Margate Soul Festival – Margate, England 2026
Overview
Margate Soul Festival, now in its 25th anniversary edition, is Kent’s longest-running seaside soul celebration, transforming the vibrant coastal town into a three-day haven of funk, jazz, R&B, reggae, and Latin grooves from Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August 2026. Held across 20+ venues from the beachside main stage under the iconic Lido sign at Newgate Lower Promenade to intimate Old Town spots, it draws 10,000+ soul enthusiasts for a mix of live bands, legendary DJ sets, and community-driven events that capture the essence of summer by the sea.
As a social enterprise via NewMargate CIC, the festival channels £1 per ticket into local environmental and community projects, blending high-energy performances with eco-conscious practices like plastic-free operations and beach clean-ups. From sunrise yoga on the sands to midnight after-parties, Margate Soul Weekender fosters connections amid Margate’s artistic revival, making it an unmissable escape for music lovers seeking rhythm, relaxation, and coastal charm.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Eclectic lineup of soul, funk, jazz-funk, R&B, reggae, and Latin acts across beachside and indoor stages; expect live bands, DJ residencies from Mi-Soul Radio (e.g., Brandon Block, Gordon Mac), and emerging local talent; past favorites include Zero Hour Radio and Soul Beat Radio sets.
- Special traditions or features: The free Margate Soul Train shuttle linking venues, annual beach clean-ups with Rise Up Clean Up, and community fundraisers supporting Thanet projects; anniversary edition adds a soul vinyl fair, rollerskating sessions, and the Cycle Del Mar soul bike ride.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Balearic Beach Boutique stage for chilled vibes (e.g., Jo Mills, Chris Coco), Disco Heaven in Old Town for late-night spins, reusable planters by Wilderness to Wonderland, and family-friendly workshops like kids’ soul dancing and artisan markets.
About This Event
- Celebrating 25 years in 2026, Margate Soul Festival has grown from a modest beach gathering into Kent’s signature soul event, revitalizing the town’s creative scene amid its UNESCO Creative Coast status.
- Spanning Margate’s seafront and Old Town, it integrates 20+ venues for a walkable, immersive experience, with proceeds as a social enterprise benefiting local eco and youth initiatives.
- All-ages welcome with free entry for under-5s and dedicated kids’ zones, earning praise for its inclusive, family-oriented atmosphere that spans generations.
- Sustainability is woven in: plastic-free pledges, eco-generators, low-power lighting, and partnerships with Plastic Free Thanet and Haeckels for minimal environmental impact.
- Lauded by Visit Thanet as a “soulful escape,” it blends music with Margate’s artistic heritage, from Turner Contemporary ties to beachside innovation.
Why Attend
Margate Soul Festival is a sun-kissed symphony for the senses, where ocean breezes mingle with funky basslines, inviting you to sway on sandy stages and forge bonds in a town alive with soulful energy. It’s the perfect antidote to urban hustle—a weekend of rediscovery amid Margate’s quirky charm, from vinyl hunts to beachside boogies, leaving you recharged by the sea’s endless rhythm.
Beyond the grooves, it’s a force for good: supporting community projects, embracing eco-living, and celebrating diversity through inclusive programming. Whether dancing with locals at sunset or chilling in Old Town haunts, the festival’s heartfelt vibe guarantees joy, inspiration, and memories that echo like a perfect Motown hook—pure coastal catharsis.
Date & Duration
Dates: July 31 – August 2, 2026
Duration: 3 days
Venue / Location
The Parade, Margate, Kent, CT9 1DD, United Kingdom (Beachside main stage at Newgate Lower Promenade beneath the Lido sign; additional venues across Margate seafront, Old Town, and nearby spots like Dreamland, with shuttle links.)
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: Online via margatesoulfestival.co.uk and Eventbrite; early bird on sale from 28th August 2025; locals/residents discounts available; free shuttle with ticket.
- Whether admission is free or paid: Paid event; children under 5 free; some free stages like Balearic Beach Boutique.
- Ticket pricing in USD: Approximate (£1 ≈ $1.30); Weekend Pass (Early Bird): $91–$130; Day Tickets: $39–$52; Residents/Locals: $26–$39; under-16s half-price.
- Any special seating or VIP options: No formal VIP; accessible viewing areas near main stage; companion tickets for disabilities; relaxed zones for families.
- ADD MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM TICKETS PRICING TELL: Minimum: $0 (under 5s/free stages); Maximum: $130 (weekend early bird, excluding add-ons).
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Contact Information
- Email: info@margatesoulfestival.co.uk (general inquiries and bookings).
- Phone: +44 1843 838539.
- Website: https://margatesoulfestival.co.uk.
- Social Media: @margatesoulfestival (Instagram, Facebook).
