Kent music festivals guide 2015
11:15, 24 July 2015
We're over half way through the summer and there's still loads of festivals to come. Here's our run-down:
BIG 7 SCOOTER RALLY, THE HOP FARM
FRIDAY, JULY 31, TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
Scooter lovers and families can enjoy music rooms, live bands, shops, food, bars and the view of vintage vehicles for this weekend at the Hop Farm. Performers include King Hammond, Oasis tribute band Definitely Mightbe, The Downsetters, The Signatures and Pritty Green. Tickets cost from £18 and ages 15 and under go free. Visit www.thebig7scooterrally.com
MARGATE SOUL WEEKEND
FRIDAY, JULY 31, TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
Margate welcomes the California-born ‘Godfather of Neo-soul’ Roy Ayers to a weekend of soul, funk and jazz. Other live acts over the three days include British DJs including Norman Jay and Joey Negro. Gigs take place across town in various venues, with carnival celebrations starting on Sunday afternoon. Day ticket prices cost from £25 and weekend tickets cost £40. Visit www.margatesoulweekend.co.uk
FORGOTTEN FIELDS, NEAR TUNBRIDGE WELLS
FRIDAY TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 7-9
Kent’s newest festival, staged at Eridge Deer Park, will host such bands as Razorlight and Basement Jaxx. Other impressive names include Super Furry Animals and The Horrors. Spectators can camp over the weekend, which has been organised by the team responsible for the popular musical event Kendall Calling, in Cumbria. Tickets cost from £95 for adults. Tickets for ages 11 to 15 cost £60, and £20 for children aged six to 10. Under-fives go free. Visit www.forgottenfields.co.uk
SMALL WORLD, HEADCORN
THURSDAY TO MONDAY, AUGUST 27-31
The eco-friendly summer festival returns to Headcorn this year. Powered by the wind and the sun, it celebrates “the sheer joy of creativity, trust and love” and brings together performers, artists, healers, colourful characters, jesters, magicians, families and party people. Tickets cost £95 if you have a well-paid job and £75 if you don’t. Visit www.accessallareas.org/smallworld
FAVERSHAM HOP FESTIVAL
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5-6
Raise your glass as Faversham Hop Festival returns for its 26th year. Expect Morris men, arts and crafts, food stalls, children’s entertainment and great music. The event is free. Visit www.favershamhopfestival.org
THE SOCIAL, MAIDSTONE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
The team behind The Social will return to Mote Park with big names yet to be announced. DJ Nic Fanciulli, who was born in the town and is one of the main organisers, will play at the all-day festival alongside a variety of international and local artists, such as Joris Voorn, Seth Troxler, Jackmaster, Solomum and Jamie Jones. It will be the festival’s third year and fans are promised a larger site plus extra bars and toilets. Last year’s concert, which featured Radio 1’s Carl Cox, attracted more than 8,000 people. Tickets cost from £44.50. Visit www.thesocialfestival.com