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 2025. 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...
Festival feeling at Dreamland
Various dates throughout the summer
Dreamland is a festival-goers heaven this summer. When you step out into the amusement park in the summer you are welcomed by the ferris wheel, historic rides and food and drink outlets, but the loudest thing is their iconic stage! For countless days and evenings this summertime, you can watch live concerts from the likes of Supergrass, Jake Bugg, Billy Ocean, Madness, and McFly- not to mention the likes of the Sunday Funday Summertime Singalong and Margate Reggae Festival! With Southeastern running additional trains for late concerts and gigs, rest assured a safe and quick return home, too.
Nearest station: Margate
Rock the Mote
23rd - 25th May
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 the Foo Fighters, Rolling Stones, Phil Collins, Led Zeppelin, and more! This event has been very popular with fellow rock and rollers so be quick...
Nearest Station: Maidstone East
Got the Love Festival
24th May
Get 24th May in your diaries and bag your tickets to Got the Love Festival, back for its second year at Quex Park. A 90s and 00s music festival that promises to be a celebration of nostalgia? Count us in! Last year, the lineup included Basshunter, Blue, Vengaboys, Peter Andre, Diversity, and so many more, so sign up to their newsletter and be the first to hear who will be performing in 2025. What's more, there'll be 90s and 00s secret cinema, VR gaming, gourmet street food, retro stalls and plenty of fun for the whole family. Take us back!
Nearest station: Birchington-on-Sea/Margate
Deal Music and Arts Festival
3rd - 13th 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
3rd - 13th 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, visits to homes and more. Keep an eye out for a line up of multi-arts magnificence to come this summer in Kent!
Nearest station: Ashford International, followed by shuttle bus
Tonbridge Music Weekend
4th - 6th July
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 Michael Jackson, Steps, family friendly numbers, and disco hits this music weekend. Just a few moments from the castle's grounds, you're about to see all that Kent has to offer.
Nearest station: Tonbridge
Leeds Castle Classical Concert
12th 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!
Nearest Station: Bearsted
Rochester Castle Live
4th - 5th July
Immerse yourself in not only the stunning setting of Rochester Castle, but a journey through various music genres at Rochester Castle Live. On the weekend of 4th - 5th July, their stages will bring with them something for everyone in the family. Last year saw the headline acts of Kaiser Chiefs, Superboxx and B*Witched, so we just know this year will be a good one.
Nearest station: Rochester
Blue Reef Music Festival
25th - 26th 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 five stages. The lineup so far this year includes the likes of Happy Mondays, Reef Republica, Newton Faulkner, but keep an eye out for the rest of the reveal!
Margate Soul Festival
1st - 3rd August
A soul festival by the sea in one of Kent’s coolest coastal towns, sounds pretty good, right? With a new venue this year, right on the beach at Newgate Lower Promenade, just beneath the iconic Lido sign this years' festival will host plenty of soulful sounds. Trust us, this one sells out quickly, so make sure you don’t miss out!
Nearest Station: Margate
Broadstairs Folk Week
8th - 15th August
Broadstairs Folk Week is once again here, and in 2025 will celebrate 60 years! This cornerstone of Kentish celebration is perfect for musical adventures (yes there's even events on a 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
15th - 17th August
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 Caravan, IQ, and Hawkwind across the three-day festival where you can also glamp out in the beautiful settings... So, what are you waiting for? Early bird tickets are now available!
Nearest Station - Faversham
Getting to and from the festivals
Southeastern
Getting back home after a busy day or full weekend, the last thing you want to do is drive, so helpfully Southeastern have stations across Kent, including those noted below the festivals in this list! Plus, additional late trains for the likes of the Dreamland concerts mean you can get home easily and safely. Remember - be sure to plan your journey with their app for no additional fees and handy e-tickets.
Stagecoach
With all of the hard to reach spots and getting back from the fields some of these festivals are set in, be sure to consider the bus - with kids going for a quid across their network, it's the cheapest way too! Use their handy journey planner to see where you can get to...
