Bluereef Festival

Bluereef Festival Header

Bluereef Festival invites you to a vibrant summer weekend of music, art, and community fun. The lively two-day event, held at Maidstone's Pizza Express venue, brings families, friends, and festivalgoers together in a warm, friendly atmosphere. From the moment you arrive, creative energy fills the air, and colorful decorations and cheerful artwork greet you at every turn. The inclusive vibe means that whether you come with a group or on your own, you'll quickly find yourself dancing to catchy tunes or chatting with friendly neighbors, soaking up the positive festival spirit.

Music lovers will be delighted by the diverse lineup. Bluereef features a mix of local bands and visiting artists, spanning genres from folk and indie to upbeat rock and electronic. No matter your taste, you’ll find a performance that moves you. Even between acts, surprise acoustic sets and lively street performers keep the energy flowing, so the music never really stops.

Bluereef isn’t just about music—it’s a full cultural celebration. Wander through engaging art installations or get hands-on at creative workshops where you can paint, craft, or learn a new dance move. Market stalls showcase handmade crafts, unique artworks, and festival gear. Kids will love face-painting booths and fun carnival games, while adults can relax in comfy seating areas with refreshing drinks. Every moment is an invitation to connect with creativity and each other in a laid-back, joyful setting.

No festival experience is complete without great food, and you won’t be disappointed with Bluereef's vendors. Gourmet street food stalls serve wood-fired pizzas, loaded tacos, fresh vegetarian wraps, and tasty sweet treats. Refreshing craft beers, handcrafted cocktails, and specialty coffees keep everyone energized. Picnic tables and casual seating areas let you relax and refuel between performances. Whether you’re grabbing a bite with friends or sipping a cold drink under the summer sky, the delicious offerings add extra fun and flavor to the weekend.

Community is at the heart of Bluereef Festival, and that friendly vibe truly sets it apart. It’s easy to make new connections when everyone shares smiles under twinkling lights. Strangers become friends as locals and visitors unite in support of talented artists. Cozy lounge spots allow you to rest and swap stories, while strings of fairy lights cast a magical glow around picnic blankets and benches. By attending Bluereef, you’re supporting local creatives and small businesses, which keeps Maidstone’s culture vibrant. So grab your friends and family—get ready for two unforgettable days of summer celebration! Bluereef Festival is here to welcome you with open arms.

Maidstone is well connected by train, road, and air, making festival travel easy from near or far. By rail, the town has multiple stations. Maidstone East is the main hub in the town center, with frequent Southeastern train services to London (Charing Cross, Cannon Street, and Victoria), Ashford, and other Kent destinations. If you arrive at Maidstone East, Pizza Express is just a short walk or bus ride away. Maidstone West station lies on the Medway Valley Line, offering connections to Strood and Tonbridge. Both stations have taxi ranks and are served by local Arriva buses that can take you into the town center or directly toward Fremlin Walk and Friars Street.

By car, Maidstone is easily reachable via the M20 motorway. Traveling from London or the west, take exit 7 or 8 and follow signs for Maidstone town center. From the north, use the M2 and then connect to the M20. The festival venue is close to the Fremlin Walk shopping area and the town’s High Street. Please note that parking in the town center can be limited during busy events. If possible, consider using one of Maidstone’s Park & Ride services (such as the Weavering Park & Ride south of town) and catching a short bus or taxi into the center.

For visitors flying in, the nearest major airports are in London. Gatwick Airport is roughly an hour’s drive south (with rail connections via London Bridge to Maidstone East), and Heathrow Airport is about 90–120 minutes away by road. From Heathrow you can also take the train into central London and then connect via the Southeastern rail network. Stansted and London City Airport are farther but still accessible by train and Tube into London and onward rail links. If you’re arriving by Eurostar to Ashford or Ebbsfleet, Maidstone is just a quick train ride away. National coaches and buses also serve Maidstone, dropping off at Fremlin Walk bus station right in the town center.

Maidstone offers many accommodation options for staying the night. You’ll find well-known hotel chains (Premier Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Marriott, and others) as well as charming guesthouses and B&Bs near the town center. If you prefer a home-style stay, search for local holiday lets or Airbnbs. Booking ahead is recommended for busy weekends. Staying in Maidstone puts you close to restaurants, pubs, and attractions, and means the festival site is just a short walk or taxi ride away. With comfortable lodgings nearby, you can relax after a day of dancing and entertainment.

Name Distance Prices From
Townhouse Hotel 0.7 ml £55.00 Book
Innkeeper s Lodge Maidstone 0.9 ml £61.00 Book
Travelodge Maidstone Central 1.1 ml £50.00 Book
Village Hotel Maidstone 1.6 ml £69.00 Book
Grange Moor Hotel 1.7 ml £40.01 Book
Detling Coachhouse B&B 2.2 ml £49.00 Book
Days Inn Maidstone 3.4 ml £50.00 Book
Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel 3.7 ml £48.30 Book
Blue Bell Hill Bed and Breakfast 3.9 ml £50.00 Book
Larkfield Priory Hotel 4.5 ml £39.00 Book
Bridgewood Manor - QHotels 4.6 ml £53.40 Book
Travelodge Medway M2 5.0 ml £42.00 Book
The Golden Lion 6.0 ml £39.00 Book
Roebuck Inn 7.0 ml £47.00 Book
Weald Cottage 7.0 ml £75.00 Book

Maidstone Pizza Express, 32 Earl street, Maidstone, ME14 1P