Kent Miners Festival is a fabulous free two day event suitable for all the family at Fowlmead Country Park between Deal and Sandwich just 15 minutyes drive from Dover. Celebrate the areas rich mining history, join in loads of exciting fun packed activities, and browse the interesting stalls whilst enjoying the festivals many events.
Annual Kent Miners Festival - A great day out for all the family!
Kent Miners Festival held annually on August Bank Holiday Weekend the 29th & 30th August, is Kent's largest, free, family Festival Event.
Kent miners past and present, came from all over England to work in the Kent coalfields. The sense of camaraderie and community they brought with them and that still exist here today, have led many of the miners to make the Deal Dover and Sandwich District their permanent home.
Former Miner and festival organiser Gary Cox says :
"The idea behind the festival is to emulate the traditional miners Galas that were held in the pit towns and villages.'
Our modern Day Miners Festival is a celebration of the hard work and sacrifices made by Kent's Miners.
Our Kent Miners past and present deserve to be remembered and it is important to show future generations the importance of community that is still strong and still exists here in the heart of Kent.
The Annual Kent Miners Festival is held at Fowlmead Country Park between Deal and Sandwich just a short drive from Dover.
Fowlmead Country Park was built using coalfield regeneration money and situated on the former spoil tip of near by Betteshanger Colliery which was the largest Kent pit to open in 1927 and the last to close in 1989
The Festivals aim is to demonstrate that community was an important part of being a miner, and it is hoped the festival helps instill community values in people, at the same time as remembering Kent's rich, mining heritage and having a fantastic free day out.
The Kent Miners Festival is supported by a host of local community groups who work as strategic partners with the Kent Miners Festival to ensure the festivals diversity and longevity. These groups include:
The Deal St Omer Twinning Association ,
Environmental Group Deal with It ,
Deal Town Fair Trade,
The Deal Festival of Music and The Arts.
South East Artists
Deal Walmer and Kingsdown Regatta Association
Over 10,000 people come to the area to experience a taste of the traditional miners galas events which include:
All guaranteed to make the festival day a really family friendly fun day out !
Free Travel - Free Parking - Free Entry
The Festival can be reached by foot , car or cycle. Why not cut down on emissions and really get into the festival spirit by travelling on a vintage bus, kindly donated for the festival by The friends of Kent Buses to ferry visitors to the festival in and out of Deal and Dover as well as Pit Villages in Kent.
The Kent Miners Festival welcomes everyone, so whether you are a local business or voluntary organisation who wants to get involved and support your town, or an ordinary member of the public looking for a great day out,
Dont miss the Kent Miners Festival!
Contact Festival organiser Gary Cox on
Telephone :07800 545135
Email : kentminersfestival@sky.com
Kent Miners Festival Souvenir programme will be on sale at a price of £3.00.
Entrance is free but Volunteer organisers of the Kent Miners Festival are urging everyone to purchase a programme to help cover costs so that this fantastic festival event can continue for many years to come as an important part of our local heritage.
The Kent Miners Festival is supported by local independent businesses which include:
When Communities work together, anything is possible!
Don't forget to register on the best of Deal Dover and Sandwich and tell everyone why they should visit the Kent Miners Festival !