Whether you like to converge on one big stage or hop from one pop up venue to another, Kent has an amazing range of music festivals lined up for 2023. With big name acts in rock, pop, ska, soul, folk to experimental, you can enjoy a boutique boogie-fest by the sea or get literally lost in music at the park...
Slap on some suncream, dig out the wellies (just in case!) and check out our line-up of some of the best festivals to grace Kent’s stage this year...
THE SOUNDCRASH FUNK & SOUL WEEKENDER - Dreamland
2nd - 4th June, Margate
Dreamland is a festival-goers heaven this summer! Craig Charles, Hot 8 Brass Band and more take to the stage in June - the perfect time for a festival. If you need more summer music at Dreamland check out their events schedule for the likes of Bastille to The Human League!
Black Deer Festival
16th - 18th June
Possibly the UK's finest Americana and Country festival will be returning to Tunbridge Wells for 2023, bringing with it scores of top artists, including The Pretenders, Bonnie Raitt and Nathaniel Rateliff, Black Deer Festival comes back to Eridge Park for a full weekend.
Enjoy a taste of the southern states...
Nearest Station - Frant
Rhythm in Oaks
1st July
Sevenoaks is getting ready to bring you a whole day of musical magic at Rhythm in Oaks this summer. As well as an awesome line up of musicians, there will also be a host of other entertainments to enjoy – food stalls, drinks, games, local sellers, and even a graffiti wall! Spend the day enjoying the live music and wandering around the delights on offer. With dogs allowed too, this is one for you to enjoy with your two and four legged friends! Check out their Instagram for the chance to win some goodies, and to keep up to date with any new info.
Gravesham Riverside Festival
1st July
Set with a River Thames background, this Gravesend Saturday festival will be headlined by 90's Brit-Pop band Dodgy, known for 1996 top-10 'Good Enough', supported by a raft of tribute musicians - including Dua Lipa and Stevie Wonder, alongside local bands Beer Pressure and Skabretta. To give it that truly festival atmosphere, there's entertainment for all the family at the Fort Gardens throughout the day, including a children’s party and performances, party games, workshops and even a Smith’s Funfair. Equally as impressive is the fact that this whole event is free to attend!
Deal Music and Arts Festival
7th - 16th July
There’s something irresistible about the combination of summer, the seaside and wonderful music in the air. The Deal Festival is a unique celebration of all three – great classical and contemporary music from some of the world’s finest music-makers, as well as theatre, opera, cinema and dance – in the beautiful and historic surroundings of Deal and Dover on England’s south coast.
Nearest station: Deal
JAM on the Marsh
4th July - 16th July
Curated by Nicholas Cleobury, JAM on the Marsh returns to the medieval churches, pubs and stunning landscape of Romney Marsh, bringing you a thrilling festival of outstanding music, theatre, poetry and exhibitions. Highlights include an evening of French classical music such as Debussy and Berlioz, the opera Hansel and Gretel and open-air Love's Labour's Lost.
Tonbridge Music Weekend
7th - 9th July, Tonbridge
Get ready for fun and music at Tonbridge Castle as some of the best tribute acts sing the songs you know and love! Sing and dance to your favourite Queen and Steve Wonder numbers to West End musical showtunes and rock anthems!
Pub in the Park
7th - 9th July, Tunbridge Wells
Pub in the Park returns to Dunorlan Park this July! It’s a chilled out celebration of food, drink and music in Tunbridge Wells, and this year their headliners include McFly, Sister Sledge, Rudimental and House Gospel Choir on the music and Si King, Matt Tebbutt and more on the live cooking shows.
Nearest station - Tunbridge Wells
Leeds Castle Classical Concert
8th July
The Leeds Castle Classical Concert promises to be a highlight this festival season. Enjoy world-class music, captivating performers and fireworks, all set against the stunning backdrop of Leeds Castle - bring a picnic, bring the family, bring a candelabra! Be sure to book up as these tickets sell out fast!
Rochester Castle Concerts
Various dates in July
Taking a wander through to Rochester Castle is an event in itself as you're drawn into the history of the area, but throughout July there are music events that will bring even more life into the town. Huge international including Nile Rodgers, Soft Cell and the Sugababes will come to Rochester Castle Concerts in July and promise to bring that festival atmosphere to the Medway town.
Nearest station - Rochester
Music at the Mote
Various dates, Ightham Mote
Get your picnic blankets, mini scotch eggs and deck chairs at the ready to sing along to Music at the Mote this summer as they've got a full schedule of musical events such as Medieval music, The Dial Band and more. Sit back, unwind and dance away the evening as you listen to live music in the grounds of the stunning, 14th century Ightham Mote.
Nearest Station- The Plough Ivy Hatch
Blue Reef Music Festival
21st to 22nd July
The Blue Reef Music Festival is back for another year, and its all about keeping a healthy mix of rock bands through to acoustic, so there really is something for everyone across the two stages. The food and drink is all locally sourced (including some made from the crops grown right there on Loddington Farm) with some world cuisine thrown in too. Enjoy work from talented artists, including the making of a street art piece over the course of the weekend and a further celebration of surfing and skating culture such as VW campervans and motorcycles.
Margate Soul Festival
4th-6th August, Margate
A soul festival by the sea in one of Kent’s coolest coastal towns, sounds pretty good, right? Carnival street parties, outdoor live shows and an eclectic mix of nightlight all help make this festival one of the best summer events in Kent this year. The specatacular venues include Dreamland's Hall By The Sea & The Ballroom and Olby's Soul Cafe. Trust us, this one sells out quickly, so make sure you don’t miss out for their 21st edition!
Rock the Mote
5th & 6th August
The ultimate rock and roll festival returns to Mote Park for another year this summer, with a jam-packed line-up full of the country’s top tribute bands, including Fleetwood Mac, Guns N’ Roses,David Bowie and more! This event has been very popular with fellow rock and rollers so be quick...
Nearest Station - Maidstone East
Broadstairs Folk Week
11th to 18th August, Broadstairs
Broadstairs Folk Week is once again here! This cornerstone of Kentish celebration is perfect for musical adventures (yes there's even events on the Monday!), those who want to taste local food and drink at the festival bar and food stalls in the park and who wish to have a proper festival experience with camping (we pray for good weather!). If you are camping, there's a Festival Campsite located just a 15 to 20 minute walk from the centre of Broadstairs, and handily a regular mini bus service is available to and from the main Festival venues.
Nearest station - Broadstairs
A New Day
18th - 20th August, Hernhill nr Faversham
Set against the backdrop of the 800-acre Mount Emphraim Gardens in Faversham, this rock, blues and roots festival is offering a sensational line-up this year with over 20 bands. You'll be able to see the likes of Ozric Tentacles, The Zombies and System 7 across the three-day festival wheer you can also camp out in the beautiful settings.. So, what are you waiting for? Early bird tickets are now available!
