Lakefest 2026 full line-up revealed – featuring 80s and 90s icons, dance music giants and 'unbelievable' Forest of Dean legends

Offering the most diverse line-up we've seen at a local music festival, Lakefest 2026 promises plenty of pop from big names from the 80s and 90s, a smattering of soul, dollops of dance music and even a bit of drum and bass, as well as 'unbelievable' anthems from Cinderford, when it returns to the spectacular grounds of Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire this August 2026.

By Michelle Fyrne  |  Published
Lakefest 2026 is back with a bumper line-up, including headliners Bananarama, Example, Madness and The Charlatans.

Popular local music festival, Lakefest, is set to be stacked with a diverse range of live music this summer – with the full 2026 line-up now confirmed.

When and where is Lakefest 2026?

Lakefest returns to the grounds of Eastnor Castle from Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 August 2026.

Who's on the lineup at Lakefest 2026?

Bananarama is the final headline act to be announced, joining other headliners including The Charlatans; Madness; and Example across the four days. 

Other names to look out for at Lakefest 2026 include 90s boy band East 17; Liverpool's The Lightning Seeds; the 'one and only' Chesney HawksScouting for Girls; Soul II Soul; Reef; and the 'Incredible' General Levy

Dance music fans will be well catered for at Lakefest's own A Retrospective of House with turntable legends including Seb Fontaine; Todd TerryJudge Jules; Lisa Lashes and more.

Bez will be there with his maracas; with The Bluetones; Tinchy Stryder; Newton Faulkner; Gentleman's Dub Club and reggae legend David Rodigan, just some more of the names on the eclectic Lakefest bill.  

Gloucestershire's own EMF will be performing, with the 'Unbelievable' anthem sure to get the festival crowd singing along; with other local talent including beatboxers Duke; beautiful bluesy duo Saint Senara and powerful vocalist Vince Freeman, plus the competition winners of The Road to Lakefest. 

There's also food from The Beefy Boys, family activities, comedy, a creative space, retro gaming zone, wrestling arena and a BMX stunt show, too. 

How much are tickets to Lakefest 2026?

Attracting 20,000 festivalgoers each summer, Lakefest has a reputation for being one of the friendliest festivals on the summer circuit, with a choice of day tickets, as well as camping and glamping options, too. 

Weekend camping costs from £179.99 for adults, £114.99 for teens aged 13 to 17 and £34.99 for children aged five to 12 – with under fives going free.

Event

Lakefest 2026 at Eastnor Castle

Dates

Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 August 2026

Times

Gates open at 10am on the Thursday

Admission

Weekend tickets, including camping and parking, cost from £179.99 for adults, £114.99 for teenagers aged 13 to 17 and £34.99 for children aged 5 to 12, with infants children under four years old going free.

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