ARTISAN, CRAFTS & FESTIVAL SHOPPING AT THE FESTIVAL
Get ready for a weekend of fabulous festival shopping at the Spirit of Tenterden, 4–6 July on Tenterden Recreation Ground! Explore the artisan & crafts area and discover an incredible lineup of local makers and creators.
Browse stunning handcrafted jewellery from Victoria Johnson, Mousie Murray, Love Laura Designs, Handmade by Narjleen, and Allura Craft, plus sparkling flipflops from FlipNToze. Admire ceramics by Jane Walsh and Amanda Westbury (Park Ceramics), quirky pebble art from The Pebble Picture People, and stained glass by Liza Townsend. Find sustainable homeware from Eco Homeware Studio, Artisan Wood Creations, and Rugsy Lugsy, bespoke macramé from Forget Me Knots, adorable babywear by Baby Adore, and embroidered gifts from Martell Designs. Bring the kids to Katy and the Bear for nature fun, and don’t miss the turned wooden creations and demos by Roger Hills & Three Generations Craft. Shop eco-friendly gifts at VV Worthy and Cecis Corner, candles from Aua’s Craft Collection and Candle Wise, and bee-inspired treats from Bee Kind Club. Discover treasures from All Things Crafty, Downland Originals, Handmade by Ausra, plus festival fashion at Emporium, Karmasuiticals, and Trade Winds. For pet lovers: artisan dog treats at J&B’s Barkery and Little Barkery, and charming dog-themed homeware from Madge and Maple. Explore luxurious wool products from Romney Marsh Wools and fair trade crafts.
Specialist stalls include Lightning Fibre (broadband), Canterley Publishing (local-interest books), and FLaura & Fauna Faces with magical face painting and glitter on Saturday & Sunday! The Spirit of Tenterden Festival is the perfect place to shop local, meet the makers, and soak up the fun. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Posted 5 May 2025

KID'S FEST AT THE SPIRT OF TENTERDEN FESTIVAL
Families, mark your calendars 4-6 July! The Spirit of Tenterden Festival is back this summer on the Recreation Ground with a jam-packed Kids Fest programme, promising unforgettable fun for children of all ages — and best of all, it’s completely free to attend.

On Saturday 5 July, kids can try their hand at juggling, plate spinning, and more at the Have a Go Circus from 11.30am–4.30pm. Throughout the day, watch out for the hilarious Mr & Mrs Pigeon walkabouts (11.30am, 1pm, 3pm), and don’t miss the jaw-dropping Black Eagles acrobat displays in the arena at 2pm and 4pm. Sunday 6 July brings even more excitement, with a climbing wall open from 11.30am–4.30pm and Robbie the Land Train offering fun rides around the festival grounds during the same hours. The popular Fun Dog Show runs from 12–2pm, and local dancers will light up the stage with a Dance Showcase from 3–5pm. Plus, there’s face painting and glitter available on both days (small charge applies) for an extra splash of colour and fun.

Of course, Kids Fest is just part of the excitement! The main Spirit of Tenterden Festival also features live music, mouth-watering street food, a well-stocked festival bar, artisan shopping, and entertainment for all ages throughout the weekend. A special thanks goes to our premier sponsors & funders, Brissenden Trust and Wilson, Wilson & Hancock, whose generous support makes the children’s entertainment and professional performers possible, Lightning Fibre sponsors of the main music stage, and Tenterden Town Council. Come and join the fun — it’s going to be a weekend to remember! Download the Kid's poster >>> here
Posted 4 May 2025

THE SPIRIT OF TENTERDEN FESTIVAL IS BACK!
Tenterden is set to come alive this summer as the Spirit of Tenterden Festival returns to the Recreation Ground from 4–6 July 2025. Now in its fifth year, the festival has become a highlight of the summer, attracting visitors of all ages with its vibrant mix of live music, food, drink, artisan crafts, and free family entertainment.

Festival opening times: Friday 3–10pm, Saturday 10am–10pm, Sunday 11am–5pm — join for a day or enjoy the full weekend!

