Rochester
Zoom Events in Kent
Rochester Castle Gardens
07 Jun - 09 Jun
Medway
Food & Drink
Festival
Following a successful launch last year we are delighted to be returning in 2024 with this major event for the Medway towns in such an historic and inspiring location.
Located in the Grounds of Rochester Castle, the Medway Food and Drink Festival is just a short walk from the town centre and will celebrate the best of local, regional, national and international products.
Street Foods, bars of distinction, alfresco dining, live music, children's entertainment, select grocery food & craft all served up with big helpings of humour, colour and character for a fun packed weekend.
Children's Entertainment
- Children’s Rides
- A selection of children’s rides for our younger visitors to enjoy.
- Suzan Ruben-Alderton – Fairy in a Pop Can
- Suzan is an author who has written her own book, with proceeds going to charity. If you are lucky enough you will hear the author read her story for you.
- Froggle Parties
- Children’s entertainer on Saturday and Sunday; walkabout and designated shows, with a variety of the following, comedy magic, puppet shows, bubbles and touchable bubbles (bubbles that don't pop when you touch them), rocket balloons, balloon modelling, music and games. Website
- Face Painting
- Creative face painting for all on Saturday and Sunday. Website
- Gymfinity Kids
- Saturday will see Gymfinity Kids joining us with cartwheel stations/rolls, an opportunity to have a go. Gymfinity Kids offer Ninja, Pre school, Mini Ninja as well as events such as holiday camps throughout the half terms and Friday night clubs! They cater for children from walking age all the way up to 16 years old- and even host an adult gymnastics once a month! Website
Cooking Stage
The Cooking Stage will be returning to Medway this year on Saturday, where a compere; Ben Harris will be introducing chefs who will be demonstrating some interesting dishes from around the world.- 10.45am - Thermomix Ltd Website
- 12:00pm - Maria Bradford, Shwen Shwen Website
- 1:30pm - Madoka Davis, Petit Roll Website
- 2:30pm - Ian, Bear N Mind Catering Website
- 4:00pm - The Elvises Facebook
Live Music
Including:
Big River playing Fri 7th Info / Biog →
The LKG Trio playing Sat 8th Info / Biog →
Loose Change playing Sun 9th Info / Biog →
Festival opening times (to be confirmed):
Friday 12.00pm – 6.00pm
Saturday 09.00am – 6.00pm
Sunday 10.00am – 5.00pm
Book early and save! Food & Drink Festival event tickets are now available in the shop.
(Note: On the day tickets may be limited in availability due to event capacity).
Get Your Tickets Online
Tickets for this Medway Food and Drink Festival and Medway Live Comedy evenings are available here.
Our tandem event has limited numbers due to seating – so book early for our Medway-Live stand-up
Friday 7th & Saturday 8th (7.00pm to 9.00pm) – tickets are now on sale in the shop.
OUTSTANDING STAND-UP
Hilarious performances at Medway-Live from a superb list of stand-up comedians. Info & Biogs below.
Friday 7th June Line Up
MC: Mat Wills Info / Biog →
Kelly Ford Info / Biog →
Matt Price Info / Biog →
Justin Panks Info / Biog →
Saturday 8th June Line Up
MC: Mat Wills Info / Biog →
Sam Serrano Info / Biog →
Michael Hackett Info / Biog →
Sean Gorman Info / Biog →
Please note: Artists are confirmed and contracted to appear on the event date, however, all line-ups are subject to change. If an act cancels their performance, or cannot make their agreed time slot, the even organiser will make every effort to find a suitable replacement to perform in their place. The replacement act will be chosen at the sole discretion of the event organiser and, if possible, communicated via social media.
Status
Traders/Acts - Book your place
For trader/act registration and event information please visit:
Market Square Group
Visitor Info
Rochester Castle was built on an important river crossing of the Medway by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester in the 1080s and although much has changed on the site – the bounds of the castle are similarly positioned today. The current castle keep was built by In 1127 by William de Corbeil . During its lifetime the castle has been besieged on numerous occasions, 1088, First Barons’ War in 1215/6 (where much of the damage we see today took place) & 1264/5, with some of the significant damage to the castle being repaired in 1370s. In 1381 during the Peasants’ Revolt, the castle was attacked finally during the English Civil War in 1648, Parliamentarian forces besieged and captured the castle from Royalist defenders. James I (r. 1603-1625 CE) granted it to Sir Anthony Weldon (1583–1648 ) whose descendants owned it until the end of the 19th century. In 1965 CE the Corporation of Rochester handed over the lease to the Ministry of Public Buildings and Works, with English Heritage taking over the management of the castle in 1984.
