Tibbs Farm, on Udimore Road, just outside Rye, will once again celebrate one of the oldest traditions in British farming as Hop Fest returns for its third year on Saturday 19 September 2026.
Set against the backdrop of the Tillingham Valley, Hop Fest marks the end of the annual hop harvest – a tradition the Wheeler family has been part of for more than three centuries. Visitors can expect a full day of live music, exclusive green hop beers, local food, family activities and spectacular views across the farm.
Taking place on the family’s working hop farm, the event celebrates English hops plus the growers and brewers who keep this important part of Britain’s brewing heritage alive.
One of the highlights of the event will be the opportunity to taste exclusively brewed fresh green hop beers created especially for Hop Fest. Local breweries such as Brewing Brothers and Long Man Brewery are producing limited-edition beers using hops harvested from Tibbs Farm just days before the festival – creating a beer that can only be brewed during harvest.
Alongside the beers, visitors can enjoy live music throughout the day, food wagons serving locally sourced produce, family games, face painting and children’s activities, making Hop Fest just as suitable for families looking for an afternoon out as it is for friends gathering for an evening of great food, music and beer. For the non-beer drinkers, there will be local cider, wine and soft drinks available.
A regular shuttle bus will run into Rye between 2pm and 11pm, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the festival before heading back into town. Camping will also be available on site for those wanting to make a weekend of it.
As one of the few remaining hop-growing farms in the country, Tibbs Farm has been growing hops as part of the Wheeler family’s farming heritage since the 17th century. Hop Fest was created to celebrate not only the end of the harvest but also the importance of English hops and the local breweries that continue to champion them.
Tickets can be booked here.
Tickets will then be £10 from 1-17 September and £12.50 on the day. Under 5s go free.
Camping: Available to book in advance for £10 per pitch
Image Credits: Tibbs Farm .