Hops ‘n’ Harvest Family Festival
Celebrate autumn at the Hops and Harvest Festival at Kent Life
A lively two-day event for families, craft beer & cider fans, with live music, kids’ entertainment, and plenty of tasty food.
TICKETS ON SALE
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September
Hops ‘n’ Harvest Family Festival – Bigger, Better & Full of Kentish Charm!
Looking for a weekend packed with fun, flavour, and something for the whole family?
You’ve just found it. Hops ‘n’ Harvest Family Festival is back at Kent Life – and this year it’s even bigger and better!
40 cask ales and cider (yes, 40!) – sip and sample your way through an amazing range of real ales (Bringing your own alcohol onto the festival site is strictly prohibited.)
Live music all weekend – from toe-tapping tunes to sing-along favourites
Fairground rides, bouncy castles, and loads of kids’ entertainment to keep the little ones busy
Our legendary Foam Party Disco is back – bubbly, boogie-worthy fun for all ages
Tasty food stalls with plenty to fill hungry tummies (and maybe some sweet treats too!)
Step back in time with our traditional hop-picking – see how the hop workers lived, visit vintage houses, and even peek inside a real hop caravan!
Oh, and did we mention the hops have been harvested? The place smells amazing.
This is more than just a festival – it’s a proper Kentish celebration with all your favourites in one place. Bring the family, bring your mates, and let’s raise a glass to good times!


Saturday 12th September
11.30-12.15 Tap 29
A two piece acoustic act with small set up and big sound.
Our repertoire spans Rock Anthems, crowd pleasers and quirky songs from the 1980s to present day.
1.00-1.45 Aid Lewis Band
Raised in the Kent countryside and inspired by the wider world, Aid Lewis writes songs shaped by miles travelled, passing faces and the search for something real. Inspired by open roads, distant places and human connection, his music is rooted in love, hope and honest storytelling.
Aid returns to the festival this year performing with a full band playing original songs and well known cover versions.
2.30-3.30 The Upsetters
Returning for the second year , a unique covers band not to be missed with jaw dropping lead vocals and clever harmonies to match.
4.15-5.15 AS80’S
Shoulder Pads, leg warmers and Wham Choose life t shirts at the ready !
Kerry and Nigel bring their duo to the festival with a set full of 80s bangers to Hops and Harvest.
There’s no party like an AS80’S party!
6.00-7.15 Studio 33
Studio 33 are a first class female- fronted 4 piece function band from Kent, delivering unforgettable performances.
With their infectious energy and highly anticipated setlist, Studio 33 are Guaranteed together you up on the dancefloor.
Sunday 13th September
11.40-12.25 Platform 3
A three piece band with established performers specialising in songs you have forgotten yet still love, and giving them a new style and performance. Every genre covered and great harmonies.
1.05 – 1.50 Contraband
Established Five piece Kent based covers band looking forward to returning to the hops and harvest festival.
Performing Rock,Pop and Party classics from the last 40 years.
2.20-3.00 James Hodder
Kent based Singer, Songwriter and guitarist.
James has performed regularly at The Black Deer and Cambridge Folk Festival performing original songs from his released albums.
James has an amazing voice and looks forward to performing again this year.
3.30 – 4.10 The Sonics
Female fronted 4 piece Rock band hailing from Kent and East Sussex returning to the festival. Serving you all Rock classics at it’s finest.
4.45-5.30 Endless Knott
Endless Knot are a Five piece Kent based band playing Folk Rock/Americana songs to get your Toes Tapping.
First performance at the festival and will close the festival on the Sunday.


Tasting Notes Coming Soon!


There will be all the awesome things Kent Life offer on an everyday visit too; animal encounters and outdoor play areas for children, paint-a-pot studio and much more; a perfect occasion to get at least three generations together for a fabulous weekend!
The festival began as a celebration of the humble hop – something that we are still keen to honour today.
Have a go at picking the hops by hand, fill the bushels, and enjoy the pleasant aroma as the Oast House is brought back into working life for one weekend only. Take a peek round the Hoppers Huts, where previous generations would have enjoyed their summer holidays.
Don your hop crown and enjoy the weekend.
Ticket Prices
| Admission Price | |
| Adult | £14.00 |
| Child (2-15) | £14.00 |
| Family (2+2) | £52.00 |
| Under 2s | FREE |
| Kent Life Members | FREE |
| Hops Souvenir Glass & Ale | £6.00 |
| Hops Souvenir Glass ONLY | £4.00 |
Opening Times
Saturday 12th September: 10am – 8pm
Sunday 13th September: 10am – 6pm
Getting Here
There is free parking onsite.
Alternatively, you may wish to take a taxi. Local companies include:
- Apollo Taxis: 01622 882020
- Express Taxis: 01622 222222
- Streamline Maidstone: 01622 750000
Unfortunately, it is not possible to run the festival bus from the stations to Kent Life this year.
CARD PAYMENTS
We are happy with cash or card payments. Please note that cash only stands may be in operation.
DOGS
We do allow dogs at this event as long as they are well behaved, on short leads and are cleaned up after. Unfortunately, they are not allowed in the catering areas, cuddle corner or the Kent Owl Academy (as they may inadvertently upset the birds).
SMOKING/VAPING
Smoking/vaping is not permitted inside of any of our buildings including the Beer Tent. We would ask that you use the designated smoking areas and ashtrays provided.
Prohibited Items Include (but are not limited to):
- Illegal substances or drug paraphernalia
- Alcohol
Security Screening & Bag Checks
All attendees and belongings are subject to inspection by event security. Refusal to comply with security procedures may result in denied entry or removal from the venue without refund.
Festival management reserves the right to prohibit additional items at their discretion in the interest of public safety.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us create a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Festival Management
- EXPLORE Find out all about the amazing parts of our site that make Kent Life such a fun day out!
- PLAN YOUR VISIT Opening times, prices, how to get here, and annual memberships.
- EVENTS We've got events for all, all year round- from our annual hop festival to Christmas and Fireworks celebrations!
- ABOUT US We've been going quite some time - as has Kent! Check out our story here.