Event Countdown
Day(s)
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Hour(s)
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Minute(s)
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Ticket Order Information
Please ensure you enter a valid email for your ticket purchase. The tickets will be emailed to that address.
If you do not receive your ticket and confirmation to your email address within half an hour of placing your order, please contact Market Square Group on 01832 281 274 for assistance.
Please print one copy of each ticket – multiple copies cannot be used to enter an event.
Concession Tickets
Disabled ticket holders will need to bring one of the following for their carer to be admitted free of charge:
- Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or Personal Independent payments for those aged 16-64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded, or the actual Allowance book
- Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance letter of award
- Incapacity Benefit books, or a letter notifying the recipient that the benefit has been awarded
- A Blue or Orange badge, or
- In the case of visual impairment, a registration card known as the BD8 or a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI)
- Carers will need to purchase a ticket for entry purposes, even if the event entry fee is free.
Wheelchair Users
We endeavour to ensure that our events are wheelchair friendly. However, if you are purchasing a concession ticket as a wheelchair user, please telephone Market Square Group on 01832 281 274 at the time of booking to confirm the exact arrangements we have made for your event.
Students
- Will be required to show a current student ID or NUS card.
NOTE:
Entry may be denied to anyone who’s documentation does not support their ticket type/description, or anyone who is not carrying the required documentation.
On the Day Tickets
Tickets may be available on the day but no guarantees can be made as there are limited tickets and visitor numbers. Therefore we strongly recommend booking tickets in advance online to avoid disappointment.
Location & Parking
Market Location
Rochester Castle Gardens
Rochester
Kent
ME1 1SW
Parking
Other Information
None at present.
Live Music Schedule
MUSIC LINE UP
Please note that performance timings may vary slightly up to and during the event.
FRIDAY – Stage 1
12pm
Nate Austin
2.30pm
The Joe Cox Band
5.00pm
Big River (Adam Barron The Voice)
FRIDAY – Stage 2
12pm
Bex Howarth
2.30pm
Rus Keaton (Duo)
SATURDAY – Stage 1
11.00am
Andy White Band
1.30pm
LKG
3.00pm
Samuel Ashton & The Instincts
5.00pm
Phat Gandalf
SATURDAY – Stage 2
12.00pm
Billy Pettinger
1.30pm
Pete Smith
3.30pm
Gavin Alexander
SUNDAY – Stage 1
12.00pm
Deep River Blues
2.00pm
AVANZI
4.00pm
Loose Change 8 piece soul band
SUNDAY – Stage 2
12pm Show of Hands Choir
12.30pm
Ian Fox
3.00pm
Soul Choir
4.00pm
Andy Wilkinson
Traders
PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES
The list of traders is continually updated as the event approaches.
Clothing
7ukuilla
Traditional South American handcrafted products and other products made by third parties.
Violets Collection
Women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories. This includes flat caps, woolly hats, scarves, sunglasses. Hooded jumpers, cropped jumpers and t shirts.
Arts and Crafts
Lybo Coasters
Handmade ceramic coasters
Teresita Crafts
I sell crafts from south America. Necklaces, hats, bracelets. And some toys for kids.
R Hills Woodturning
Everything is made by hand to our designs; these include wooden bowls, platters, trinkets, pens, pencil and resin turned items, resin and button turned items, wooden decorated letters, felt hand sewed letters in different designs, gnomes crotched items.
Wood and Bates
Range of luxury wax melt products, each item is lovingly created and packaged.
Home and Garden
Staffordshire Pottery
A beautiful array of Staffordshire Pottery pieces, sets and individual items.
Hot Food
churros2 ltd
Churros and chocolate, soft drinks available.
Crepeexpectations
Delicious sweet & savoury crepes, freshly cooked to order with seasonal, fair-trade and organic ingredients.
Farmhouse Foods
Wood burner smoker oven. 100% British beef burger, pork, beef, gammon, chicken wings and ribs. Chips, cold soft drinks.
Jaffna Kitchen
Serving quality Sri Lankan food that has been loved by our customers. Our recipes are authentic, our ingredients are sourced with care, and each dish is crafted with passion.
