The GAP Festival 2026: Full programme released

Start planning your GAP Festival experience

Posted on March 16, 2026

This year’s GAP Festival (12th - 21st June) promises to be our most diverse and exciting yet, with more than 65 events spanning music, arts, science, nature, wellbeing, theatre, and more! Whether you’re drawn to hands-on creativity, curious talks, outdoor adventures, or moments of calm, the 2026 programme offers something for every age, interest, and pace of life.

The full programme is now available. Copies of our brochure will be landing on local doorsteps over the coming weeks, giving you everything you need to start planning your festival experience. 

Tickets go on sale online at noon on Friday 27 March. In 2024, many events sold out quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment. 

A programme of events for all

The Festival’s strength lies in its variety. From practical workshops to exciting music, and inspiring talks to joyful family sessions, this year’s programme invites you to try something new, rediscover a passion, or simply enjoy time together. 

Festival Wellbeing Mornings

Festival Wellbeing Mornings

Each morning of the Festival begins with a chance to reset, recharge, and enjoy the outdoors. A mixed wellbeing programme will be on offer, including Qi Gong, Paddle Boarding, Meditation, Singing and Nordic Walking. Whether you’re seeking calm, connection, or a burst of energy, these sessions are designed to help you step into each day feeling grounded and refreshed. View the Wellbeing events. 

Build a Terrarium

Build a Terrarium

Creative workshops and hands-on sessions will run throughout the Festival, offering plenty of chances to try something new. One example is this guided workshop on Monday 15 June, which invites you to roll up your sleeves and create your piece of living art with the Garden Design Company. You’ll learn how to build a terrarium - layering soil, selecting plants, and shaping a tiny ecosystem to take home. View all arts events

Canterbury Cathedral Through the Ages

Canterbury Cathedral Through the Ages

Award-winning BBC broadcaster and architectural historian Dr Jonathan Foyle joins the Festival on Wednesday 17 June to unravel the story of one of Britain’s most iconic buildings. Through the lives of three remarkable figures who shaped Canterbury Cathedral, he brings centuries of history to life, revealing how architecture, faith, and politics intertwined to create the structure we know today. Supported by: Goring Gap Local History Society. Find out more

On a Role Presents: The Secret Life of Enid Blyton

On a Role Presents: The Secret Life of Enid Blyton

Following her sell-out performance in 2024 based on Agatha Christie, actor Liz Grand returns to the Festival with her portrayal of Enid Blyton on Thursday 18 June. Loved by generations of children, Enid Blyton sold over 600 million books, yet she was a complex and controversial figure. This compelling one-woman play will bring her incredible, and often surprising, story to life on stage. Sponsored by: Cleeve Lodge Care Home. Find out more

The Great Gap Mystery Dinner: The Hunt for the Final Secret

The Great Gap Mystery Dinner: The Hunt for the Final Secret

In another first for the Festival, we invite you to join The Hunt for the Final Secret on Saturday 20 June. Step into a vintage mystery dinner with a playful treasure-hunt twist. Gather your team, or join a table, to explore unexpected corners, follow curious clues, and interrogate a cast of suspicious characters who know more than they're letting on. Join Dead Herring for an evening of intrigue and adventure. Find out more

Take a look at the headline events for 2026 or view the full events programme and get ready to book your tickets from noon on 27th March.