KENT MINERS' FESTIVAL 2027
Aylesham to Host Festival 2027
We are excited to announce that Aylesham will host the Festival in 2027, creating a unique opportunity to celebrate not only the village's remarkable heritage but also the wider story of the Kent Coalfield and the communities it helped to shape.
Taking place as part of Aylesham's Centenary celebrations, the festival will explore 100 years of village history while shining a spotlight on the people, places, and achievements connected to Kent's mining past.
We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region to join us in marking this special milestone for Aylesham and the Kent Coalfield.
FESTIVAL TRADITION
The modern-day festival draws inspiration from the traditional miners’ galas, once held annually and hosted by a different pit village each year.
Historically, these galas began in the north of England during the Victorian era, serving as powerful celebrations of community. They brought mining families together to show solidarity, pride, and strength.
By the 1950s, the tradition had reached the Kent coalfields, where it became a highlight of the local calendar. Each year, a different pit village would host the event, welcoming visitors with a lively programme of activities for the whole family.
Sadly, following the closure of the pits, the tradition came to an end. However, in 2002, it was proudly revived, once again bringing the community together to celebrate its shared heritage.
At Kent Mining Museum, we are proud to have been custodians for the festival in its current form for the past four years. We look forward to welcoming you again this year—and are excited to announce that next year’s festival will be hosted by the historic mining village of Aylesham.
Festival Sponsors
Thank you to 2026 sponsors
