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Think sun-soaked fields, beer tents and the best live music: here's our guide to some of the biggest music festivals across Kent this year.
FOREST LIVE, BEDGEBURY PINETUM
Clubbing crossover Hacienda Classical will headline the first night of this year's Forest Live at Bedgebury, on Saturday, June 15. DJs who shaped the original Hacienda club sound will perform for the successful clubbing classical cross-over.
The Jam frontman Paul Weller plays on Sunday, June 16. Forest Live is run by the Forestry Commission England, with more than 1.75 million people attending a forest gig in the last 18 years. Money raised from ticket sales helps to look after the nation’s forests sustainably.
Book by calling 03000 680400 or visit info: forestryengland.uk/music.
American rock legends Foreigner will headline the fifth Ramblin' Man Fair in Kent in Mote Park, Maidstone and will move back to its traditional slot near the end of July for next year.
It will take place from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21. For tickets to Ramblin’ Man Fair in Mote Park, Maidstone on Friday, July 19, Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21, visit ramblinmanfair.com
This year's event will see a wide mixture of music from rock, indie and pop-punk, through to acoustic and blues acts, ska, contemporary folk, funk, soul, dance and hip-hop. It will be held over five days on the May Day Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday, May 2 to Bank Holiday Monday. The festival features acts at many pubs, clubs and music venues. There will also be some all-day events and family entertainment. For details go to maidstonefringe.com
BLACK DEER FESTIVAL, ERIDGE, NEAR TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Organisers of the Americana and country music festival which had its inaugural event last year are to increase its capacity when it returns from Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23. Headliners confirmed include boisterous South Carolina-based Band Of Horses, led by charismatic frontman Ben Bridwell, along with Hayseed Dixie, punk star Jade Bird, Devon folk star John Smith, and blues star Watermelon Slim. For tickets visit blackdeerfestival.com
The festival which saw Clean Bandit and Bastille play last year, returns from Thursday, August 1 to Sunday, August 4. The eclectic festival features nusic, theatre, comedy and several stages and "realms" famously started in Lee Denny's back garden.
For tickets and line-up announcements to come go to neverworld.co.uk
The popular festival will this year be held from Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4 at Mount Ephraim Gardens, Hernehill, Faversham. Fish, Jethro Tull's Martin Barre, and Soft Machine are just some of the big names playing the three-day event at Mount Ephraim, Faversham. For tickets and details visit anewdayfestival.com
Atlantic Starr and Deniece Williams were among the acts at last year's festival, which this year runs from Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4. For tickets and details of the line-up when it is announced, visit margatesoulfestival.co.uk
A huge event in the folk calendar for Kent - and further afield - the festival brings Broadstairs and the surrounding area alive with live music and events throughout the week. The week will be from Friday, August 9 to Friday, August 16. For details go to broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk
A wave of musical talent is set to wash over the Thanet coast when the Wheels and Fins Festival returns on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8. It’s an independent, boutique, music and action sports festival, staged in the picturesque setting overlooking the ocean at Joss Bay. Now in its seventh year, the festival prides itself on showcasing live music talent with established names and local bands too. In 2018, the third day - Sharabang - was curated by the Libertines, who set up a studio in Margate. Ticket details at wheelsandfins.co.uk
Held over four days in the autumn, this year's event runs from Thursday, October 3 to Sunday, October 6. There will be folk song, music, dance, crafts and traditions. The festival includes many free events with gigs in pubs and local venues. For details visit tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk
If you were looking forward to a return for the laidback festival at Yalding near Maidstone, you will have to wait until 2020, as organisers have decided to not hold it in 2019. Check facebook.com/vicarspicnic to keep up to date.
