Margate Soul Weekender 2026 The Ultimate 25 Year Celebration

Margate Soul Weekender has been the main pulse of British soul scene for 25 years – a very soulful celebration of the music, culture, and unity by the seaside. The event which was initially a small gathering of soul lovers has now become a major yearly ritual, a venue where the different age groups mingle at the dance floor and the sound of soul can be heard from the beach.

This summer they pay our respect to that history with our largest line-up ever: a marathon of three days and nights of the live performances, DJs, and dance-floor vibe spreading over two legendary stages – The Sunset Stage and The Drill Shed Live ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌Arena.

Friday — A Legendary Opening

They start strong in true MSW style with Incognito, pioneers of British acid jazz whose rich, horn-driven grooves have inspired fans worldwide for over four decades. They’re joined by the powerhouse collective Brit Funk Association, bringing the unmistakable sound of UK funk to the seaside, and Odyssey, beloved for their feel-good anthems and unmistakable harmonies.

On the decks, Groove Odyssey with Dave Lee — a master of disco-house fusion — teams up with Bobby & Steve, the twin icons of soulful house, setting the tone for a weekend of sunshine rhythms and pure soul energy.

Saturday — Turning Up the Heat

Saturday brings a wave of soul royalty. Brass Construction, the New York funk giants behind some of the most influential dance-floor grooves of the 70s, bring their full-band fire. They’re joined by The Real Thing, Britain’s most successful black soul group, whose hits continue to resonate across generations, and the velvet-voiced Shaun Escoffery, known for his soaring, emotional performances.

The day continues with rising star Zoe Kapri, followed by Reel People featuring Angela Johnson, champions of future soul and organic house. Closing out the night is Garage City, delivering the deep, soulful, vocal-house sound that shaped a movement.

Sunday — The Finale of 25 Years

They​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ wrap up the Weekender with a Sunday of soul that goes beyond time. Change, the disco-soul supergroup whose influence ranges from Chic to contemporary R&B, are lighting up the night with their sparkling classics. Lovers’ rock trailblazers Janet Kay and Carroll Thompson infuse the night with the heat, love, and saccharine-smooth vocals that characterized a whole generation.

Also, reggae-soul favourite Peter Hunnigale and the Manchester duo Children of Zeus, whose mix of soul, hip-hop, and jazz is the next chapter of UK soul, are there with them. What a beautiful ending it is to 25 years of music, love, and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌community.

From live legends to future icons, every beat of the weekend celebrates the story of Margate Soul Weekender — where soul lives, and the seaside moves.

Secure your weekend pass now — and be part of history.