of early music that takes place across two consecutive weekends. Founded by counter-tenor Alfred Deller, this remarkable festival has brought together incredible musicians from all over the world since its establishment in 1962. This year’s displays of Bach, early instruments, a semi-staged Baroque opera, Mendelssohn, jazz and even fireworks are certain to enthrall and inspire.
Woodchurch // 21 & 22 June
Thought-provoking, collaborative and bursting with creativity, Wealden Literary Festival invites acclaimed and budding writers, speakers, artists, makers and readers who hold a shared adoration for storytelling to come together for an inspiring weekend amongst the great outdoors. Following a day engaging talks, hands-on workshops and outdoor activities, opt for a scenic stay under the stars in the classic camping or stylish glamping facilities.
Sevenoaks // 21 June – 6 July
From an outdoor art exhibition and magnificent orchestra concerts to guided community walks to explore the historical sights and countryside of Sevenoaks, this year’s programme for the Sevenoaks Summer Festival is gearing up to being one of their best yet. Taking place in various venues across the town, the festival, with joyous involvement from schools, groups and residents, is a much-loved community occasion and a special start to the new season.
Canterbury // 25 June – 1 July
Having firmly staked its place within Kent’s not-to-be-missed events calendar for its esteemed programme that combines both world renowned artists and heaps of community spirit, St Edmund’s heralded Festival on the Hill will return again this sunny June for another week-long celebration of music, art, drama and sport. Sure to be a hit, the festival will kick off with a greatly-anticipated performance from the world’s leading Beatles tribute band, The Bootleg Beatles, before the uber-talented Ronnie Scott’s All Stars deliver exceptional jazz flair at An Afternoon at the Movies. Other festival highlights include the Sunday sporting sessions, a vibrant art exhibition and an inspiring singing workshop with acclaimed vocal coach and returning festival favourite, Mark De-Lisser.
Ashford // 28 June
Be sure to save the date as Elwick Place’s ASHFOOD! prepares for its third year celebrating Kent’s growing food and drink scene as part of Ashford’s Food & Drink Festival. With exclusive offerings from Elwick’s very own Matches Sports Bar and The Ashford Cinema, this free-to-enter community extravaganza boasts a packed line-up of entertainment the whole family can get on board with. A myriad of stalls from thriving producers and vendors serving up delicious sweet treats, refreshing tipples and global cuisine eats are set to pitch up in the venue’s long-standing Piazza and the lively DJ sets, free children’s crafts and fantastical face painting taking place throughout the day will ensure for a family day out to remember.
Headcorn // 28 & 29 June
With 2025 marking its 10th anniversary at Headcorn Aerodrome, this year’s Battle of Britain Air Show promises a particularly special commemoration of Kent’s flying heritage. Be transported back in time through one-of-a-kind air displays in the very airspace where the Battle of Britain took place over 80 years ago, feel immersed in captivating re-enactments and enjoy popular family attractions. Bookable flight line rides, exclusive viewing areas and chances to get up close to the remarkable aircrafts are also set to thrill visitors of all ages.
East Kent // 3 – 13 July
Stretching across the coastal towns of Deal, Walmer, Sandwich and Dover, this fine creative showcase has brought the best in the arts to East Kent for over 40 years. Join world-class classical, jazz and folk concerts, theatrical performances, author talks, guided walks, films and children’s events, including performances from festival president Lucy Crowe OBE and the Fantasia Orchestra, Wild Arts with Donizetti’s opera The Elixir of Love and Tomorrow’s Warriors Big Band.
Detling // 4, 5 & 6 July
Every year, The Kent County Show transforms the grounds of the Kent Event Centre for a joyous three-day showcase of all things agricultural excellence throughout the county. Visitors are invited to meet the animals at the tents, watch upon prestigious equine classes and taste divine local food and drink. The fun however doesn’t stop there as an abundance of stalls packed with Kentish gifts, treats and produce, workshops in crafting and circus skills, and nostalgic fairground rides also await to be discovered. Organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society whose mission is to support local farming practices, this cherished celebration raises vital funds to support our Garden of England in continuing its incredible contributions to food, farming and countryside life.