Jerk Cafe Ltd
Jerk Chicken, Jerk Chicken Burgers, Jerk Chicken Wraps, Curry Mutton, Rice and Peas, Yardie Fries (seasoned fries), Vegetarian Channa (chickpeas curry), Coleslaw and Salad.
Mexitaco
Mexican street food including burrito, fajita, nachos, chilli con carne and tacos.
Mr Dumpling
Chicken Dumplings Vegetarian Dumplings Bubble tea (all vegetarian).
Nori Pan Asia
Japanese Food Chicken Katsu Curry with rice, Korean style house spicy chicken, Teriyaki chicken with rice, Veg teriyaki with rice.
Real Greek Food
Pork or chicken souvlaki. Souvlaki is one of the most popular street foods in Greece and for good reason! Juicy and well-seasoned meat garnished with cooling tzatziki sauce, fries, tomato & onion. Served or wrapped in a delicious crispy and fluffy pitta bread.
Thainese Street Food
Thai and Chinese street food including dishes such as Thai green curry, black bean, sweet & sour, kung po and spring rolls.
Wrap It
Range of Vegan/Vegetarian toasted wraps and salad boxes themed around the globe including, Freshly made Falafel, Vegan Halloumi, Onion Bhaji, and Vegan Duck. We also Serve a range of flavoured fries and cans of San Pellegrino.
Chock Shop Essex
We sell handmade artisan chocolate brownies served with hot chocolate sauce and fresh whipped cream. Our Brownies come in a variety of flavours and toppings – Salted Caramel, Choc Overload, Rocky Road, Oreo, Double Chocolate, Blackforest Crumble and Banoffee to name a few. We also have Vegan and Gluten Free
Grocery Food
Crumbs Cakes
Homemade luxury American-style Belgian chocolate brownies & blondies in a variety of flavours & fillings.
field of cheese
Sale of a selection of waxed cheddar cheese truckles, along with crackers, crisps, chutney and a selection of chilli jams.
Granny Sally’s Confectionery
A wide variety of old English fudge from bars to custom made jars. A huge range of flavours including classic vanilla, rum & raisin, chocolate, rocky road and many more.
Lavin Limited
Olives, baklava, Turkish delight and nuts.
Mimi’s Cakes and Bakes
Cakes and Bakes.
Nonna Tonda
Pasta made by hand each morning and delivered to customers’ homes in the form of a recipe box. A family business who make all meals themselves.
O’Donnell Moonshine
Unique bottled alcohol for off-site consumption: ‘Tough Nut’ , ‘Roasted Apple’ , ‘Wild Berry’ and ‘High Proof’.
Passion Du Fromage
Spanish and French saucisson, French cheese and more continental fine foods.
Tastycakes
Brownies, cakes, cookies and millionaire shortbread.
The Great British Cheese Company
Award winning, flavoured, waxed cheese truckles.
The Wiltshire Chilli Farm
Chilli products from their home grown chillies. Chilli sauces, jams, grinders, dried chillies, fresh chillies and plants.
The Michael Group trading as Nimi & Nosh
A variety of sauces: Sweet and Hot Pineapple Pepper sauce, Sweet and Hot Mango Guava Pepper Sauce, Ginger Pepper Sauce, Crushed Pepper Sauce, Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce, Hot Curry Sauce, Jerk BBQ Sauce, Hot and Spicy Jerk Sauce, Marinades: Pineapple Marinade, Paste Spicy Jerk Marinade, Paste Curry Jerk Marinade, Paste Ginger Marinade, Paste: All-purpose Green Marinade paste.
Quality Greek Olives (Ltd)
Offering olives, baklava, Turkish Delight, and nuts.
A.j fruits
Fresh fruit
Chock Shop Essex
We sell handmade artisan chocolate brownies served with hot chocolate sauce and fresh whipped cream. Our Brownies come in a variety of flavours and toppings – Salted Caramel, Choc Overload, Rocky Road, Oreo, Double Chocolate, Blackforest Crumble and Banoffee to name a few. We also have Vegan and Gluten Free
Elevents Ltd
Freshly baked coconut macaroons.
The Biltong Station
Biltong, drywors, bites, red & white wine and prosecco.
Shwen Shwen Ltd
Selection of fruit juices, along with my own cookbook.
Beverages
Amen Catering Limited
Pina Coladas
Beardy B’s Lemonade
Classic lemonade, strawberry lemonade, watermelon lemonade, passionfruit lemonade & raspberry lemonade.
