Music on the Farm 2026 Returns to Solley's Ice Cream Parlour in Ripple
The stage is set for the much-anticipated return of Music on the Farm 2026, taking place in the picturesque fields of Solley's Ice Cream Parlour in Ripple. Organised by the local charity Martha Trust, this beloved annual one-day event will be held on Sunday, June 14, from noon to 8pm, with gates opening at 11.30am. The festival promises a full day of live music, family-friendly entertainment, and delicious food, all dedicated to supporting a vital local cause.
Live Music and Entertainment Lineup
A diverse array of local performers will grace the stage, offering a mix of musical styles ranging from folk rock and bluesy beats to dance classics and feel-good cheesy tunes. Confirmed acts include Muzz and Joe Duo, The Upsetters – Still Upsetting, Situationist!, Lofty Harris, Shiva, and Grooveshack. The entertainment extends beyond music with dance displays from Dance with Danni and performances by Deal Ukulele Club. Jonathan Brown from Revitalise The Landmark Centre Deal will host the event as the new compere, while Chris Mansfield and Sharon Powell serve as official photographers.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Families can enjoy an extensive Kids' Area, featuring six hours of children's entertainment coordinated by Creative Arts Workshop Leader and Event Planner Lizzie Willis and delivered by her dedicated team. All activities in this area are included in the ticket price. Additional attractions include:
- Face painting and hair glitter
- Karl's Festival Stall
- Permanent jewellery with Sasha
- Hand, neck, and shoulder seated massages with Mother Earth Therapies
- A visit from the Fire Brigade
- The Martha Tent with traditional fairground games like Hook a Duck and Coconut Shy
Accessibility is a key priority, with Accessoloo providing a fully accessible mobile toilet facility equipped with an adult-sized changing bench, hoist, and friendly attendant.
Food, Drink, and Fundraising Initiatives
Festival-goers can indulge in a wide range of Kent-based food and drink vendors, including The Larder with vegan and vegetarian options, BJ's Pizza serving wood-fired pizzas, Solley's full bar, Ruby Rose and Pearl Horsebox Bar, a Pimm's Bar, KC Confectionary, Crumble Cup, and of course, Solley's Ice Cream. All partner vendors will generously donate 20 percent of their sales back to Martha Trust. The day will also feature a large auction, raffle, and a Barrow of Booze prize draw to further support the charity.
Sponsorship and Community Support
Main Event Sponsorship for Music on the Farm 2026 has been provided by Superior Healthcare Group, Solley's Farm Ice Cream, Cook Fabrications Ltd, Jenkinson Estates, and Reclamet, a Birchington-based vehicle recycling business. The event also benefits from a KCC Combined Members Grant from Cllr Martin Paul and match-funding through Barclays. Businesses interested in sponsorship or donating raffle or auction prizes are encouraged to contact the fundraising team at 01304 610448 or fundraising@marthatrust.org.uk.
Ticket Information and Quotes from Organisers
Advance tickets are available online at www.marthatrust.org.uk/musiconthefarm, with prices set at £45 for a Family Ticket (two adults and up to three children under 16), £18 for an Adult Ticket, and £8 for a Child Ticket. Kerry Banks BEM, Fundraising and Events Manager at Martha Trust, expressed excitement about the event, stating, "We are really excited to be delivering our event once again with our long-term supporters and friends at Solley's Farm Ice Cream. We have lots planned — you are in for a treat!"
Lizzie Willis added, "We are thrilled to be returning and working with local creative businesses to deliver a wide range of workshops and activities in the Kids' Area. This event never fails to be great fun for all the family — it's safe, well organised and supports a truly deserving charity." Katie Morrison, Director at Solley's Ice Cream, highlighted the importance of the partnership, saying, "Once again, we are incredibly proud to be part of Music on the Farm. Martha Trust is an extremely important local charity that we are delighted to support long-term."
