Following the successful return of the Faversham Hop Festival after a two-year break last year, organisers have begun preparations for the 2023 event, with Shepherd Neame back as principal sponsor.
The event will return on 2nd and 3rd September. Shepherd Neame joins sponsors Bridger’s Law, Edward Vinson Ltd, and Keith’s Motors in supporting the festival, which is free to the public.
“We are delighted to announce that preparations for Hop Fest 2023 are well and truly under way,” said Colin Jones, director of non-profit festival organiser Community Heritage Events.
“We are grateful to the sponsors who have already signed up to support this year’s festival. This is a great start, giving us confidence to plan ahead. But it is only a start.”
The event costs £100,000 to stage. Last year’s was made possible through a community fundraising campaign. Shepherd Neame has been supporting the event, which commemorates the golden days of hop picking in Kent, since it was first held, 33 years ago.
Festival-goers can enjoy live music across four stages and in pubs throughout the town, along with great food and drink, a family fun area, stalls, parades, exhibitions, and other activities.
“The Faversham Hop Festival is a celebration of Kent’s heritage, attracting thousands of visitors, and also providing a significant economic boost to our pubs, retailers, and town as a whole,” said Shepherd Neame chief executive, Jonathan Neame.
“We were delighted to see it back last year, bringing people together again, and we very much look forward to joining the celebrations again in 2023.”
Shepherd Neame will be sponsoring the stage in the Market Square, as well as organising a stage and bar outside the brewery in Court Street.
• A fundraising page has now gone live. To make a donation towards ensuring this year’s event goes ahead, go to www.favershamhopfestival.org and click on the donation button. If your business is able to invest in an event, contact organisers by emailing marketing@favershamhopfestival.org or call 01795 700132.