Blooming Beans
Hot drinks: Latte, Cappuccino, Espresso, Hot chocolates, Mocha, Flat white, Cold drinks: Fruit shoots, cans of coke, Pepsi, Fanta, lemonade. Croissants and sweet pastries.
Cantiaci Craft Distillery Ltd
Artisan Craft Gin, Moonshine Vodka, all sold by the bottle.
Devils Bridge Rum
Spiced Rum, Liqueurs, tinned cocktails
Distinct Distillers
Alcohol – flavoured rums
Famous Last Stand
A great selection of beer, ale, lager, cider, prosecco, wine and gin.
Freeze Zone
Slush puppy drinks.
Mr Bees
Bottled beer to take home in gift packs. Beer to be consumed at the event – made with honey.
Pearl Milk Bar
Freshly made-to-order bubble tea. Serving a wide selection from classics to our very own specials.
Vintage Shakes
Refreshing milkshakes in a variety of different flavours.
Willobeans Espresso Bar
Barista style coffee, speciality teas, lush hot chocolate, iced coffee, our own bags of Willoblend coffee beans. Option of addition of Baileys or Brandy in coffee or espresso Martini and Jamaican Americano. Non-alcoholic Lumumba and non-alcoholic Fruit Sangria.
Turner’s Cider
Range of craft ciders in the ‘Eastern counties’ style: that is, from only eating and cooking apples.
NFJ
We sell bottled natural juices. We have 6 unique flavours, they are all made with alkaline water and are free from preservatives and artificial colouring.
Ice Cream
Snow White Catering
Fresh whippy ice cream and a selection of iced lollies.
Other
Butternut Box
At Butternut Box, we believe that dogs deserve better. That’s why we’re putting the food back into dog food. We make freshly prepared dog food – cooked like you would at home and delivered in perfect portions.
Costco Wholesale
Promoting Costco Membership.
Demelza
Raising Money for Children’s Hospice.
Fairy in a Pop Can
The author has written the children’s book, Fairy in a Pop Can to raise money for charity. All proceeds will be donated to Young Lives V Cancer and Batten Disease. You may also be lucky and get to hear the story read by the author.
Nine Oaks Vineyard
Small artisan family run vineyard based in the village of Hothfield in Kent. Two still wines; Chardonnay and Rose both from our 2022 vintage. All wines are from our local vineyard and they will come in a variety of gift wrapping options.
Riverford Organic Farmers
Award-winning seasonal organic veg boxes and more – fresh from our farm, bursting with flavour, and delivered free to your door.
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (South West Wildlife Fundraising Ltd)
Raising awareness about the work and local nature reserves of the Dorset Wildlife Trust. We aim to educate members of public about the nature and wildlife on their doorsteps. We also endeavour to sign any interested individuals up as members to the Trust. Institute of Fundraising registered.
RNLI – South East
On rivers and around the coastline, our 238 lifeboat stations are built to save lives.
Mat Wills
Biography/Info
Engaging pocket rocket comedian and compere, putting audiences at ease with his deft and cheeky East End vibe. Fresh from his success at Ed Fringe’s ‘Smurf Etiquette show’ at the famous 101 Club, Mat shares his tall tales from the tiny shoes of a the little guy in a women’s world. Confused around women, short amongst men, Mat Wills shares his hilarious views on life in the little lane.
‘He’s got Impressive quick thinking” – they haven’t seen anything yet! – NOTTINGHAM POST COMEDY REVIEW
Michael Hackett
Biography/Info
Michael Hackett, the towering Manchester-born comedian, is taking the world by storm with his outrageous humour and larger-than-life personality. But what sets him apart isn’t just his height – standing at a staggering 6’7″, but also his rollicking tales from the unexpected world of dentistry and his act in a circus.
As Winner of Victorious Festival 2022 & London’s revered comedy venue King Gong in 2023, Michael’s charm and quick wit make the perfect panellist for Ustreme’s Left Right & Centre, sharing his hilarious antics in a no-holds-barred comedy extravaganza.
‘Outrageous tall good looking storyteller with wit, charm….. and a baseball bat!’ – BOBBY DAVRO
Justin Panks
Biography/Info
Unapologetically fearless and committed to his cause. Justin wades into the underbelly of everyday life surprising, shocking and delighting audiences with his well-crafted jokes disguised as anecdotes. Like a sufferer of Tourette’s syndrome before an edit – Justin Panks portrays his most embarrassing and revealing outbursts. He creates genuine excitement and generates enough power to fill any room!
