Sussex and Kent Summer Music Festivals 2023
After the longest winter know to man these warmer, balmy evenings are an utter joy to see. With summer well on its way we also welcome festival season. Each year seems to see more local festivals offering high calibre musicians and artists with 2023 being no exception. Here are some of the best events taking place right on our doorstep this festival season..
Eridge, Near Tunbridge Wells
16th – 18th June
World class country and Americana line-up and Live Fire cooking area all taking place in the stunning Eridge Park. This year sees the return of The Gospel Choir brunch, chilli eating contest and the Young Folk area including skate school and tree climbing.
Music highlights for 2023 – Bonnie Raitt, The Pretenders, Lucinda Williams and Far From Saints (featuring Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics).
Read my 2022 review here.
30th June – 2nd July
Glynde Place near Lewes
Love Supreme is one of Europe’s biggest Jazz festivals hosting some of the biggest names in music. In addition to their outstanding music line-up festival goers can indulge in wellbeing, yoga, secret swims, children’s area and a restaurant experience not to be missed at Darby’s.
Music highlights for 2023 – Little Simz, Grace Jones, Emele Sande, Candi Staton and Icognito.
Brighton Valley Concert Series
5th – 9th July
This new event for 2023 will take place in early July in Stanmer Park. Hosting some big names they are yet to announce some of the support acts so keep your eyes peeled for updates.
Music Highlights for 2023 – Tom Jones, Nile Rodgers, Hot Chip and N Dubz.
Pub in the Park, Tunbridge Wells
7th – 9th July
If good food is as much of a priority as good music then Pub in The Park is the event for you. Put together by chef Tom Kerridge, PITP hosts a series of events bringing together Michelin starred chefs with world class musicians to create a perfect mix of good food & drink with outstanding entertainment.
Music Highlights for 2023: McFly, Rudimental, Sister Sledge and The Shires.
14 – 16th July
Yet another regional date to entice us on the Pub in The Park tour. This is the first time the event has taken place in Brighton. Visitors will have the chance to sample dishes from Sussex based restaurants Cin Cin, Pitch by Kenny Tutt and the Chilli Pickle.
Music highlights for 2023: The Sugababes, The Happy Mondays, Gabrielle, The Brand New Heavies and Example.
21st – 30th July
Back for another summer session On the Beach has an epic line-up – including for the third year in a row DJ legend Carl Cox. Taking place on Maderia Drive the 6 day event has some of the biggest names in dance and rock on the bill. Check it out…
Music Highlights for 2023: Carl Cox, Chase & Status, Eric Prydz, Royal Blood, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
21st – 23rd July
Chiddfest has a local beer festival vibe but with an awesome music line-up to boot. The 3 day event takes place just outside of Chiddingly village with a host of camping, food & drink, kids activities and of course, good music on the agenda.
Music Highlights for 2023: The Hoosiers, Black Box, Phats and Small, Dario G and East 17
4th – 6th August
Good Vibration Society is a festival offering music, comedy, wellness, wild swimming, ecology and local food & drink all set against the stunning back drop of the Ashdown Forest. This is the third year the event has taken place and promises to be even better than the last. Good vibes only here guys – get involved.
Music Highlights for 2023: David Rodigan, The Artful Dodger, Kele Le Roc, Gentleman’s Dub Club.
Read my 2022 review here.
