Historic cottage grounds provide perfect setting for beer and music festival

The National Trust property, near Rye, holds it’s annual Beer and Music Festival from lunchtime until late evening.

There is live music, ranging from rock, blues, bluegrass and Cajun, African and Flamenco as well as performances by Cinque Ports Morris Men.

On offer is real ale from small micro-breweries from across the UK, including the popular locally brewed Old Dairy beers, from Rolvenden.

There will also be ten varieties of cider on offer, including many local varieties,

The Old Dairy will be unveiling a new beer Wild Hop, brewed using a new variety of hop, found growing locally and named Sussex Hop.

There will also be craft brewed beers from Wales, Scotland, Dorset and Lancashire.

Musicians appearing include popular Rye bluesman Roger Hubbard, Nana Tsiboe’s Assem Ni, Pass the Cat and Blair.

There will be an extended bus service running to the festival from Rye, stopping at Playden and Iden with late buses back.

The popular festival is now in its sixth year. Music takes place in an outdoor marquee and in the historic barn theatre at Smallhythe.

Food, provided by the Sissinghurst Castle estate, will include an all day BBQ and other cold refreshments; there will be other drinks available too.

Kate Shaw, Theatre and Functions Development Officer for the National Trust, said, ‘This will be my first year running the event with the property team, and I am really looking forward to it.

“It’s the biggest event on our calendar and one the whole team enjoys working on.

“We have made a few tweaks to some things, but it will still be the festival you all know and love! I look forward to seeing you there.

“There will also be lots of pub games for all to enjoy will add to a great family friendly event, it’s certainly one not to miss.”

Smallhythe Place is a half-timbered house, built in the early 16th century. The cottage grounds include a rose garden, orchard, nuttery

The festival starts at 11am with music from 1pm on Saturday and tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the day. To book in advance call: 0844 2491895.