Thanet & Tunbridge Wells // 5 & 19 July
Excitedly arriving at two Kent locations this summer, Quex Park and Eridge Park, is the UK’s only touring sausage and cider festival. Interactive, light-hearted and unforgettable, excite the senses with over 30 ciders and 20 sausage flavours from all over the world, battle it out in one of the fiery eating competitions and show off your best dance moves as top DJs and artists take to the stage.
Image by: Matt Rowe
Folkestone // 19 July – 19 October
Bringing ambitious new commissions by extraordinary artists to public spaces throughout the contemporary coastal gem of Folkestone, the sixth edition of this hugely popular exhibition will take visitors on an enlightening journey into the town’s rich past. Directed for the first time by Sorcha Carey, this Triennial’s theme will thoroughly explore the geology and geography of Folkestone, excavating the bedrock and bonebeds which have shaped the origins of human settlement in the town.
Broadstairs // 8 – 15 August
2025 marks the 60th anniversary for this well-established festival which is firmly set in the calendars of folk fans up and down the country. From the Bandstand to the Sailing Club, multiple venues across Broadstairs will display fantastic musicians, dancers and performers, and as extra special celebrations are in order for the momentous occasion of 60 wonderful years, visitors can expect a few surprises along the way, too.
Faversham // 15 – 17 August
An eclectic celebration that features the best in prog-rock, classic rock, blues and roots music, all in the setting of the manicured Mount Ephraim Gardens of Faversham. Thoughtfully-curated by enthusiastic music lovers, 2025’s stellar acts including Colosseum, Soft Machine, David Cross Band and more, will perform across two stages running alternatively, meaning you don’t have to miss a moment of your favourite artists. To make the most of all this popular festival has to offer, join the pre-festival chill out evening on Thursday and camp out to be near the action.
Manston // 16 & 17 August
Marking the first major aviation event at Manston’s storied airport since 2013, this year will also welcome the greatly-anticipated Manston International Airshow. Bringing the skies of Thanet to life, this exhilarating air and land based show will see magnificent heritage aircrafts take on dynamic displays and nod to the illustrious past of this iconic aviation landmark.
Biddenden // 16 & 17 August
With so much to see, do and discover including 200 and counting tractors, steam engines, horticultural machinery, stationary engines and classic cars, you are going to want to keep the whole weekend free for this buzzing August fest. Alongside live music and tasty eats and refreshments, ticket holders can enjoy a plenty of stalls, demonstrations, children’s entertainment, animals and dazzling arena displays including falconry, dog and sheep shows. For those looking to get hands-on with activities, craft exhibits such as wood turning and spinning and chainsaw carving will also take place at various intervals.
Chatham // 20 & 21 September
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is stepping back in time once again to the remarkable era that was the 40s for their annual vintage spectacular. Gathering visitors to experience glittering entertainment, authentic vehicles, enthralling reenactors and a whole lot of historical fun, the festival will feature an immersive air raid shelter experience, a treasure-filled vintage market and an array of traditional food, drink and games. There will also be plenty of opportunities to take to the dance floor as the best swinging beats of the era light up the main stage.
Broadstairs // 3 – 5 October
Offering free entry and set against the glorious backdrop of the Thanet coast, Broadstairs Food Festival proudly boasts a splendid showcase of Kent’s incredible independents and artisanal makers, striving to keep the local community at the heart of its growing endeavours. Beckoning foodies from afar to spend a wholesome autumn weekend watching live chef demonstrations and tasting exquisite flavour creations, stalls will be stocked with an abundance of goodies for all tastes, from high-quality cheeses, preserves and homemade bakes to award-winning wines, ciders and ales.
Canterbury // Autumn 2025
Canterbury Festival’s two-week arts extravaganza will return this autumn to bring more exceptional talent and creativity to the heart of the historic city. Displaying remarkable artists, musicians, educators and makers through a series of classical concerts, unique gigs, theatre performances, talks and family events, the festival’s line-up is a recognised annual highlight that supports the team’s extensive year round community programme. Keep up to date as full festival details are announced soon.
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