Organisers are appealing for help in the final push for funding to make sure this year’s event goes ahead

It’s one of Faversham’s - if not Kent’s - favourite festivals, but this year organisers of the Hop Festival (@favershamhopfestivalofficial) need some extra help.

In fact, they have just one week to raise the final £10,000 needed to make sure it goes ahead this year and they’re appealing to businesses and the public to get behind them.

Board member Graham Martin says due to rising costs and other challenges, they are falling short on what’s needed to run the 2022 event, despite the generosity of their main sponsors.

“We are currently short of £10,000 with the total cost of the event sitting at just over £80,000 this year,” he explains.

“Our costs include medical teams, security, the festival infrastructure in the form of stages and safety barriers as well as insurance, all of which have risen in price since 2019.

“We’re a not-for-profit organisation so we’re not raising money for anything other than the cost of running the event and putting something back into the community.”

Mr Martin says one avenue of funding is the Faversham 150, which is where for £150, a business can get a year’s advertising on the festival’s website, appear in the programme and get social media shout-outs.

“This festival brings in a phenomenal amount of money into the town and the businesses that are going to directly benefit are anyone who sells food, drink, accommodation, transportation or entertainment,” said Mr Martin. “The festival will help increase revenue for them.

“What we’re looking for is to get businesses on board with us in the Faversham 150.

“They put in £150 and they get advertised and pushed in front of thousands of people and it’s also a way of showing they’re supporting the local economy.”

There are also other options, including sponsoring a band slot or corporate packages for companies wishing to sponsor.

Mr Martin says help from the public would also be hugely appreciated.

“Everyone is struggling their way back from Covid and I understand that,” he said. “Even just a couple of pounds from people will help so much.

“If everyone who came to the festival donated just £2 we would be able to cover our shortfall and have a reserve for next year.”

He says they have until February 28th to see if they can fill the financial gap. If they do not reach the required target, all funds raised will be held for future festivals.

“We want this great event to happen,” Mr Martin added. “It’s not just hops; it’s an everything festival, there’s music, food, drink, entertainment, all showcasing our producers and talent from the town and Kent.”

The festival is expected to bring in 20,000 people over the course of the weekend, which this year is due to run over September 3rd and 4th, with live music, stalls, traditional dance and entertainment.

To advertise with or get behind the festival call 01795 700132, email hello@favershamhopfestival.org or visit https://www.favershamhopfestival.org/ and click donate.