The fabulous Kent Life Hops ‘n’ Harvest Festival is bringing all the family fun to round off the summer season.  With a truly authentic festini’ atmosphere and featuring a variety of live and local music, the festival takes place on the 7th and 8^th September 2024, and visitors can arrive any time after 10am for a jam-packed day.  

The festival, which began as a celebration of the humble hop, harking back to summers of old when whole families would come down from London to holiday in Kent, staying in hoppers huts and picking hops. So take a step back in time to meet historical characters from Kent’s past and witness the traditional hop-making process in the last Coal fired Oast House in Britain. 

Visitors can 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. Also take a peek round the Hoppers Huts, where previous generations would have enjoyed their summer holidays.  

With something to appeal to all generations of the family – you can even bring the family dog – guests can enjoy two days of live music from local talent, from an Abba Tribute band to disco and soul artists. Visit the Kentish Ales Marquee to sample up to 50 varieties of beers, ales and ciders at Kent Life, or if you prefer a prosecco or a gin, pop into the gin bar for a refreshing serve. There will also be a variety of food stalls on offer, a fresh and tasty menu served in Dotty’s Tea Room, and Wood Fired Oven Pizza in the Pizza Garden.  

For younger members of the family, there will be storytelling, discos in the Big Top, crafting activities and plenty of chances to meet the attraction’s farmyard friends.  

During the Hops ‘n’ Harvest Festival weekend, all the usual awesome Kent Life attractions will be available too: animal encounters and outdoor play areas for children, farm rides, paint-a-pot studio and much more; a perfect occasion to get families together for a fun-fuelled weekend.  

Ticket prices start from £12, admission for members is FREE but booking is still necessary. Online bookings for the Hops ‘n’ Harvest Beer Festival can be made here: https://tickets.tygit.com/shop/dates/pk/a821fa79cd7aa9f3e6c1e70c24e74c2a/groupId/5223  

What you need to know before your visit:  

• Pre-booking online is recommended for members and non-members to guarantee admission.   

• Free parking on site 

• Contactless payments are preferred.  

• Dogs are allowed at this event providing 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. 

• Smoking/vaping is not permitted inside of any of the buildings including the Beer Tent. There are designated smoking areas and ashtrays provided.