insideKENT Magazine Issue 27 - June 2014 | Page 52
EVENTS
enjoy a summer of music
in the garden of england
From folk rock to indie, 80s to heavy metal, plus even the odd dance act or two, the Garden
of England has plenty to offer music lovers in 2014. So to ensure you make the most of
your summer months, Visit Kent has put together a one-stop-shop festival guide, that not
only reveals the county's well-known, popular annual events, but also some of the smaller
showcases that you might not know about. So sit back, put on some tunes, and read on
to discover what a perfect summer of music in Kent looks like.
CoCo and the Butterfields, Tentertainment
Lounge on the Farm © Peter Fry
Sevenoaks Summer Festival
// 21 June – 6 July
Deal Festival of Music and Arts
// 27 June – 6 July
Featuring more than 100 events across 30
different venues, the 16-day Sevenoaks Summer
Festival is one annual event that is not to be
missed. Kicking off with the Festival Fair on 21st
June, this year's superb acts include: Fascinating
Aida, Chas ‘n’ Dave, and Jez Lowe at the STAG;
the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Snake
Davis Strings, and opera star, Sir Willard White,
in Pamoja Hall; and an innovative series of three
classical concerts at The Ship Theatre. In addition,
community groups will host a variety of events
around Sevenoaks, with the likes of The
Sevenoaks Symphony Orchestra taking the helm.
Various locations, Sevenoaks TN15
www.sevenoaksfetival.org.uk
Classical and contemporary music, theatre, opera,
cinema and dance are included at this festival
on the beautiful Kent coast. With 2014 marking
the festival's 32nd anniversary, this weeklong
event is a firm favourite in many Kent calendars,
especially as this year will see the likes of Guy
Johnston, Harry The Piano, and USA Grammy
Award nominees, The Heritage Blues Orchestra,
headlining. Staged around various venues in Deal
and Sandwich, and with tickets ranging from £6£20, the festival retains its original focus of
chamber music, despite its many successful
years and varied programmes.
Various locations, Deal and Sandwich CT13
www.dealfestival.co.uk
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Hop Farm Music Festival // 4-6 July
Kent is home to another fantastic three-day line
up, packed full of artists from the past and present,
at this year’s Hop Farm Music Festival. There will
be a variety of tents hosting everything from jazz,
blues and silent discos, to an unsigned stage
and comedy area. This dynamic festival will bring
the likes of The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Echo
and the Bunnymen, Grace Jones, Sophie EllisBextor, Billy Ocean, and The Feeling to the Garden
of England. With such a great line up of events,
location and more, why not ensure you soak up
the full atmosphere by signing up for a weekend
of camping at the cost of £135 too?
Hop Farm, Paddock Wood TN12 6PY
www.thehopfarmmusicfestival.com