Maid Of Stone Festival 2026 Announces First 20 Artists

by Glenn Sargeant | Nov 2, 2025

Maid of Stone Festival has revealed the first bands set to play Mote Park in Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom for its 2026 edition.

Heavy metal icons Saxon will top the bill on Saturday 18th July 2026.

“The Mighty Saxon are pleased to announce they will be at the Maid of Stone Festival in Maidstone UK, July 2026!” say Saxon. “See you there!”

Recently reformed The Temperance Movement will headline Friday 17 July, supported by US southern rockers A Thousand Horses, FM, and Anthony Gomes — the Canadian blues- rock guitarist renowned worldwide for his explosive live shows and soulful guitar work. Canadian rockers Danko Jones return to Mote Park on Saturday 18th, their first time since 2016.

The festival’s closing day brings the ever-unpredictable and always enjoyable The Wildhearts to the main stage, with the weekend also featuring standout sets from The New Roses (Germany), Tailgunner, Cobra Spell (Spain), Häxan, Morganway, Cassidy Paris (Australia), Kit Trigg and Silveroller. Local favourites Queen Horizon and Battle Born, both who had to pull out of this years event, return to the bill.

On the second stage, Crow Black Chicken take Friday’s top slot, The Virginmarys headline Saturday, and Chez Kane closes the weekend on Sunday.

Festival booker Chris Wright says:

“It’s been another challenging year with so many major acts touring the UK, but we’ve managed to pull together a line-up we’re incredibly proud of. The support from fans keeps growing, and 2026 is shaping up to be another great year.”

Maid of Stone has become known for delivering an affordable, all-ages weekend built around genuine community energy. Early Bird tickets sold out in record time, and only a handful of campervan and caravan passes remain.

With a growing international flavour and a fan-first ethos, the independently run festival once again partners with Planet Rock to celebrate three days of real rock music in one of the South’s most picturesque settings.

Portable speakers

Further announcements to arrive at the end of November 2025.