Maidstone’s Kent Life heritage farm park will host its annual Ice Cream Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The three-day event promises a mix of sweet treats, live shows, and family activities.
Organisers expect thousands of visitors to attend. The farm park’s top field will be transformed into a space for ice cream fans and summer festivalgoers alike.
A regular feature of Kent’s summer calendar, the festival brings together a wide range of ice cream traders. Visitors will be able to enjoy traditional favourites as well as try new and unusual flavours.
But the festival is not just about what is being served. Alongside the ice cream, there will be live music and children’s shows. A foam party disco is also planned.
Traditional fairground rides will add to the mix and help build the feel of a classic British summer day out.
With food, fun and entertainment combined, organisers hope to deliver a weekend to remember for families from Kent and beyond.
A Sweet Celebration with a Historical Backdrop
The Ice Cream Festival remains a key feature in Kent Life’s busy events calendar. It makes full use of the venue’s unique setting as both a living history museum and a working farm.
The site sits on the banks of the River Medway. Scattered across it are historic buildings that tell their own stories. Among them is a coal-fired oast house and a recreated 1940s village. Together, they give visitors a feel for Kent’s rural past.
It is this sense of history that makes the setting stand out. Old brick and timber frame the fields, while festival tents bring in the modern touches. The mix gives the event a backdrop unlike any other.
Organisers stress that the event is about more than ice cream alone. It is designed as a wider celebration of community and the season. The standard admission price includes sweet treat sampling and interacting with traditional farm animals. Visitors may also enjoy tractor and land train rides.
The aim is to create a well-rounded experience. Food, entertainment, and a touch of education about Kent’s agricultural history combine to make the festival both enjoyable and memorable.
What to Expect at the Festival
According to a Kent Life spokesperson, excitement is high this year. “We’re delighted to be bringing the Ice Cream Festival back for what we expect to be a fantastic weekend,” they said. “It’s always one of our most popular events, and we’ve worked hard to make it even bigger and better.”
On the food front, there will be a wide mix of stalls. “From classic cones to indulgent sundaes, there’ll be something for everyone,” they explained. To ensure inclusivity, vegan and dairy-free options will also be available.
Fresh entertainment has also been introduced. The foam party disco, organisers predict, will be especially popular with children.
Tickets and Logistics
Tickets are available for purchase online and at the gate. However, visitors are advised to book in advance through the Kent Life website. This guarantees entry and allows access to potential online discounts. Pricing is structured to include access to all festival activities as well as Kent Life’s regular attractions.
The venue is easily accessible, located just off the M20 motorway. This makes it a convenient day trip for visitors from across Kent and the wider South East.
The Broader Impact on Local Tourism
The Ice Cream Festival is proving to be more than just a summer highlight for local families. It is also giving a welcome lift to the regional economy and tourism sector.
Events of this kind attract visitors from well beyond the immediate area. Extra footfall means more business for hotels, cafés, shops, and even public transport. Traders say it all adds up. At the same time, the festival helps to strengthen Kent’s long-standing image as the “Garden of England.”
For many families, the timing is ideal. With the school holidays drawing to a close, parents are often on the lookout for affordable outings. The festival offers exactly that.
It is not just about sales or numbers, though. The atmosphere provides a light-hearted break from the more serious headlines of the day. Entertainment, music, and food stalls create a sense of community.
Looking ahead, Kent Life’s ongoing success in hosting popular events showcases its value as a community-focused heritage park. The farm park is a cornerstone of family entertainment in Maidstone, with other seasonal events already planned. Later this year, it will host the Hops ‘n’ Harvest Beer Festival, followed by its well-known Christmas experience. For now, all attention is on the upcoming August Bank Holiday weekend and the promise of a memorable, flavour-filled festival.