A powerful performer not an act for the faint of heart.
Kelly Ford
Biography/Info
Kelly’s self-deprecating humble delivery lends authenticity to her real-life observations, drawing audiences into her animated and hilarious world. Through her relatable humour, she skilfully navigates everyday situations, effortlessly transforming mundane experiences into comedic gold. Kelly’s ability to find humour in the ordinary and present it with humility makes her a captivating performer who leaves her audience wanting more.
Winner of Beat the Blackout – UP THE CREEK COMEDY CLUB 2022
Matt Price
Biography/Info
Comedian Matt Price may look like the bloke who has been sent over to fix your radiator, but he’s also a craftsman of funny stories and a master of friendly audience banter. He tells the sort of jokes you”ll be trying to tell your work mates the following day ! He gets real live audiences roaring with laughter night in, night out in every corner of the U.K. and all over the world.
Once he is on stage, you know you’re in safe and funny hands – although your radiator may never be fixed!
“Price is a terrific comedian & wonderful storyteller” – KATE COPSTICK – THE SCOTSMAN
Sam Serrano
Biography/Info
Despite being one of the youngest comics on the circuit Sam Serrano is already a rising star with his self-depreciating and warm persona. Awarded second place in the prestigious Great Yorkshire Fringe Comedian of The Year Competition 2018 followed by runner-up in LGBT Comedian of the year 2019. Sam’s self-deprecating comedic style has become a trademark, currently enjoying huge popularity as an iconic comedian, Sam is one-of-a-kind.
‘Puts the X in X Factor!’ – YORK PRESS
‘Laugh Out Loud Funny’ – YORKSHIRE POST
‘Killer Lines, Expect to see more of Sam Serrano’ CHORTLE
Sean Gorman
Biography/Info
Hilarious newcomer Sean is quickly proving to have a bright future in stand up. Within the first couple of years he reached the finals of the Reading Fringe New Act, Piccadilly Comedy Club New Act and South Coast Comedian of The Year competitions. Displaying the stage presence of a more seasoned comedian, his deadpan delivery of self-depreciating humour has the audience hanging on every word.
His deadpan comedy and wit had the audience belly laughing! – GET READING
Big River
Biography/Info
Big River’s mission is to keep the spirit & passion of the Classic Blues & Southern Rock Bands of the 70’s alive and fuse these influences with their own unique sound and strong original songs.
Since forming in 2016 Big River have notched up some serious live performances, headlining their own shows & also opening for bands including; Inglorious, Cats in Space, Kip Winger, Burning Rain, Little Caesar, John Corabi, Marco Mendoza, Kris Barras as well as headlining many of their own shows. They have played prestigious Festivals & venues including A New Day, Alfold R&B, Cambridge Rock Festival, Looe Blues, London 100 Club, Camden Underworld, Dublin Castle Camden, Half Moon Putney, Black Heart Camden, Queens Hall Hexham.
Their debut album “Redemption” released in August 2019 received astounding reviews, being played on Radio Stations all over the world & making the Top 20 in The Netherlands Rock Chart as well as regularly featuring on Top 20 playlists on Radio and digital platforms.
Big River are; Adam Barron (vocals), Damo Fawsett (guitar), Simon Gardiner (bass), Joe Martin (drums).
LKG Trio
Biography/Info
Get ready for a musical journey like no other with The LKG Trio, where Leo Kelly-Gee’s enthralling guitar and vocals, Bex Howarth’s dynamic bass and vocals, and Ben Fox’s masterful drumming converge to create a sonic tapestry that defies boundaries. This talented trio, hailing from different corners of the musical spectrum, brings you a kaleidoscope of sounds and styles. Their original compositions showcase a remarkable fusion of influences, ensuring a fresh and exhilarating experience for every listener.
Dive into the world of The LKG Trio, where every performance is a celebration of musical diversity and a testament to their boundless energy.
From the infectious beats to the soul-stirring melodies, this trio’s eclectic medleys blend seamlessly, promising an unforgettable live experience.
Brace yourself for a ride through genres as The LKG Trio invites you to join them in a musical adventure that’s as fun and entertaining as it is artistically rich.
Loose Change
Biography/Info
The 8 piece soul band Loose Change have been entertaining audiences across the UK and Europe since 1977. This professional 8 piece band are well known throughout Kent for their big sound and memorable performances.
They have played annually at The Kinsale Jazz Festival for over 20 years as well as some big stages in Holland and Belgium recently.