Highlights include a packed main stage with live music, street performers, dance groups, children’s favourites like Robbie the Land Train, a climbing wall, circus skills, the Black Eagles acrobat display, fun dog show, and more. There’s also face painting. Foodies will love the mouth-watering selection of street food, from burgers and Thai to Nigerian dishes, brisket, vegetarian options, pancakes, cakes, sweets, and ice cream. The festival bar, artisan coffee vans, and tea tent ensure there’s something for every taste. Shoppers can browse a creative market packed with unique, locally made treasures and foods such as honey, jam and spices. Check out the draft programme here https://www.canva.com/design/DAGXs40vnhw/_nEk7MzmjI2K-RWxPrsn5A/view

The festival is free to attend and thanks to the generous support of sponsors most of the entertainment is free so mark your calendar for 4–6 July and come along!    Posted 4 May 2025

VOLUNTEERS WANTED  
We Want You! The Spirit of Tenterden Festival is back on the Recreation Ground from 4th–6th July 2025 (Friday 3pm–10pm | Saturday 10am–10pm | Sunday 11am–5pm), and we’re looking for enthusiastic Volunteer Helpers, and Stewards to join our team! Whether you can spare a few hours or a few days, your support will make a real difference.
Why Volunteer?
✔ Variety of Roles: From event safety and helping the public to artistic displays, litter picking, questionnaires, gate duty, queue management, or carrying equipment – there's something for everyone!
✔ Perks: Discounted food, free tea/coffee and snacks, plus plenty of comfort breaks. We’re flexible and will work around any individual needs.
✔ Flexible Hours – Volunteer at times that suit you best.
✔ Be Part of the Action – Get involved and soak up the incredible atmosphere.
Pre-Festival Help Needed
Can you also help with set-up on Thursday 3rd July & Friday 4th July? Artistic Displays – Help create bunting and stage decorations. Entrance Truss & Stage Displays – Set the scene for an amazing festival. Stallholder Assistance – Welcome traders and help them get settled.
If you can lend a hand, please get in touch at verne@spiritoftenterden.co.uk. Let’s make the Spirit of Tenterden Festival 2025 the best one yet! Posted 15 Feb 2025

FESTIVAL PHOTOS
Festival photos from Spirit 2024 >>> here 
Festival photos from Spirit 2023 >>> here 

If you're a stallholder, musician, or entertainer don’t miss the chance to showcase your work.
STALLHOLDERS
Stallholder applications – fill in our application form >>> here
ENTERTAINERS
If you are an entertainer please get in touch >>> here
MUSICIANS
If you are a musician our music stage director is Pat Sweeney. Please contact Pat here - patsweeneylandscape@gmail.com
SPONSORS
If you would like to be one of our fabulous sponsors please contact Mary Brasington mary@spiritoftenterden.co.uk
Explore our Sponsorship PDF >>> here

Posted 2023 and updated 2024 and 2025

ARTISAN CREATIVE MARKET & FESTIVAL SHOPPING 2025
The Artisan Creative Makers Market and Festival Shopping event is one of the highlights of the Spirit of Tenterden Festival 4-6 July 2025. This exciting weekend promises a vibrant mix of artisan stalls, creative makers, and festival shopping, along with delicious food and drink, live music, and street food, all wrapped up with plenty of entertainment for all ages. Free entry!

Festival hours are Friday from 3-10pm, Saturday from 10am-10pm, and Sunday from 11am-5pm. The Creative Market stalls will be open from 3-6pm on Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturday, and 11am-5pm on Sunday—but be sure to stay on after to enjoy the rest of the festival! Discover the full list of stalls >>> here

If you’re a creative maker or artisan, don’t miss the chance to showcase your work—stallholder applications are open now – fill in our application form >>> here if you want to be part of this fab event. Posted 19 Jan 2025

GET READY FOR THE SPIRIT OF TENTERDEN FESTIVAL 2025
We know it’s early, but there’s nothing better than getting into the festive spirit in advance! Mark your calendars and join us for a weekend of fun, music, food, and community vibes. See the draft programme >>> here - work in progress at the moment! Live Music: Talented local bands, choirs, and performers will take the stage throughout the weekend. Food & Drink: A fantastic selection of street food, local produce, and craft drinks. Arts & Crafts: Browse and buy from local artisans showcasing their unique creations. Family Fun: Activities and entertainment for all ages. Beer & Cider Tent: Enjoy the best brews from local breweries. Special Performances: Surprises in store from our incredible lineup of entertainers in the Display Arena.

Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the big weekend. Spread the word, tag your friends, and let’s make this the best Spirit of Tenterden Festival yet! New and returning Stallholders – fill in our application form >>> here if you want to be part of this fab event.     Posted 9 Jan 2025

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!
A huge thank you to our amazing supporters, sponsors, stallholders, musicians, entertainers, volunteers, and everyone who attends the festival—you all help make the Spirit of Tenterden Festival so special. Your enthusiasm and support throughout the year bring our community together, and we’re so grateful to have you as part of this incredible event. We hope your Christmas is filled with joy, fun, and festive cheer. As you celebrate, don’t forget to mark your calendars for the next Spirit of Tenterden Festival, happening 4–6 July 2025. It’s set to be another fantastic weekend, and we can’t wait to welcome you all back! Stay tuned for updates and exciting announcements. We’re especially eager to hear from local and returning stallholders—and new ones too—who share our passion for showcasing the very best of our community. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, we’d love to hear from you! 

