Glastonbury is so last week...Kent’s biggest music festival is upon us with an exciting mix of old and new to rival anything that’s gone before. Jo Roberts reports.

Anyone privileged enough to hear legendary California boy Brian Wilson perform on Saturday is now in for double the good vibrations.

A late announcement from the Beach Boys founder and songwriter that he will also be joined on stage by the supergroup’s original guitarist and fellow singer Al Jardine – in what is Brian’s only UK gig this summer – means that Kent is truly at the epicentre of something special.

“It’s been fun working in the studio with Al and I’m stoked to hear him sing on stage with us. Along with Al’s son Matt, it will be a harmonic family affair,” said Brian, now 72.

He is taking a break from recording a new studio album featuring the likes of Lana Del Rey and Zooey Deschanel to be at the Hop Farm Festival, but true fans could be no happier than to see Brian performing on Saturday, July 5 alongside his original right-hand man Al.

The pair met at school and mooted the idea of a band in the college music room. Fellow members would go on to include Brian’s brothers, Carl and Dennis, and cousin Mike Love – all-American boys singing about cars, girls and surfing.

While musical genius Brian penned such beloved hits as God Only Knows (which he has said is his best), Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Good Vibrations and I Get Around, Al’s voice shone on Beach Boys classics including Help Me Rhonda, Cotton Fields and Then I Kissed Her. One of the most successful bands of all time, selling over 100 million albums worldwide, the Beach Boys together created one of the most instantly identifiable sounds in rock history.

“I think he’s a great singer and a good music guy,” Brian said of Al, who is one of only three remaining Beach Boys. Dennis and Carl died in 1983 and 1998 respectively. Mike Love – who had been involved in legal wranglings with Brian in the past, but reunited with him more recently for a 50th anniversary tour in 2012 – is not billed this weekend.

Realistically, the Hop Farm Music Festival 2014 is likely to be a Kent crowd’s only chance to witness history as this pair of bona fide legends reunite to play the classic songs that have sound-tracked generations.

Brian Wilson exclusively gave What’s On a glimpse into his own musical heroes and the songs that might feature in Saturday’s set list...

What were the influences that inspired you to make music?

“Anything from the Four Freshman, Chuck Berry that kind of stuff. With Four Freshman it was the vocal harmonies. Those songs were my teachers of melody. Rosemary Clooney, Chuck Berry... when I got older it was Phil Spector, when I really was into producing albums, I wanted to produce like him.”

I’ve heard it said that one of your favourite Beach Boys songs is Heroes and Villains. What is special about that song?

“The song is so unique. It stands alone, and I love Van Dyke’s lyrics. They are so poetic.”

What is special about the atmosphere at festivals?

“It’s a cool vibe and people are there to have fun and hear good music... it’s jovial. It’s always a little scary to perform live no matter how many times you do it. But the love and vibe of the crowd is what sets each performance apart.”

Which is the song that always draws the biggest reaction from the crowd when you play it live?

“Hmmm. Either California Girls or God Only Knows. And Good Vibrations, for sure.”

Where would be your dream outdoor venue to play?

“Don’t know really, maybe somewhere in Hawaii?”

Who are some of your heroes within the current music industry?

“Gosh, Elton is great, and Paul McCartney – it was fun performing with him. I’ve had the chance to meet a ton of great musicians and play with them too.”

Are there other artists on the Hop Farm Festival line-up that you’re planning on hearing?

“We are coming in from Ireland that day so I don’t know if I’m going to have a chance to see too many other bands, but I’ll try. I’m looking forward to playing for all the good folks at the Hop Farm.”

THE HOP FARM A-LISTERS

Brian Wilson will be far from the only music great to grace the Main Stage of the Hop Farm Music Festival this weekend.

On Friday the headline acts are Ray Davies, Echo and the Bunnymen, and the Lightning Seeds.

On Saturday, Brian will be joined on the line-up by James Blunt, Caro Emerald and Squeeze.

Sunday will be rounded off by Deacon Blue, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Grace Jones.

The Hop Farm Music Festival is at the Hop Farm, near Paddock Wood, from Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6. Tickets range from £135 for an adult full weekend pass to £68 for a day pass on the Friday.

A family camping ticket for two adults and two children under 16 costs £330.

For full ticket prices and full line-up details call 0845 0756101 or visit www.thehopfarmmusic festival.com