Home   Sittingbourne   News   Article

Coronavirus Kent: Sittingbourne music festival Chickenstock postponed

Another music festival has bitten the dust.

The four-day Chickenstock bash at Stockbury between Sittingbourne and Maidstone has been postponed until next year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Moya and David Taylor who organise Chickenstock
Moya and David Taylor who organise Chickenstock

Festival organiser Moya Taylor said: “We’re disappointed to postpone but the safety of our audience, performers, staff and volunteers has to be our priority.

“Many self-employed musicians are really struggling during this crisis and we’ll be giving any profits from this year’s ticket sales to the artistes. Buying your tickets now will help support these performers and festival-goers will avoid any price rise.”

She and her husband David made the decision on Friday.

The enlarged annual festival was due to have been staged for the third year at Norton Green, Stockbury, near the Kent County Showground, from July 23 until July 26.

Headline acts Show of Hands, American band Hayseed Dixie and 3 Daft Monkeys have confirmed they will play at next year’s event July 22 and 25.

Richard Digance was to have been at Chickenstock 2020 near Sittingbourne
Richard Digance was to have been at Chickenstock 2020 near Sittingbourne

This year's festival would also have featured comedy folk singer Richard Digance who has toured with Chas 'n' Dave and had his own TV show.

Tickets already bought will be valid for 2021. In addition, tickets for next year will be on sale at this year’s prices until July.

The family-friendly festival is a mix of country, folk and blues music. It grew into a festival after the couple held an informal garden party for friends. The name arose because they live in Stockbury village and used to keep chickens.

Tickets and more details are available at www.chickenstockfestival.co.uk.

It is the latest event to be affected by the coronavirus lockdown. Both Sheppey's Party on the Farm in June and Isle Fest in July have been axed.

Bamboozle were at last year's Chickenstock music festival at Stockbury
Bamboozle were at last year's Chickenstock music festival at Stockbury

Fans are still waiting to hear about the fate of Sittingbourne's Party in the Park on Saturday June 27 with Toploader, Marylebone Jelly and Curb Pilots; the Playa beer festival at Minster Leas on July 18 and A New Day Festival at Mount Ephraim Gardens near Faversham in August.

Read more: Latest news from Sittingbourne here

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More