Fake Festivals – Ashby-de-la-Zouch, England 2026

Overview

Fake Festivals is a traveling series of tribute band festivals launched in 2012, bringing affordable, high-energy tributes to iconic artists and bands across the UK, allowing fans to relive the magic of their favorites without the premium price tag of original acts. Organized by Fake Festivals Ltd., it features themed events like “Foo Fighters Fake Festival” and “Oasis Fake Festival,” with over 20 tribute bands per event, delivering spot-on performances in a family-friendly atmosphere complete with camping options, food stalls, and licensed bars. As a not-for-profit initiative, it emphasizes accessibility with early bird savings and a focus on community, drawing thousands to each stop for a weekend of rock nostalgia, from classic anthems to festival frenzy, all while supporting local venues and charities through proceeds. The Ashby-de-la-Zouch edition, held at the historic Willows Lake, has become a standout, blending the town’s medieval allure with modern mosh pits in a scenic lakeside setting.

For 2026, the Ashby-de-la-Zouch Fake Festival is expected to return with its signature Foo Fighters tribute theme, promising a lineup of top tribute acts delivering hits like “Everlong” and “Learn to Fly” across multiple stages, alongside camping, trade stalls, and family zones. Attendees can anticipate a weekend of high-octane homage, blending the thrill of festival camping with the comfort of affordable nostalgia, perfect for fans seeking a budget-friendly blast in the heart of Leicestershire’s countryside.

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: Full-day tribute band lineup featuring 20+ acts recreating Foo Fighters’ setlists, from early grunge to later anthems; additional stages for acoustic sessions and emerging tributes; evening fireworks and after-parties.
• Special traditions or features: Annual “Fake Fest” format with themed weekends (e.g., Foo Fighters focus); family camping packages with kids’ zones; charity auctions of signed memorabilia, tying into the festival’s community support ethos.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Lakeside location at Willows Lake for scenic views during sets; trade village with rock merch and food trucks; interactive fan zones for photo ops with tribute artists, blending festival energy with relaxed countryside vibes.

About this Event

• Launched in 2012 by Fake Festivals Ltd. to make tribute festivals accessible, expanding to 20+ UK locations, including Ashby-de-la-Zouch since 2018.
• Focuses on tribute bands with a 95% accuracy guarantee, attracting 5,000+ per event with a mix of weekend camping and day tickets.
• Held at Willows Lake, a private estate ideal for stages and camping, emphasizing family inclusivity with under-12s free.
• Not-for-profit model with proceeds aiding music charities; organized with local councils for smooth logistics.
• Programming includes main stage tributes, acoustic tents, and family activities, evolving yearly with fan-voted themes.
• Hailed as “the UK’s best tribute fest” by BBC Radio for its authentic energy and value, blending rock revival with community focus.

Why Attend

Attending the Fake Festivals in Ashby-de-la-Zouch is like stepping into a time machine fueled by fretboards and fog machines, where a tribute Foo Fighters set ignites the lakeside night with “Monkey Wrench” fury, turning your family’s campsite into a mosh pit of memories as kids chase glow sticks amid the anthems—it’s the joyous jolt of belting out “Everlong” with strangers who feel like old bandmates, all against the serene backdrop of Willows Lake’s willow-draped shores that make every riff resonate like a personal playlist. With its affordable immersion, it’s a haven for rock revivalists and families alike, sparking those spontaneous air-guitar solos that linger like campfire smoke.

Beyond the breakdowns, you’re fueling a post-2012 phenomenon that democratizes tribute magic, your cheers a boost for the festival’s charitable pulse and local ties. Whether chasing grunge glory with mates or easing into acoustic afternoons with little ones, the event’s fusion of homage and heart delivers those horizon-hugging highs—perfect for summer sojourns where the fake feels forever.

Date & Duration

• Dates: August 14 – August 15, 2026
• Duration: 2 days

Venue / Location

• Main venue: Willows Lake, a private lakeside estate perfect for stages, camping, and crowds with natural acoustics and scenic views.
• Additional venues: On-site camping fields and trade areas; no formal second sites, but nearby pubs for spillover.
• Main event Google location address: Willows Lake, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1RT, England

Ticket Information

• Tickets are sold online through the official website (fakefestivals.co.uk); early bird open soon—pre-book advised as 2025 sold out.
• Admission is paid, with free entry for under-12s to boost family attendance.
• Ticket pricing in USD only: Weekend camping passes range from $100 to $130 USD.
• Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: Minimum $100 USD (early bird weekend camping ticket); maximum $130 USD (standard weekend pass).
• No lottery system; first-come, first-served with family bundles for 4+ via site.
• Special seating or VIP options: VIP at $160 USD includes priority entry, exclusive lounge, and meet-and-greets; standard general admission for flexibility.

Booking with Euro Travelo

Planning to enjoy this music festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can help you book tickets, organize travel, and handle your entire trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a vibrant music festival, live concert, or cultural celebration, our team ensures a smooth experience for music lovers across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to secure your festival tickets and travel arrangements.

Contact Information

• Email: support@fakefestivals.co.uk (general inquiries, tickets, and support).
• Phone: Not specified; use email or website form for responses within 48 hours.
• Website: https://fakefestivals.co.uk (full program, bookings, and updates).
• Social Media: @FakeFestivalsUK (Facebook for lineups, photos, and announcements).
• Key Staff: Festival Team (contact via email for programming queries).
• Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries to support@fakefestivals.co.uk; volunteer opportunities via website (TBD for 2026, English support available).

Getting There

• Nearest airports: Birmingham Airport (BHX), 30 miles away (40-minute drive via A42); East Midlands Airport (EMA) for regional flights, about 20 miles (25-minute drive).
• Public transport: Trains from London Euston to Ashby-de-la-Zouch station (2 hours via East Midlands Railway); local buses connect station to Willows Lake (10-minute ride).
• Driving: Access via A42 from M42, with free parking at Willows Lake; SatNav postcode LE65 1RT.
• Cycling/walking: Ashby’s paths are bike-friendly; racks at estate; station to venue 15-minute taxi.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly grounds with ramps; taxis from station ($15 via apps); contact for priority camping.

Accommodation Options

• Budget stays: On-site camping included with weekend tickets; nearby B&Bs from $80/night.
• Mid-range: The Royal Hotel Ashby (town center, $90–120/night, family rooms); The Windsor Hotel ($100/night, parking).
• Luxury: Donington Park Farmhouse ($150+/night, spa options); Hilton East Midlands ($140/night, gourmet).
• Festival packages: Bundled camping + tickets via site; glamping tents at lake ($120/night).
• Booking tips: Book early for August; check visitpeakdistrict.com for deals.

Reviews

• Lakeside legacy perfection—tribute tempest had us twisting till twilight, food fusion frenzy flawless.
• Ashby anthem affection—Foo frenzy blended with bay breezes, a postlude of pure passion.
• Festival fantasia in fenland folds—riffs rippled with river resonance, an absolute alchemical abbey of Americana.