Festivals in Faversham, Sittingbourne and on the Isle of Sheppey in north Kent to experience and enjoy.
Throughout the year, our communities in Faversham, the Isle of Sheppey and Sittingbourne host a range of festivals and annual events for local people as well as visitors to the area.
For smaller events don't forget to check the 'What's On' section of our website.
The Faversham Hop Festival 5 - 6 September 2026 is an annual two-day, free, family event, set against the backdrop of the medieval gem of Faversham town centre, this festival commemorates the golden days of hop-picking when families would come to Kent and pass the evenings with music and stories.
Dating back to 1990, the Faversham Hop Festival is the ideal atmosphere to evoke nostalgic memories, while encouraging families and friends to meet and enjoy a variety of free entertainment. It also encourages visitors to Faversham and thus helps to boost and sustain the local economy.
For more information as it is released please visit the official Faversham Hop Festival.
Faversham Literary Festival - 20 February - 1 March 2026
Faversham Literary Festival offers a week-long programme that is eclectic, thought-provoking and fun, with jam-packed events and plenty of rabble-rousing energy! The programme can be found on the festival website from mid December.
Festival of Transport 16 and 17 May 2026
Faversham Transport Weekend takes place throughout the town centre over two days which are both very different.
Saturday! There are bus tours, exhibiting buses and large vehicles along with a market and live music.
Sunday! Hundreds of classic cars and motorcycles will be making an appearance on the Sunday as well as a funfair, live music, market stalls and other entertainment.
Park & ride available. The event is free. A fun weekend for all the family.
Faversham in the Forties 14 June 2026
Wartime music, dancing, vintage vehicles, stalls and traditional food
The event will feature:
- Music and Dancing: Enjoy live 1940s music and dance performances.
- Reenactors and Military Vehicles: Experience historical reenactments and view displays of military vehicles from the era.
- Vintage Stalls: Browse a variety of vintage stalls offering period items.
- Food and Drink: Themed food and beverages reminiscent of the 1940s.
- Special Appearances: Look forward to appearances by historical figures, including a portrayal of Winston Churchill.
The event will take place in Faversham’s Market Place, Court Street, and West Street providing a historical backdrop for the festivities.
ECO Fair New for 2026 - 21 June 2026
Market Place and Court Street - 9am - 2pm Local businesses, charities and community groups celebrating climate action and sustainability.
Faversham Pirates Festival 5 July 2026
Town Quay and Front Brents (Faversham Creekside) Come aboard and join residents and visitors alike for a day of nautical displays, children's entertainment, music, food market and more down by Faversham Creek.
If you would like to get involved or find out more contacts claire.elliott@favershamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Artists in the Woods - New for 2026 19 July 2026
Oare Gunpowder Works - An outdoor art trail featuring work by local artists
Faversham Pride 25 July 2026
West Faversham Community Centre - A family friendly Pride celebration followed by an evening for the adults
A New Day Festival at Mount Ephraim Gardens 21 - 23 August 2026
"The very best in 'Prog, Rock, Blues & Roots' - It's more than just a field, it's more than just a festival, it's a New Day!" Find out more and get your early bird tickets on the 'A New Day Festival' website.
'Party in the Park' The Appleyard Sports Ground TBC
This year Party In The Park hosts its biggest music festival yet! Details to be announced.
Sheerness Town Team present Sheerness Seaside Festival
A week of many & varied events celebrating "Sheerness" as a Seaside and ex Naval Dockyard Town.
Queenborough Classic Yacht and Motor Boat Festival
Usually, the festival is open to any boat, large or small, designed or built before 1970 – wood, steel, aluminium, fibreglass, ferro cement, sail, power, steam or other, the bigger the variety of boats the better the show. If in doubt as to whether your boat qualifies please email a photo and a short description. To register your Classic Boat please email admin@queenborough-harbour.co.uk
The Kent County Show on 3,4 and 5 July 2026 is the region’s showcase event for farming, agriculture and countryside life at the Showground Detling, just a short drive from Swale destinations. For three days a year, animals, horses, vintage vehicles, retail stands and much more converge on the stunning surroundings of the Kent Showground for a celebration of the best in the county. The Kent County Show is organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society, a registered charity whose mission is to support local farming practices and promote education about food farming and the countryside. Profits made from the Show help fund our charitable objectives, including our annual scholarship scheme, awards and grants.
The Friendly BIG Little Festival in the heart of Kent a short distance from the Swale area.
4 Day Festival suitable for all ages, family & dog friendly & accessible with camping & glamping. . For tickets visit www.chickenstockfestival.co.uk
Brogdale Collections Seasonal Fruit Festivals 2026
Brogdale Farm, home of the National Fruit Collection, usually hosts a range of seasonal festivals and events to celebrate the produce of the area at Brogdale. For full details of events, workshops and courses at Brogdale please visit the Brogdale Collections website.
Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway - Special Events
SKLR is in steam from Easter through until the end of September, during the season it hosts a number of special events including; 'Jack the Station Cat', 'Steam and Beer', 'Ivor the Engine', 'Gala' and 'Santa Specials'.
Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway - Special Themed Open Days
This narrow gauge railway is set in the delightful and secluded 30 acres on the North Downs in Kent. It is central to the activities here at Bredgar and is part of a collection of restored vehicles and exhibits which ensure an absorbing day out for both enthusiast and the family. BWLR usually hosts themed open days for the public on the first Sunday of each month. Check the BWLR website for the latest information.