This weekend marks 25 years since the first ever Hop Festival in Faversham, bringing together 50,000 ale-swigging, music-loving revellers united for one special reason – the cherished hop. Bess Browning reports.

Popular bands from across the country will flock to a Kent market town which is home to Britain’s oldest brewery.

For two days Faversham will be filled with gallons of ale, the sounds of the morris men and the smells of mouth-watering food stalls lining the streets on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31.

This weekend of free musical entertainment features the familiar ensemble of Faversham old-timers such as Green Diesel, Faversham Folk Club and Trench City.

But there are a fair few newbies on the bill to refresh the Hop Festival in celebration of 25 successful years, including boisterous new indie band Ab and the Underclass. They will play in the Alexander Centre, which has a popular tea room and beer garden.

There are four main stages throughout the town centre with plenty of bars to quench revellers’ thirst along the way, but visitors are also urged to take advantage of the many historic pubs that will be celebrating their busiest days of the year in style.

If you’re feeling peckish or want to take away a souvenir of the day, the renowned Best of Faversham markets will be in full swing serving up refreshments, local produce and handicrafts.

Festival organisers have aimed to truly provide something for everyone, and so Tassels solicitors will be hosting an art show, the Faversham Creek Trust’s Purifier Building will be holding an open day, and Shepherd Neame brewery will be running tours.

So don your hop crown, slap on a little morris-style face paint and slip on those dancing shoes to make the most of the Hop Festival 2014.

Visit www.favershamhopfestival.org for more information.

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ACCESS ALL AREAS

The best place to park during the weekend is at the Abbey School in London Road for £5 per day between 9am and 9pm and just a short walk from the town.
Camping and caravanning is also available at the Abbey School.
Coaches and minibuses can park at Brogdale Farm, Brogdale Road.
For more information on places to stay, a full list of bands, road closures and any more information visit www.favershamhopfestival.org