The Motor Mule Festival 2026
Betteshanger Park, 3rd - 5th July 2026
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
After much deliberation, we have decided that the Motor Mule Festival is not sustainable in its current form and alas, like many other festivals faced with the cost-of-living crisis, current and projected ticket sales are simply not enough to cover costs.
However, we are hugely reluctant to let this year’s unique line up of Americana artists slip away and we aim to deliver a streamlined version of the Mule alongside the summer market on Deal Castle Promenade scheduled for the same weekend 3/4/5 July 2026. We are working with the Zoom Events Team to incorporate the spirit of the Motor Mule at one of their most popular event locations to deliver what promises to be one of the South Coast’s most vibrant events of the year.
Although we have cut some of the overheads for the Motor Mule Festival, we are asking you to consider helping us to cover costs, by making a contribution in support. Just select a ticket option amount from £5.00 to £20.00 – whatever amount you can afford – when new day tickets go on sale through our website and ticketing partner platform.
Alas, camping is no longer available and anyone who has purchased original tickets for the Motor Mule Festival / camping passes will be refunded shortly. We are sorry to disappoint those of you who had bought into the weekender experience and we will keep this dream alive for the future, but in the meantime, we hope that you can still join us and local folk in Deal for some country, soul, blues and rock n roll on the South Coast.
This webpage will be updated with new details shortly.
The Long Tall Productions Team
Thanks to everyone who helped to make our 2025 festival a success and for the positive feedback that has been so encouraging.
We are pleased to announce that the Motor Mule Music Festival rides again in 2026 with new dates 3rd – 5th July!
Join us to celebrate Independence Day in style with an Americana blend of country, soul, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.
This is a family friendly festival with high octane energy and plenty of heart at one of Kent’s best loved events venues.
Country, soul, blues and rock ‘n’ roll in a local, national and international line up of musicians, motorcycles and automobiles (vehicle registration form below). A brand-new family friendly festival with high octane energy and plenty of heart comes to one of Kent’s best loved events venues this August!
Two stages of non stop live music throughout the weekend
Many artists already confirmed with plenty of announcements still to come
This Year's Line-up - Who's Riding in for 2026
Friday 3rd July
Full Friday Line-Up & Stage Times TBC
Big River
More artists coming soon!
Saturday 4th July
Full Saturday Line-Up & Stage Times TBC
Ian Siegal and Chicago Blues Band
Smokin Mavericks
Virgina Dirt
Too Bad Jims
Gloria Anderson
Elry Blue
Campfire Coyote
Sunday 5th July
Full Sunday Line-up & Stage Times TBC
Samuel Ashton and The Instincts
Vincent Flatt’s Final Drive
Red River
Florence Sommerville
Happenings on the Grounds: The Full Festival Experience
From sun up to sundown, the grounds at the Motor Mule Festival are alive with sideshows, good times and plenty to keep the whole family busy.
- Brock’s real ale and cider festival – Crisp ciders to full-bodied craft ales
- Uncle Bill’s campsite – A laid-back corner of the grounds with its own stories to tell
- Country disco – With DJ Shamblin’ Sexton of Whiskey Preachin Records
- Smokehouse barbecue – slow-cooked, fire-smoked favourites served up all day
- Classic car and motorcycle show – polished chrome and plenty of horsepower on display
- Children’s workshops and entertainment
- Thoughtfully chosen food & drink options
- Festival fashion stalls
Where the Road Leads: Betteshanger Park
A Weekend of Americana Music, Motors and Open Country
Set within the rolling Kent landscape, Betteshanger Park is a well-established events venue offering a striking natural amphitheatre, surrounded by open countryside and panoramic views. Its layout, thoughtful design and adventure playground make it an ideal location for the family-friendly Motor Mule Festival 2026.
The camping area close to the main festival arena places you right at the heart of the experience, with sweeping vistas across the Kent countryside providing a memorable backdrop from sunrise to sunset.
Take the Long Way Round - Explore Beyond the Festival
Beyond the Motor Mule Festival itself, the location is perfectly placed for exploration. Just a short drive away, the charming coastal town of Deal offers a picturesque seafront, independent shops, and a vibrant restaurant scene for food lovers. Nearby Dover Castle provides fascinating glimpses into England’s rich history, from fortifications to wartime tunnels.
Step back in time with a wander through the medieval streets of Sandwich, one of the historic Cinque Ports, known for its timber-framed houses and tranquil riverside setting. With the stunning Kent Coast stretching nearby, a visit to the festival easily becomes part of a longer getaway—blending live music, outdoor adventure, and some of the most scenic and historic destinations in Southeast England.
Staying at The Motor Mule Festival - Uncle Bill's Campsite
Key Information Plus Arrival and Departure Times:
- Arrival times for campers are Thursday 2nd July 2pm – 7pm, Friday 3rd July 9am – 7pm, Saturday 4th July 9am – 12pm and Sunday 5th July 9am – 12pm only.
- Departure times for campers are Saturday 4th July 9am – 12pm, Sunday 5th July 9am – 12pm or after event closure at 10pm and Monday 6th July before 11am only.
- The same weekend camping charge applies regardless of the stay duration across the festival weekend. Toilet and shower facilities provided.
- An electrical connection is available to campers for purchase in the ticket shop at a set price for the whole weekend.
- A limited amount of space for weekend camping is available on a first come, first served basis. Each person attending the festival must purchase their festival entry tickets in advance, with the lead person in each party staying overnight also purchasing a camping ticket (self-pitched tent or motorhome/towable caravan space) for their group (max of 4 people per camping pitch)
- Pre-pitched tents accommodate a max of 2 people. There are no pre-pitched tents in the family camping area
Getting to The Motor Mule Festival 2026
Excellent transport links ensure easy access for visitors driving to the festival via the entrance off Sandwich Road and the park is just a short distance from Deal train station by taxi. Ample on-site parking is available for both day guests and weekend festival-goers, making your arrival smooth and stress-free.
Event Partners
Photos From Our 2025 Motor Mule Festival
Credit: Many of the images on this page from our 2025 festival were kindly provided by Matt H Photography
Fine tuning of guitars and cars – an intimate music festival set in the idyllic Betteshanger Park. One of the South East’s most original music festivals this summer.
2026 day and weekend tickets plus camping, caravan and motorhome passes on sale now!
Classic Car or Motorcycle Registration
Would you like to exhibit your classic car or motorcycle at The Motor Mule Festival 2026? Download an application form here. Please follow the form instructions and return to us as soon as possible at info@longtallproductions.co.uk
Day and weekend tickets plus limited camping, caravan and motorhome passes available now!