What's On: Your Guide to Maidstone Fringe Festival
- Kate Owen
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Guest written by Kate Owen - follow her on Instagram at @girlinthedrink
Who needs to go all the way to Edinburgh when we’ve got Fringe Festivals right on our doorsteps? You can get your culture fix this Spring with the Maidstone Fringe Festival.
Established in 2010 the Fringe Festival takes place annually across the May Bank Holiday weekend, giving a platform to an amazing array of local talent and performers. Running from the 30th April to 5th May, there'll be something for everyone as the county town will be filled with music, poetry and comedy.
The lineup celebrates the diversity of both local music and venues, including over 60 live bands, DJs and artists performing in 11 locations across the town. Venues range from classic pubs like The Market House, Drake’s, The Flower Pot, The Druids Arms and The Style & Winch; right through to unique local venues Skull Bar, Craft Brewed, Frederic's and Studio 6. Your favourite hangouts are likely hosting some exciting events across the festival, and - in even better news - most of the performances are free to attend.
So what better way to celebrate a few extra days off work than seeing and supporting some of the finest musicians and artists that the county of Kent has to offer? Here are some of our top picks for the festival.
We are truly spoilt for choice! I’ll be trying to find a babysitter for the opening night of the festival so I can get down to the cosy and charming Frederic’s Bistro to see some live music. Whilst I’m keen to sample their amazing selection of wines and rustic French food, I also want to see acoustic singer-songwriter Fred Clark, who actually performed at my wedding! Whilst you don’t need a ticket to see Fred perform, booking is required – call: 01622 297414
Price: Free
Dates: Wednesday 30th April, 7pm
If you’re looking for a laugh on Friday night, you can check out County Town Improv’s InstaComedy at one of my favourite local venues; Craft Brewed. Founded by Chris Riley, (who trained with Seamus Allen at "What’s The Game?" and Alexander McWilliam at "Mad Monkey Improv", before starting his own troupe in 2023), County Town Improv are veterans of the scene, hosting weekly improvisation classes and regular shows at Craft Brewed. This performance features some of the best comedians in town and promises to tickle all your funny bones!
Price: £6
Dates: Friday 2nd May, 8pm
If you haven’t had your fill on Friday, then you can start your Sunday right and join County Town Improv again for their Comedy Brunch. Apart from a good cup of coffee, it’s hard to know what to expect from this show but it’s sure to be filled with tonnes of unpredictable improvised sketch comedy and laughs.
Price: £10 (includes food and a hot drink)
Dates: Sunday 4th May, 11 am
For something a little different, you can check out Factotum Poetry’s Organised Chaos at The Style & Winch which will feature a wonderful array of Kent poets. Headlined by Fran Lock, who got her start on the London Open Mic scene and was shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize in 2023, the bill also includes: Ezra Miles, Bethany Goodwill, Petra Palkovacsova, SM Jenkin, William Atkins, Aqeel Parvez and Jon Terranova.
Price: Free
Dates: Sunday 4th May, 1:30pm
Without a doubt, this Fringe is for Music Lovers! This year’s highlights look to be David Migden and the Twisted Roots, who will be bringing their bluesy rock stylings to The Flower Pot. The band's reputation precedes them. With years of gigging, a number of albums and award wins under their belt, they are regulars around Maidstone and Kent and have headlined previous years of the Fringe Festival, so you’ll be in very safe hands!
Price: Free
Dates: Friday 2nd May, 8.30pm
If you’re looking for something a little more psychedelic, you can check out Maidstone’s own Queen Phosphene who will be performing at The Style & Winch. This four-piece band hailing from Kent are inspired by the music of the 60’s and 70’s. They regularly bring their dreamy mind-bending psychedelic rock to the town's pubs and bars, and are undoubtedly gems of the local music scene.
Price: Free
Dates: Saturday 3rd May, 10pm
Local favourite The Market House will be hosting performers every day from the 1st - 5th of May, including the mesmerising Estelle Mey, Disco Drug Store and One Day Elliott. Grab yourself a pint and enjoy the music all night long!
Price: Free
Dates: Thursday 1st - Monday 5th May, performances scheduled daily
Grab your most musically gifted friends and challenge yourself with The Quiz People's music quiz at Skull Bar, the self-proclaimed Home of Rock in Maidstone! They recently won a blue ribbon at the Good Food awards too, so maybe grab some grub to fuel those brains and wash it down with their house lager whilst you’re there. I’d order the Limp Brisket Burger for the name alone!
Price: Free
Dates: Sunday 4th May, 6pm
Even if the weather isn’t quite up to a bank holiday barbeque, the Maidstone Fringe Festival offers plenty of venues and events waiting to give you a warm welcome. Whether you’re looking for music, performances or laughter, there will be plenty to check out and opportunities to support local venues and artists alike.
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