Wishing you all a magical Christmas and a Happy New Year! With love from the Spirit of Tenterden Team: Sue, Verne, Justin, Tara, Mary, Barry, Pat, Sarah, Liza, Bena, Eileen, Lindsay, and Richard

2025 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Spirit of Tenterden Festival is organised as a Community Interest Company by a volunteer committee. The festival is funded by stallholder fees, local grants, fundraising events and generous sponsorship. As well as the event sponsorship, we also have some bespoke sponsorship packages available in 2025 to help fund specific higher cost areas e.g. main music stage, roaming entertainment, arena entertainers, children’s activities. Join us in making this festival a success while showcasing your business to the community.

If you'd like to be part of this exciting event contact Mary Brasington >>> here

Explore our Sponsorship PDF >>> here

2025 APPLICATION FORM NOW LIVE!
The Spirit of Tenterden Festival (4-6 July 2025) is a family-friendly, free-to-attend community event run entirely by volunteers. It is now in its fifth year and draws thousands of visitors from across the area. We’re especially keen to welcome back local and returning stallholders, as well as new ones who share our passion for showcasing the very best of our community.

What’s on at the festival? • Live music on the main stage • Handmade, artisan, and craft stalls • Traditional country crafts • Delicious food and drink stalls • Local food and producers • Drinks tent featuring real ales, cider, and wine • Fun dog show • Display arena with local group performances and entertainment • Children’s activities

If you'd like to be part of this exciting event, don't miss the chance to apply! Click here to complete the application form

2024 ONLINE PROGRAMME
The Spirit of Tenterden Festival Unveils the 2024 Online Programme!

Read the Spirit of Tenterden Festival online programme. This year's festival from 5th July to 7th July is gearing up to be a fantastic celebration of food, live music, artisan stalls, entertainment and community spirit, catering to a wide range of tastes and interests, and promising to captivate audiences of all ages including a host of family-friendly activities.

Sponsors and Supporters - Spirit of Tenterden Festival 2024

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters. We simply couldn’t stage the festival without you! This year we have a record 29 companies and organisations on board. As well as their financial and practical support for Spirit, they of course offer their services and products to our local community too. Click on each logo on our  sponsors page to be taken through to their own website and/or scroll down on the sponsor page to the A-Z section for a description of who they are and what they do.

Sponsored Dog Walk

Saturday 22nd June 2024, 10am leaving from This Ancient Boro, East Cross, Tenterden. A fundraising event for the Spirit of Tenterden Festival. Download the sponsorship form here https://www.mytenterden.co.uk/upload/ev/ot/2/evlisting-1382-listingdoc1.pdf. Choose either the 1.5 mile town route or the 3 mile route which takes you along the railway line and back across the fields around Tenterden. £10 Entry or Minimum Sponsorship fee. Sponsorship forms can be collected from This Ancient Boro, East Cross, Tenterden. Please hand in your forms on the day.

Big Thanks to Tenterden Lions Club!

Once again, Tenterden Lions Club has shown their incredible support for the Spirit of Tenterden Festival with a generous donation of £500. Their unwavering commitment helps makes our festival possible! Captured in the photo sharing smiles and gratitude, members of the Spirit committee (Justin Nelson, Tara Willington-Mace, Verne Sanderson, and Sue Ferguson), along with Tenterden Lions members Anthony Groves, Robin Draper, Jayne French (PR, Marketing and Media) and President Mike Caridia. We extend our deepest gratitude to Tenterden Lions Club and all our generous contributors. Your support is what makes our festival shine!

Shout out to all of our Sponsors 2024

Another shout out to all of our sponsors this year. We are thrilled to now have 20 on board! Welcome and thank you to our latest additions Rush Witt & Wilson, Tenterden & District Chamber of Commerce, Tenterden Lions Club and the Old Dairy Taproom. The Old Dairy Taproom will be sponsoring and adding their magic to the main stage. Click on each logo on our website sponsor page to find out more about them >>> here If you are not already involved and would like to receive a copy of our sponsorship package flyer, please email mary@spiritoftenterden.co.uk

Spirit of Tenterden Festival Sponsorship Package 2024

If you would like to sponsor the festival please ask Mary Brasington to send you a copy of our sponsorship package flyer - please email Mary here: mary@spiritoftenterden.co.uk

Spirit of Tenterden Festival Sponsors 2024

We are delighted to announce our first 16 sponsors on board for Spirit 2024. What fantastic community support! A HUGE thank you from all of us, we couldn’t do the event without you. Click on each logo on our website sponsor page to find out more about them.

