The quiet leafy expanse of Mote Park is about to get significantly louder. Maid of Stone Festival has unveiled its 2026 lineup, and it’s a heavyweight collection of rock and metal that proves this independently-run event has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s essential summer events.
Now in its fourth year, the festival has secured British metal legends Saxon as Saturday night headliners!
Friday belongs to the recently reformed The Temperance Movement, whose bluesy swagger will be bolstered by support from US southern rockers A Thousand Horses, melodic rock stalwarts FM, and Canadian blues-rock virtuoso Anthony Gomes, a guitarist whose explosive live performances have earned him worldwide acclaim.
Saturday’s Saxon-topped bill also features the return of Canadian hard rockers Danko Jones, making their first Mote Park appearance since 2016.
Sunday’s closer is The Wildhearts, whose unpredictable energy should provide a suitably chaotic end to the weekend’s proceedings.
This year’s lineup showcases Maid of Stone’s increasingly international reach. Germany’s The New Roses and Spain’s Cobra Spell join Australian powerhouse Cassidy Paris in representing the global rock community, while the bill also features standout names like Tailgunner, Häxan, Morganway, Kit Trigg, and Silverroller.
Local favourites Queen Horizon and Battle Born, both forced to withdraw from the 2025 edition, return to reclaim their slots.
The second stage program is equally robust, with Crow Black Chicken topping Friday, The Virginmarys commanding Saturday, and Chez Kane closing out Sunday’s proceedings.
“It’s been another challenging year with so many major acts touring the UK, but we’ve managed to pull together a lineup we’re incredibly proud of,” says festival booker Chris Wright. “The support from fans keeps growing, and 2026 is shaping up to be another great year.”
Further lineup announcements are expected at the end of November! For a festival that started small and independent, Maid of Stone’s fourth year looks to be the best yet!
Tickets available now at www.maidofstonefestival.com
Maid of Stone Festival
Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent
17-19 July 2026
