This weekend (21 February) sees the start of the eighth Faversham Literary Festival, held over ten days every February. Since the festival was first held, an incredible variety of writers and authors have taken part, and this year is no exception. There promises to be a diverse and entertaining programme of events and talks to suit all ages and tastes. From best-selling fiction writers, to poets, children’s authors, journalists, travel writers, as well as celebrity biographies, there really is something for everyone.
The various talks and events take place in a varied range of interesting and historic venues, including the parish church of St Mary of Charity, the local brewery Shepherd Neame (the oldest in the country), and the historic 19th Century Almshouses.
Faversham Literary Festival is one of several events and festivals held throughout the year in the town. The Faversham Festival of Transport takes place over the weekend of 18 and 19 May, and features displays of vintage cars, motorcycles and other vehicles, alongside music and street entertainment. The biggest weekend of them all is the Hop Festival, this year to be held on 30 and 31 August. This celebrates Faversham’s hop-growing and brewing history, with two days of live music, entertainment, parades, Morris dancing and street food.
Faversham is a historic market town in Kent, mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. It was an important sea port from the Middle Ages onwards, becoming part of the Confederation of Cinque Ports in the 13th Century. It has the town motto of the “Market Town of Kings,” as it is the only town in the United Kingdom to be granted the privilege of using the Royal Arms of England (the three lions) as its own. It is one of very few places outside London to have had a King and Queen buried there, at the former Faversham Abbey, built by King Stephen. Faversham has strong royal connections, and has hosted many royal visitors over the centuries. It also has its own copy of the 1300 Magna Carta, which is on display in the Market Place visitor centre.
There is a wealth of fascinating buildings to see in the town centre, including the Guild Hall, and the road described as one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the country: Abbey Street. The historic Charter Market is held every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and there are other regular markets such as the Antiques and Vintage Market and Best of Faversham Market (arts, crafts and food) held every month. There is also a wide range of independent shops and eating places to enjoy.
Why not put Faversham on your list to visit this year? As a qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guide, I can provide guided tours of the town and surrounding areas, with transport if wished.
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