Beer lovers can sample up to 60 varieties of rare and not-so-rare real ales and cider at this annual event with live music, near Maidstone
Hops ‘n’ Harvest Festival
The 'other' Kent Life - formerly the Museum of Kent Life - near Maidstone (not to be confused with the leading county magazine Kent Life!) is gearing up for its 26th annual Hops ‘n’ Harvest Festival on September 8 and 9.
Thousands are expected to join the ‘festini’ atmosphere and rock to a host of live music. Beer lovers can sample up to 60 varieties of rare and not-so-rare real ales and ciders – including Cobtree Old Ale, brewed using hops grown on site – along with a selection of bottled and draught lagers, wines, spirits and Pimm’s.
Festival-goers can have a go at picking the hops by hand. They will also be able to see the last working coal-fired oast house in Britain, which will be back in full production for this weekend only, and meet Pearly Kings and Queens and more characters from Kent’s past.
A Weekend Pass is �15 for adults, �13 concessions and �10 children. Tickets for Saturday only (10am to 9pm) cost �9.95 adults, �8.75 concessions and �6.50 children; Sunday tickets (10am to 6pm) are �8.95 adults, �7.75 concessions and �6.50 children.
Members and advance booking discounts are available. For more information call 01622 763936.
Headlining the full weekend of live music are Van Susans, and Funke and the Two Tone Baby. Van Susans, a South London six-piece who already have a huge Facebook fanbase numbering 33,000 and rising, released their We Could Be Scenery album last year to critical acclaim before going on tour with The Beautiful South.
Funke and the Two Tone Baby is described as a ‘one-man, psychedelic, blues-based, loop-induced musical journey’. Performing original material as well as the occasional cover from the old and new blues scene with a Funke twist, he has rapidly gained recognition for his power and passion.
