Exciting plans have been announced for the first ever Festival of Sheppey, a brand-new month-long celebration set to shine a spotlight on everything that makes the Island special.
Taking place throughout June 2026, the festival will bring together communities, organisations and venues across the Isle of Sheppey for a packed programme of talks, performances, film screenings, exhibitions and community events celebrating the Island’s rich history and culture.
The festival is being coordinated by Jenny Hurkett of the Criterion Blue Town on behalf of the Island Forum, a non-political group of local supporters working to promote the Island.
Jenny explained the ambition behind the event:
“After hearing that Sheppey is being entered into the government’s new competition to find Britain’s Town of Culture, it is even more important that this festival is a success. It will showcase all which is good about the Island.”
A Festival Celebrating Sheppey’s Story
Events will take place across the Island in partnership with arts organisations, museums, parish and town councils, theatres and community groups, highlighting Sheppey’s unique heritage and creative talent.
This year’s festival will place a special focus on the Island’s fascinating history, including:
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Its role as the birthplace of British aviation
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Its maritime connections with Admiral Horatio Nelson
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Literary links with figures such as Samuel Pepys, William Hogarth and Charles Dickens
Among the early highlights being planned are:
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A one-man performance of Great Expectations at the Criterion, presented by a descendant of Dickens
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A talk on Sheppey-born railway reformer Richard Beeching at Sheppey Little Theatre
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A community Big Lunch in Eastchurch
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Two-for-one offers at Eastchurch Aviation Museum
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A screening of the classic film Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines alongside a talk on Sheppey’s aviation pioneers
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A special showing of the Christmas episode from Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, starring Michael Crawford, which was filmed on the Island
Jenny said the response from organisations and individuals across Sheppey has been overwhelmingly positive:
“So far, no one has said ‘no’. The reaction has been amazing.”
The organisers are also welcoming additional event ideas and contributions from across the Island to help make the festival as inclusive as possible.
Introducing Sheppey’s First Town Crier
Preparations for the festival began earlier this year with a lively “shout-off” at the Criterion to appoint the Island’s first official town crier.
After a spirited competition, retired schoolteacher Bruce Horton was selected for the honour.
Following his appointment he said:
“I feel very humbled that I have been chosen to be the first town crier for the Isle of Sheppey – an Island which doesn’t always receive the best press but has so many positives.
To be able to bring those positives into people’s lives, and to remind them of all the good things, both historical and current, about Sheppey is something I am looking forward to.”
Festival-goers can expect to see Bruce appearing at events across the Island throughout June.
Follow the Festival for Event Updates
Full details of the Festival of Sheppey 2026 programme will be released in the coming weeks, with events taking place across towns and villages throughout the Island.
To stay up to date and discover new events as they are announced, follow the official Festival of Sheppey Facebook page:
📱 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588466537609
With an exciting mix of history, culture, performances and community celebrations, the Festival of Sheppey promises to be a fantastic opportunity to discover – and celebrate – everything that makes the Island unique.
