Broadstairs Folk Week returns for its 60th anniversary with Shepherd Neame among its sponsors

Broadstairs Folk Week, the annual celebration of folk music on the Kent coast, returns tomorrow (Friday, August 8) with Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, proud to be among the sponsors for another year. 

The event is also marking its 60th anniversary with more than 400 events being held at 20 venues across the town including Shepherd Neame’s Royal Albion Hotel and Neptune's Hall and Wrotham Arms pubs.

The 2025 line-up includes English folk rock legends Lindisfarne, traditional singer Martin Carthy with daughter Eliza Carthy, leading Scottish singer/songwriter Eddi Reader and husband and wife duo Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman. 

There will also be a parade through the town from 5.30pm on Saturday (August 9) featuring Shepherd Neame’s Spitfire-branded Cruiser vehicle, along with dance displays, poetry sessions, workshops, and a free family programme at the Bandstand every day with experienced educational leaders (and BSL interpreters) Innovation Creative.

A selection of Shepherd Neame’s award-winning beers, including Whitstable Bay Lager, Spitfire Lager, First Drop Session IPA and seasonal cask ales, will once again be available at the Festival Bar in Victoria Park.

Festival tickets are on sale at: https://broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk/

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