Designer Outlet renews sponsorship of Ashford Borough Council's Festivals and Events Framework

Published: 13/04/2026

Photo of stall at Ashford Food and Drink festival.

Ashford Borough Council is pleased to announce that Designer Outlet Ashford will be sponsoring the borough’s Festivals and Events Framework for another year, continuing its valued support for a vibrant programme of town centre events including the Ashford Food and Drink Festival, Create and Carnival of the Baubles.

The ongoing partnership reinforces a shared commitment to bringing the town centre to life, supporting local businesses, and creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors throughout the year.

One of the centrepieces of the 2026 programme will be the return of the Ashford Food and Drink Festival, taking place in Ashford Town Centre on Saturday 27 June 2026, from 10am to 7pm. Residents and visitors are encouraged to save the date for a full day of exceptional flavours, entertainment and family‑friendly fun, with something to enjoy around every corner of the town centre, from the High Street through to Elwick Place.

The festival will offer a tempting mix of street food, live cooking demonstrations and local market traders showcasing outstanding produce, alongside live music, eye‑catching street theatre and creative fun for children at the popular Cardboard Café. Families can also enjoy a month‑long trail throughout June, spotting Jellycat Amuseables hidden in shops and cafés across the town centre, with the chance to win the full collection by completing the trail.

Looking ahead, Create Music Village will return in October 2026, bringing a month‑long programme of live music, creative events and workshops to venues across the town centre. Building on the success of previous years, Create will once again showcase local talent alongside exciting performances, adding even more energy and creativity to Ashford this autumn. Full details will be announced soon.

Residents are also encouraged to save the date for Carnival of the Baubles on Saturday 21 November 2026. A firm festive favourite, the illuminated parade brings together glowing lanterns, live performances and community creativity, lighting up the town centre as Ashford heads into the Christmas season.

Peter Heritage, Centre Manager at the Designer Outlet said of the renewed sponsorship: “We’re delighted to continue our support for Ashford Borough Council’s festivals and events in 2026. These events play a key role in bringing the town centre to life, creating memorable experiences for both residents and visitors, and supporting the wider local economy.

Ashford has a fantastic sense of community, and the events really brings people together. Everyone here at the Designer Outlet is committed to supporting the town centre and the wider community, and this partnership is a great example of that in action. We’re proud to play a part in helping to deliver a vibrant and engaging calendar of activity across the year, and we’re looking forward to another great year of events in 2026.”

More information and event announcements will be shared over the coming months.

Visit loveashford.com and follow Love Ashford on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest updates.

Ashford Borough Council’s Festivals and Events Framework is funded by the UK Government and Ashford Borough Council.