FINAL FUNDRAISING EVENT BEFORE THE 2023 FESTIVAL
Wednesday 7 June 2023

Our last Spirit of Tenterden fundraising event before the festival was an absolute success! Huge thanks to Sarah at This Ancient Boro for hosting a Racenight on Wednesday. Together, we managed to raise an incredible £761.75! Thanks to Bill, Sue, Justin, and Verne for their race admin skills - selling race tickets and paying out the winning races. Thanks to Jez for being such a great compere, and thanks to everyone for coming along. We are really grateful for the generosity that continues to make the Spirit of Tenterden festival possible. This year's festival will be the best one yet! Spirit of Tenterden Festival 30 June - 2 July 2023 - Tenterden Recreation Ground

THANK YOU TESCO TENTERDEN
Friday 19 May 2023

We would like to say thank you to Tesco Tenterden for their support and generosity towards the Spirit of Tenterden Festival. On Friday, May 19, we stationed ourselves outside the store, distributing countless festival fliers and proudly displaying our collection buckets as well. Tesco Tenterden also made an exceptionally generous donation of £500 towards the festival. This incredible contribution came from the proceeds of Tesco Community Champion Jan West's book stall. A big thank you goes out to Jan for her support! And a big thank you to everyone who helped at the collection, and thanks to Tara for organising the day.

PREVIEW - FOOD, FUN, MUSIC AND SPECTACLE AT ‘SPIRIT’ TENTERDEN’S VERY OWN FAMILY FESTIVAL

‘Spirit of Tenterden’, the Wealden town’s very own family festival, will be staged on the Recreation Ground from Friday, 30 June to Sunday, 2 July 2023 – and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Weeks before the free-to-enter event, which is run entirely by local people and attracted more than 5,000 visitors last year, more than 50 stallholders and exhibitors are already queuing up to take part, offering a wide variety of treats for all the family.

SPIRIT OF TENTERDEN FESTIVAL TEAM

The Spirit of Tenterden Festival team: left to right around the table. Pat Sweeney (music/stage), Sarah Cleaton (bar/dog show), Bena Johnston, Mary Brasington (fundraising/sponsorship), Justin Nelson (admin/grants/finance), Verne Sanderson (logistics/volunteers), Sue Ferguson (website/social media/stalls) , Barry Mell, Richard Harvey (press/PR), and Liza Townsend (creative displays on site). Not in the photo Tara Willington-Mace (local business co-ordinator) and Lindsay Hammond

THANK YOU TENTERDEN LIONS CLUB

Tenterden Lions Club presented a cheque for £500 in support of Spirit of Tenterden 2023. The picture shows Spirit's organising committee, with (second right) Lions chairman Anthony Groves and (left) Lions committee member Robin Draper. 

Spirit of Tenterden Festival

ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

Read our Environmental and Sustainability policy >>> here

- Aims and Intentions
- Waste
- Energy
- Short term single use items (generally plastic based)
- Other Areas of operations and activity - Drinking water availability; Catering seasonally, sustainably and local; Event infra-structure 

Spirit of Tenterden Festival

ASHFORD COMMUNITY LOTTERY - FUNDRAISING FOR SPIRIT
Support the Spirit of Tenterden Festival when you play the Ashford Community Lottery ... help the Spirit team raise funds to put on the community music, food, drink festival in Tenterden on 1-3 July 2022 . If you buy a lottery ticket direct from the Spirit of Tenterden lottery webpage you will be supporting us. 50% of all tickets sold from our page go to us! Tickets only cost £1/week. Prizes up to £25,000. First draw Saturday 19 March 2022 and weekly after that. Supporters must be 16 years of age or older. An Ashford Borough Council initiative

A FUNDRAISING EVENT November 2021
TASTY! THAI DINNER RAISES £1,500 FOR ‘SPIRIT REVIVAL’ Supporters of ‘Spirit Revival’, Tenterden’s family, music, food and drinks festival scheduled for Friday-to-Sunday, 1-3 July, 2022, raised almost £1,500 at a Thai food evening, held at This Ancient Boro on Wednesday (3 November). The event was so popular that the meal was served in two separate sittings, which attracted more than 70 diners. Spirit organising committee chairman Justin Nelson said it was “a fabulously successful evening” and particularly praised Bena Johnston and her team, who prepared and served the dinner, and Ancient Boro licensees Ray Pratt and Sarah Cleaton for hosting the evening.