Festival where dreams are made
Thousands of music lovers were dancing in the moonlight as Toploader headlined a revamped boutique festival.
Kent Life in Sandling added a heady mix of rock and pop to its well-established celebration of the hop at the weekend, with Starsailor, Newton Faulkner and the Hoosiers playing at the Hops and Harvest Boutique Festival.
The original Hops ‘n’ Harvest Beer Festival has been running for more than 30 years.
But organisers had pledged to take everything that was great about it – Kentish ales, produce and honouring of the area’s hoppicking heritage – and create a bigger, live music offering for families to enjoy.
The Big Top played host to a number of local and regional talents, while acoustic sets were performed on the Secret Garden stage.
Away from the hustle and bustle, visitors could escape to the idyllic Bohemian Woods, where there were rugs and hammocks to relax on and wishing trees, where people could scribble down their dreams.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be Hops ‘n’ Harvest without a wellstocked beer tent to tempt the tastebuds.
Natalie Cox, general manager at the attraction in Lock Lane, said: “Saturday was really busy with festival-goers and families, and although the stormy weather on Sunday tested the resolve of our hardy visitors, the first Hops and Harvest Boutique Festival was a real success.
“This new-look event combined the traditions of the past with an exciting music line-up and we would like to thank everyone for supporting an amazing weekend.”