Music
Forest Fest
An Immersive Dance Experience
We did it, you loved it, so we’re doing it again…
Forest Fest is an immersive, unique, dance experience taking place in Chiddingstone Castle’s historic woodland, staring international DJ Marcel Mendez.
Following the incredible atmosphere and wonderful feedback from our first Forest Fest, we can’t wait to return bigger in spirit, deeper in energy, and more magical than ever.
Our favourite DJ, Marcel Mendez returns with a new 2026 set – Forest Freedom.
A vibrant fusion of festival anthems, tribal house, Afro & Latin house, euphoric Ibiza anthems, percussion, and uplifting feel-good beats, expertly crafted to guide you from sunset warmth into night-time exhilaration. Expect new layers of immersive production, richer soundscapes, and an expanded visual experience designed to elevate your connection with the night.
As you arrive, soak up the early-evening ambience with chilled, atmospheric vibes over a picnic if you wish to bring one. Then, as dusk settles and the forest begins to glow, the energy builds leading us into the dazzling silent disco experience beneath the canopy of trees.
Wear what makes you feel alive, comfortable, and ready to move! Gather your friends, immerse yourself in the rhythm of the forest, and dance into the night. We look forward to welcoming you into our summer celebration of freedom, connection, music, and nature. 🌳
“Marcel Mendez knows how to create a great party and bring everyone together with his infectious feel-good music.” – BBC Radio Kent
Sat 8 Aug, 8pm
Doors Open from 6.30pm
Chiddingstone Castle Woodland
All ticket prices will be confirmed by 19 Jan 2026
Chiddingstone Castle North Lawn
Come prepared for the weather in this uncovered, stunningly beautiful venue.
You can bring your own seats, beanbags, rugs etc. along with your picnic. Choose where you would like to sit when you arrive, you will view the performance from there whilst enjoying your picnic (if you can save pudding until then).
The Castle Cafe will be open before the show for hot and cold drinks and light meals and ice cream.
If you are considering making a day of it the castle opening hours are 11am – 5pm (last entry 4:15pm), so please ensure you have visited before the performance starts.
Please note: umbrellas are welcome if required, gazebo’s are not.
About Chiddingstone Castle
Chiddingstone Castle is nestled in the heart of the Kentish countryside, surrounded by beautiful grounds and filled with extraordinary treasures. Turn your theatre trip into a full day out by visiting the historic house first and discover its fascinating stories. There is also a quintessentially British tea room with plenty of traditional homemade goodies to choose from if you wanted to enjoy lunch before the performance.
The castle has Tudor origins, Victorian rooms and was remodelled in the 19th century to resemble a medieval castle. It has been owned and lived in by an eclectic mix of people: the Streatfeild family, Lord Astor, military forces during WWII, Long Dene School and the last owner, Denys Eyre Bower.
Denys Eyre Bower (1905-1977) was a gifted collector, devoting his life to finding fascinating objects and works of art. He bought Chiddingstone Castle in 1955 to home his collections of Ancient Egyptian, Japanese, Jacobite and Stuart, and Buddhist objects. These worldwide treasures can be found on display to this day thanks to the private charitable trust that was set up after his death in 1977.
The Chiddingstone Castle team endeavour to help bring the stories of the artefacts, Denys and the castle history to life as well as maintaining the grounds and running events to attract a wide audience of visitors.
