After the news that one of Kent’s biggest music festivals won’t be returning next year, many people are looking for a new tent-filled field where they can let loose during the summer.

But don’t worry – we’ve got five great festivals, from ‘80s pop concerts to heavy metal weekenders, coming to Kent in 2025. So, grab your glow sticks and let’s get ready to rock.

BLUE REEF FESTIVAL, near Maidstone

If you missed out on tickets to see Oasis, make sure you get a front row spot for the next best thing. The surfer-inspired Blue Reef Festival recently announced that tribute band Oasish will be playing the Brit Pop band’s biggest hits on the main stage. The rest of the line-up is still a secret, but this year’s two-day event saw music from Scouting For Girls, Starsailor, Beans on Toast and more.

Details: Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 at Loddington Farm in Linton, near Maidstone. Book online here.

GOT THE LOVE FESTIVAL, Birchington-on-Sea

This nostalgia-filled fest made its debut in Kent this summer, taking crowds back to the ‘90s and ‘00s with a bunch of retro bands. Fans were treated to performances from boyband Blue, American rapper Eve and Mysterious Girl heartthrob Peter Andre over the bank holiday weekend, and the event is set to return with even more throwback anthems in 2025.

Details: Saturday, May 24 at Quex Park in Birchington-on-Sea. Book online here.

MAID OF STONE FESTIVAL, Maidstone

Now in its third year, rock festival Maid of Stone is bringing another round of head-bangers to the county town. The first wave of artists have already been announced, including American band Black Stone Cherry, former Scorpions and UFO guitarist Michael Schenker and glam rock band Sweet. There will also be craft ale bars, axe throwing and a signing tent.

Details: Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20 at Mote Park in Maidstone. Book online here.

REWIND, Margate

This much-loved ‘80s festival has been running since 2009 but, for the first time next summer, it’s coming to Kent. The one-day festival is bringing old-school tunes from the likes of Tony Hadley, Midge Ure, Nik Kershaw, Heaven 17, Toyah Willcox Tiffany and T’Pau to the outdoor stage, and fans of the era will also be treated to DJs and funfair rides in between bands.

Details: Saturday, June 14 at Dreamland in Margate. Book online here.

SKABOUR, Folkestone

This ska-tactular festival, which celebrates its 15th anniversary next year, has become a staple of the seaside town. The weekend is full of 2-Tone, dub, ska and reggae beats, with acts such as The Estimators, John O’ Shea and the Moochers, Johnny 2 Bad, The Dekkertones and more already confirmed for the line-up. There will also be best dressed competitions, a Northern soul night, ska-themed quizzes, raffles and scooter rides.

Details: Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 14 at the Grand Burstin Hotel and Folkestone Harbour. Book online here.

KentOnline may receive a commission from any ticket sales generated by this story.