Kent’s original hop festival began in 1957 and has taken place in Canterbury and the surrounding area on the second Saturday in September each year, making this the 66th annual Hop Hoodening. Organised by the Wantsum Morris Men this colourful and lively event is closely linked to Canterbury Cathedral where the hops are ceremonially blessed in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Canterbury. Everyone is invited to attend this free event both in the Cathedral and then around the city centre (voluntary collection taken to support it’s running costs).
The history of Hop Hoodening can be found here.
Our hops are donated by Wye Hops Ltd. a vital research centre for the British Hop Industry. We use them to prepare the Hop Queen’s Bower.
Next Year’s Hop Hoodening will be on Saturday 13th September 2025.