First time at a British Hop Festival! 🍻
My first Faversham Hop Festival was a very cheerful way to discover just how little I could see in a crowd. I’d lived in Kent for almost seven years and had never been to it. By the time I started talking about the day, I was already one pint in. There was a lot to eat and drink, people seemed happy to be there, and the town centre was absolutely packed.
Cider, food and a hop crown
Once I was there, I wanted to walk around and see what was going on. It was loud, crowded and busy, with plenty to explore. Food and drink are usually the best part of a festival for me, so those were high on my list. Later, I couldn’t remember all the different drinks I’d tried, but I thought they’d been good. The cherry cider I did remember was delicious.
One lovely moment was getting a hop crown. I’d been in the queue for one when a very kind lady gave me one. Thank you, kind lady. I ended up wearing it as I went around the festival, and it was a nice addition to a day when so many people seemed friendly and in a good mood.
By the end, I’d tried quite a few ciders and had food as well. I thought it was all delicious. It was expensive, which I thought was to be expected at a festival, but that was my impression of what I spent on this visit. Mostly, I was pleased with what I’d eaten and drunk, and still wanted more food when I stopped for a break.
A very busy town centre
The crowd was the hardest part of the day. I’m five foot three, and much of what I could see was the backs of other people’s heads or their feet. If I got a view above the crowd, it was because I’d stretched my arm up with the camera. Getting from one place to another meant shuffling along between people, rather than having an easy walk through town.
Compared with a more traditional festival where you could sit on the grass or at picnic benches, this one was in the town centre. After queuing for a cider, I’d end up standing among clumps of people while others tried to weave past. I like having somewhere to sit, especially when I’m eating or drinking, so I found that difficult. The atmosphere could be lovely while the practical business of moving around it was a bit much.
We did find a seat in a park just outside the centre. It was quieter there, and I wanted to sit for a while before heading back for more food. I felt slightly overstimulated. I hadn’t been around that many people in such a small space for a long time, but I was still having a great time. Both things were true. Taking a break didn’t mean I’d stopped enjoying the festival.
Friendly people and mixed music
What I liked most about the atmosphere was how upbeat it seemed. People were drinking, having a good time and being friendly. I didn’t see anyone drunkenly fighting. That was what I saw during my visit, and I thought it was lovely to have so many people out enjoying themselves.
The music was more mixed. There were a few stages, and I mostly watched the one I thought was the biggest. Some performers were wonderful and sounded very professional. Others struck me as more like karaoke. I was a little surprised, although this was a hop festival rather than a music festival, so music wasn’t the whole point of being there.
I came away tired, but I thought my first hop festival had been a wonderful day. The food, cider and friendly atmosphere were the good bits. The crowds and lack of easy places to sit in the centre made it harder for me, particularly when I couldn’t see much beyond the person in front. I’d enjoyed myself, even with those gripes, and I was glad I’d finally gone.
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