Maid of Stone Festival 2026 – Friday Ignites Mote Park as Britain’s Fastest Rising Rock Festival Raises the Bar Again

Review by Glen Parkes Images By Glen Parkes and Dave Martin of Faversham Photography

Some festivals entertain. Others leave a lasting impression that stays with you long after the final encore. Maid of Stone has become one of those rare events.

Now entering its fourth year, the Kent festival has evolved from an exciting new addition to the UK festival calendar into one of the country’s premier destinations for lovers of classic rock, blues, southern rock and melodic metal. What makes Maid of Stone truly special isn’t simply the calibre of artists appearing on its stages; it’s the incredible atmosphere, the loyal community of fans and the relentless dedication of festival founder Chris Wright and his outstanding team, whose passion shines through every single aspect of the weekend.

Walking into Mote Park on Friday afternoon for day one of this year’s three-day celebration, there was an immediate sense that Maid of Stone had stepped up another level. Every year the festival grows stronger, bigger and better organised, yet somehow it never loses the friendly personality that has become its trademark. It still feels like a festival built by music fans, for music fans.

One of the biggest additions for 2026 is the brand-new VIP Stage. Far more than just an exclusive viewing area, it gives visitors another reason to explore the site, offering intimate performances that perfectly complement the larger stages. It adds another layer to an already superb festival experience and is another example of the organisers continually investing in making Maid of Stone even better.

On the VIP stage today we had Blues-rock guitarist and singer Jack J Hutchinson took to the stage at 4:00pm for a stripped-back performance that perfectly showcased the raw power of his songwriting, soulful vocals, and impressive guitar work. Despite the intense heat beating down on the festival site,

Jack delivered a fantastic set with passion and energy, refusing to let the conditions slow him down. Perhaps one of the most memorable sights of the performance was Jack taking to the stage and playing the entire set while wearing his trademark leather jacket, a true rock ’n’ roll statement that somehow matched the intensity of his performance. With every note and every lyric, he connected with the crowd, proving that great songs and genuine musicianship can shine through in any environment. It was a captivating performance that reminded everyone why Jack continues to be one of the most exciting names in the blues-rock scene.

One feature that deserves enormous praise is the scheduling. The transition between stages is almost seamless, with performances beginning as others finish. There is very little downtime, meaning the music never really stops. It’s a small detail on paper, but one that makes a massive difference over the course of a long festival day and keeps the excitement building from the opening act right through to the headliners.

I have to say i missed the other band playing in the vip due to searching for food

The Firestarter Stage opened the weekend

Regional One, who wasted no time in getting the first crowd of the festival moving. There is always extra pressure on the opening band, but they approached the challenge with confidence, enthusiasm and enough energy to ensure Maid of Stone roared into life from the very first song.

Devere kept the momentum rolling with an accomplished performance that demonstrated exactly why festivals like Maid of Stone are so important for emerging artists. Playing alongside internationally recognised names is never easy, yet they looked completely at home and delivered a set that earned plenty of new admirers.

American roots rocker Sam Morrow then brought a completely different flavour to proceedings. Mixing blues, Americana and country influences with effortless style, his songs possessed an authenticity that immediately connected with the audience. His relaxed stage presence masked a seriously talented songwriter whose performance was one of Friday’s hidden gems.

Morganway followed with one of the most captivating performances of the afternoon. Their outstanding musicianship, soaring vocals and beautifully crafted songs created a magical atmosphere that captivated everyone gathered in front of the stage. By the end of their set, it was impossible not to appreciate why they continue to build such a loyal following.

Closing the Firestarter Stage, Crow Black Chicken unleashed a powerhouse display of blues-fuelled rock that perfectly rounded off a fantastic day on the festival’s second stage. Their gritty sound, infectious grooves and commanding performance ensured they left an unforgettable impression.

Over on the Inferno Stage, the quality never dropped.

Cassidy Paris opened the main stage with the confidence of someone well beyond her years. Her commanding vocals and natural stage presence instantly drew people away from the bars and into the arena, setting the tone for what would become an exceptional day of live music.

Anthony Gomes once again proved why he is regarded as one of modern blues-rock’s finest guitarists. His playing was breath taking throughout, blending incredible technical ability with genuine feeling in every solo. Every note served the song, and every solo received the appreciation it deserved from a crowd hanging on every moment.

The New Roses brought an irresistible burst of hard rock swagger to Mote Park. Their infectious choruses, driving guitars and boundless enthusiasm transformed the arena into one giant celebration, with fans singing, clapping and throwing fists into the air throughout the set.

Veteran British rockers FM reminded everyone exactly why they remain one of the finest melodic rock bands this country has ever produced. Their songs have aged like fine wine, and hearing thousands of voices singing along together created one of Friday’s defining moments. The chemistry between the band and the audience was something truly special.

As the evening sun slowly dipped behind the trees surrounding Mote Park, A Thousand Horses delivered a superb slice of Southern rock packed with heart, soul and irresistible hooks. Their blend of country influences and powerful rock melodies felt tailor-made for the outdoor setting, and they had the audience completely in the palm of their hand from start to finish.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

The Temperance Movement took to the stage and delivered a headline performance worthy of closing the opening day. Their mix of soulful vocals, powerful blues-rock and emotional intensity was nothing short of sensational. Every song carried genuine passion, every chorus echoed across the park, and every member of the band gave absolutely everything.

Looking around the crowd, it was impossible not to notice the smiles, the raised hands and the countless fans singing every lyric together. It was one of those headline performances that reminds you exactly why live music is so important.

Away from the stages, Maid of Stone continues to excel where many festivals fall short. The food village offered an excellent variety of quality vendors, the bars remained efficient despite the growing crowds, and every member of staff, steward and volunteer greeted visitors with a smile. Clean facilities, easy movement around the site and the beautiful surroundings of Mote Park all combined to create an experience that feels relaxed, welcoming and incredibly well organised.

What makes Maid of Stone remarkable is not simply its growth, but the way it has grown. Bigger crowds haven’t meant losing its identity. Better line-ups haven’t taken away its intimacy. Instead, every improvement has strengthened what already made the festival unique. It remains one of the friendliest events anywhere on the UK festival circuit, where strangers become friends, bands mingle with fans and everyone shares the same love of great live music.

That doesn’t happen by luck.

Chris Wright and his dedicated team have spent four years building something genuinely special. The countless hours of planning, problem-solving and hard work behind the scenes may go unnoticed by many festival-goers, but they are the reason Maid of Stone runs with such professionalism. Every successful festival is built on people who care, and nowhere is that more evident than here.

Friday wasn’t simply a brilliant opening day—it was a statement. Maid of Stone has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s must-visit rock festivals, and with two more days still to come, the excitement was only just beginning.

If this opening chapter is anything to go by, Maid of Stone Festival 2026 is destined to be remembered as another landmark year in the festival’s remarkable journey. Long may it continue.

Full Friday Set Times at a Glance

Inferno Stage