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 30th August & 31st August 2025 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 - 21 February - 2nd March 2025

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 17 and 18 May 2025

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.

'A New Day Festival' at Mount Ephraim Gardens 15 - 17 August 2025

"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.

Faversham Fringe - Faversham’s very own performing arts festival 

Faversham Fringe is a festival featuring all genres of the performing arts including theatre, comedy, magic, mentalism, dance, poetry, spoken word, storytelling, improv and hypnotism. 

Swale Pride Parade & Festival - Faversham

Please come help support the LGBTQ+ community to promote inclusion and diversity in Faversham. 

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 4,5,6 July 2025 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.

Chickenstock Festival - 31st - 3rd August 2025

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 2025

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.