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 52 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