Broadstairs Folk Week returns

Broadstairs Folk Week returns with independent family brewer Shepherd Neame among its sponsors for another year

The annual celebration of folk music on the Kent coast, Broadstairs Folk Week, returns on Friday, August 7, with Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, proud to be among the sponsors again. 

The event turns the seaside town into a living stage every summer, with more than 400 events being held at 20 venues this year including Shepherd Neame’s Royal Albion Hotel on the seafront, The Neptune's Hall and The Wrotham Arms.

The line-up for 2026 includes big name acts from Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre, Tankus the Henge and Elephant Sessions to Eliza Carthy and The Men They Couldn’t Hang.

Other names on the bill include Michael McGovern, Miranda Sykes & Jim Causley, Barb Jungr, Tim Edey, Urban Folk Quartet and Honey & the Bear and Peter’s Field by Sean Cooney.

And to quench folk fans’ thirst will be a selection of Shepherd Neame’s award-winning beers available at the Festival Bar in Victoria Park, including Whitstable Bay Lager, Spitfire Lager, First Drop Session IPA and some of its seasonal cask ales.

Shepherd Neame Head of Brands Rose Davis said: “Every year we at Shepherd Neame are delighted to be part of Broadstairs Folk Week, which is a fabulous showcase of everything Kent can offer – great beaches and coastline, fantastic hospitality, pubs and live music, and, above all, some super local beers to enjoy it all with. 

“We are proud to be associated with the week for another year and look forward to welcoming music fans to our pubs and hotels and all the other venues across Broadstairs taking part.”

The week, which runs until Sunday, August 14, will feature dance displays, poetry sessions, workshops, and a free family programme which includes family shows at the Bandstand, featuring Kent’s traditional Hooden Horses. There will also be a parade through the town from 5.30pm on the first Saturday (August 8).

Kai Hoffman, Festival Director, said: “We’re very proud of our long-standing partnership with Shepherd Neame and grateful for their continued support, including their beautiful new festival map.”

“Our 2026 festival celebrates over 60 years of tradition while looking ahead, with hundreds of artists and over 400 events bringing fresh energy to folk, roots and acoustic music.”

One of the UK’s longest‑running folk festivals, Folk Week celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. You can buy souvenir programmes for this year, which includes a map of the venues, with all events, by visiting the website at https://broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk/. Festival tickets are also on sale.

To see the full line-up of bands on at Shepherd Neame’s pubs go to:  https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/broadstairs-folk-week