- Key Staff: Not specified; direct to general email.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via info@margatesoulfestival.co.uk; volunteer opportunities via website sign-up.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support; newsletter for lineup and ticket updates.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: London Southend (SEN, ~60 miles/1.5-hour drive) or Manston (MSE, ~10 miles/20-minute drive); Ryanair/EasyJet flights.
- Public transport: Train to Margate Station (from London St Pancras ~1.5 hours via Southeastern’s late-night services); free festival shuttle from station to Lido/promenade.
- Parking: Public paid lots like Turner Contemporary, Market Street, Trinity Square (~$6–$13/hour via Ringo app); Dreamland all-day option; no dedicated site parking.
- Other access: A299 road; walking from Broadstairs (~1 hour Viking Coastal Path); Loop bus from Ramsgate/Broadstairs ($3.90 flat); bikes/electric scooters encouraged.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: Not offered; focus on local stays to reduce footprint.
- Apartments/flats: Seafront options like 2-bed Old Town (sleeps 4, ~$130–$195/night), 4-bed (sleeps 6, ~$195–$260); book via Airbnb or site links.
- B&Bs/guesthouses: Cliftonville Townhouse, Doghouse Margate (~$80–$130/night); family-friendly with soul-themed perks.
- Hotels: Crescent Victoria (~$100–$150/night); nearby Broadstairs/Ramsgate for variety.
- Other: Luxury like The Penthouse (~$220+); group houses like Secondnest at Northern Belle (sleeps 10, ~$260–$390); all listed on site with festival discounts.
Reviews
- Margate Soul’s beach vibes and funky sets were electric—danced till dusk, loved the shuttle hopping venues, total seaside soul heaven.
- Community heart shines through; free kids’ fun, eco-touch, and local DJs made it feel like home—back every year.
- Anniversary energy was off the charts—vinyl fair gems, rollerskating grooves, left sandy, smiling, and soul-satisfied.
Maps
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FAQ's
What can I expect from the 2026 lineup and stages?
Marking 25 years, the lineup will spotlight soul, funk, jazz-funk, R&B, reggae, and Latin acts across 20+ venues, from live bands on the beachside Lido stage to DJ residencies in Old Town's Disco Heaven. Expect headliners like past Mi-Soul favorites (Brandon Block, Gordon Mac) and emerging locals; free stages like Balearic Beach Boutique add chilled vibes with Jo Mills and Chris Coco. Announcements start early 2026 via newsletter—it's a curated mix blending legends and fresh grooves for non-stop seaside swaying. Shuttle access ensures you catch it all without missing a beat.
How family-friendly is Margate Soul Festival?
Absolutely welcoming for all ages: free entry for under-5s, half-price for under-16s, and dedicated kids' zones with soul dancing workshops, face-painting, and puppet shows on the sands. Stages wrap early evenings in family areas, with relaxed zones for quieter vibes; parents rave about the safe, enclosed promenade setup and free shuttle from the station. Under-16s need adult supervision, but it's designed for multi-gen bonding—think little ones grooving to jazz while adults hit late-night spins. Eco-elements like reusable planters add educational fun too.
What sustainability efforts are in place, and how can I help?
As a social enterprise, £1 per ticket funds local eco-projects via NewMargate CIC, partnering with Plastic Free Thanet and Haeckels for plastic-free ops—no single-use cups/packaging, eco-generators, low-power lighting, and beach clean-ups with Rise Up Clean Up. Water refill points at Sunset Stage, plus donations to litter groups. Help by using public transport (late Southeastern trains to midnight), reusables (bar refills), and the Loop bus ($3.90); carpool to paid lots via Ringo app. It's light-touch coastal care—your choices amplify positive impact for Margate's shores.
What food and drink options suit different diets?
20+ vendors line the promenade with soulful seaside eats: fresh seafood, vegan curries, gluten-free falafel, and halal grills—~$8–$13/meal, with kids' portions. Local twists like Kentish oysters and plant-based soul bowls; allergy info flagged clearly. Bars sling craft gins, local ales, rum punches, and non-alcoholic spritzes, with BYO water bottles refilled free. No outside booze in arena, but picnic-friendly for chill spots. Ethical sourcing supports Thanet producers—diverse, delicious fuel to keep dancing from beach to Old Town without a hitch.
How accessible is the festival for disabilities?
Thoughtfully inclusive: level promenade paths to main stage, accessible viewing platforms, free companion tickets (email verification), and BSL-interpreted sets on key stages. Quiet zones near the Lido, adapted toilets/showers, and priority shuttle boarding from Margate Station. Relaxed performances adjust volumes/lights; site partners with local experts for mobility aids. Register via info@margatesoulfestival.co.uk by June 2026 for tailored support—it's seaside soul with open arms, ensuring everyone grooves equitably amid the waves.
