A249 lane closure scheduled at same time as Stockbury Chickenstock festival
Published: 11:36, 27 July 2023
Updated: 13:15, 27 July 2023
Part of the A249 is set to close at the same time as an annual four-day music festival.
This weekend, from 6am until 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, there will be lane closures between Stockbury Roundabout and Wormdale Hill on the Sheppey-bound carriageway.
National Highways has confirmed the work underway is to allow the agency to carry out work on the new Sheppey-bound carriageway.
A spokesman said: “Drivers will still be able to access the A249 northbound from Stockbury roundabout and the dedicated link from the M2 coastbound exit.”
The closure is taking place at the same time as the Chickenstock music festival which is hosted at Pett Farm in Stockbury.
However, event director Moya Taylor has promised visitors the A249 works will not affect them.
She said: “The best way to get to us is by coming down the hill along Pett Road towards the A249.
“As the roadworks are happening on the Sheppey-bound carriageway it shouldn’t cause delays by Pett Farm where the event is hosted.”
This year's festival will be the fifth instalment of the popular countryside extravaganza after it was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Moya believes "it will be its best event so far."
The 50-year-old said: "We have 38 bands over four days and on two stages as well.
"Both stages won't be used at the same time, so nobody will miss out by not being able to see someone.
"We also feel that the headliners we have this year are as good as we have ever seen, and that's one reason why we have sold more tickets at this point this year compared to last.
"The likes of Cut Capers and Holy Moly & the Crackers are two for example that are upbeat, fun and great to listen to.”
For more information visit the Chickenstock website.
Running from Thursday, July 27 until Sunday, July 30, visitors can attend the family-friendly gathering for one day or more, with under 16s admitted free and dogs also welcome. Tickets for 16 and 17-year-olds are half-price.
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Megan Carr