This weekend's 27th Faversham Hop Festival celebrates the golden years of hop-picking in Kent with two days of music and merriment.

Taking place on Saturday, September 3, and Sunday, September 4, the free event fills the historic town with nostalgia, colourful parades, live music, entertainment and a funfair, as well as heritage films, tours and vintage vehicles.

There will be two morning parades, featuring brewer Shepherd Neame’s historic vehicles, the first on Saturday officially opening the festival weekend, at 11.30am, and the second at 10.30am on Sunday, ending at Market Place.

On Sunday, there will be a short Hop Blessing on the Brewery Stage at 10.45am, before Shepherd Neame team members carry a full-size hop pocket to St Mary of Charity Church, ready for a service of celebration at 11am.

There’s also a central area, with a hoppers’ market, central stage, children’s entertainment including magic shows and Punch and Judy and a funfair for all ages.

Pubs in the town will be joining in the festivities, with many hosting live music throughout the weekend.

Shepherd Neame visitor centre manager Graham Hukins said: “Faversham Hop Festival is a glorious way of celebrating our town’s special heritage, and Shepherd Neame is delighted to support it.

“With a packed programme of events and entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Shepherd Neame Brewery Stage in Court Street will host a range of bands, including folk group Green Diesel and swing band Goosebumps.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BEER

Faversham-based Shepherd Neame, which is the official partner for the event, will be hosting Brewery Discovery Visits both days for people to learn about brewing from fermentation to delivery – and tasting!

An expert will lead a tour of the brewery to see the giant fermentation vessels, historic steam engines and the pilot plant where brewers try out new recipes and produce small-run beers for special events. Not normally open to the public, here you can learn how some of Shepherd Neame’s recently-launched beers such as Spitfire Gold and Whitstable Bay Black have been developed.

The itinerary includes a visit to the Old Brewery Store, where you can see bygone delivery vehicles, step into a re-created cooper’s workshop and learn about Kent’s hop-growing history. The tour culminates in a tasting.

Children aged six and older can join the tours on festival weekend and try the activity sheets available. No tasting for them – however, soft drinks will be provided!

Tours will be at 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm both days, with tickets £11.50. Advance booking is advised on 01795 542016.

The store will also host a free exhibition on the history of hops and Faversham hop-picking from 10.30am to 5pm both days.

You can browse memorabilia, watch historic hopping films and hear talks on hop heritage.
Kent Community Folk Opera will also perform an excerpt from their acclaimed production Hopping Down in Kent at 2pm on Saturday.

FESTIVAL DETAILS

The Faversham Hop Festival will be held on Saturday, September 3, and Sunday, September 4. For details of all events and a full programme, visit favershamhopfestival.org

For more information you can also visit shepherdneame.co.uk

Parking is at a premium in the town on festival weekend, so organisers recommend using the park- and-ride at the Abbey School in London Road, Faversham.