On Saturday 25 July 2026, passengers will be able to travel on all Arriva bus services within the Maidstone Area ticket zone for a flat £1 single fare, making it easier and more affordable for people to enjoy the hugely popular event.
The River Festival is a free, non-profit event run by a team of local volunteers, with financial support from local businesses and sponsors. Celebrating more than 40 years, the festival has become a fixture in Maidstone's calendar and attracts visitors from across the county.
The discounted fares are part of a wider programme of support KCC is delivering from funding secured by the government to encourage people to use public transport when travelling to major events across Kent.
It also serves as a way of helping to reduce congestion and parking pressures in the town centre.
Earlier this month, KCC funded free shuttle bus services from Maidstone and Sittingbourne to help visitors attend the Kent County Show. Further promotional bus fare offers linked to events across the county will be announced in the coming weeks.
“By offering £1 single fares across the Maidstone area, we're giving people a convenient, low-cost way to get to and from the festival while helping to reduce traffic and demand for parking.”
Spencer Dixon, KCC's Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "The Maidstone River Festival is one of the town's most popular community events and one I enjoy attending regularly myself. We're delighted to support it by making bus travel more affordable for everyone.
"By offering £1 single fares across the Maidstone area, we're giving people a convenient, low-cost way to get to and from the festival while helping to reduce traffic and demand for parking. We hope this encourages more people to choose the bus and discover just how easy public transport can be. I look forward to seeing everyone there."
David Naghi, Maidstone River Festival Chairman, said: “It is fantastic that local buses are supporting the event by enabling people to travel in and out of town cheaply on what will be a busy day on the roads.
“Arriva buses can drop passengers right in the centre of the action without the stress of finding parking and saving a fortune on parking charges. This is the first time an offer like this has been available to leave cars at home and travel in for £1 each.”
Michael Jennings, Arriva South’s Head of Commercial, said: "We're pleased to be working with KCC to offer £1 fares to the Maidstone River Festival, making it easier for people to leave the car at home and enjoy the day out by bus.
“Events like this are a great reminder of how buses connect communities to the things they love doing together and we're always glad to support initiatives that get more people travelling by bus."
Find out more about Maidstone River Festival.
