LakeFest

Lakefest 2026 Preview

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Just two weeks until Lakefest returns to Eastnor Castle Deer Park in Herefordshire for its 14th edition.

Billing itself as “the ultimate summer celebration for grown-ups who party, families who play hard, and everyone who loves brilliant live music, tasty food, cold drinks and proper festival atmosphere” – Lakefest has something for everyone.

From its humble beginnings as a small lakeside gathering, Lakefest has now grown into one of the UK’s most welcoming festivals, blending big-name headline acts with emerging talent across multiple stages.

This year’s headliners include The Charlatans, Example, Madness and Bananarama – with iconic acts such as Lightning Seeds, Scouting for Girls, Soul II Soul and EMF all performing on the Abbey Main Stage across the weekend.

Over at the Xerjoff Scenting the Scene At Funkytown stage, General Levy, Tinchy Stryder, Newton Faulkner, Reef and East 17 will all be making appearances along with Flash: A Tribute to Queen, The Jam UK and Utah Saints.

Lakefest is also bringing a taste of the Balearics to the Herefordshire countryside, hosting a Sunday Ibiza Beach Party in the A Restrospective of House tent. Big names such as Todd Terry, Judge Jules, Lisa Lashes and Seb Fontaine will all be playing high-energy crowd-pleasers, harking back to the golden era of Ibiza.

The Cheshire Cat Club will be hosting a wide variety of events throughout the weekend including DJ sets from Woody Cook and Bez from the Happy Mondays, performances from Senser and local act Dub Catalyst – as well as food demos from Beefy Boys and even movie screenings.

Beyond the music, Lakefest offers creative workshops, children’s activities, fairground rides, and a wide choice of food and drink, making it a true celebration for all ages. With its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful countryside setting, Lakefest is as much about community and fun as it is about great live music.

On top of the entertainment there’s also the annual theme, which this year is Flower Power – so expect to see plenty of flares, psychedelic prints, tie dye and bare feet as revellers channel their inner Woodstock!

Lakefest takes place from 5-9th August at Eastnor Castle Deer Park in Herefordshire.

Day tickets are still available through Lakefest.co.uk.

Credit Lakefest

Lakefest festival announces VVIP experience partnership with The House of George W Davies in Broadway

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Nestled between Wales & The Cotswolds, Lakefest is a brilliantly, independent music & family festival, that takes place in August, in the gorgeous grounds of Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire.

Attracting over 20,000 revellers of all ages each year, Lakefest’s 12 stages host performances from world class music artists, award winning cuisine and a vibrant mix of family friendly activities, which includes a stage hosted by Steam Co, whose mission is to inspire creativity for children across the UK.

Whilst mums and dads are down at the mainstage, checking out an eclectic mix of their favourite bands, or working up a sweat on the Retrospective of House or Funky Town dancefloors, younger family members can also enjoy magic shows, storytelling, beat-boxing, BMX stunt show, wrestling, circus performances & the Kapow Gaming arena.

Lakefest is a UK music festival designed to be enjoyed by everyone. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and broad musical appeal, there’s a relaxed vibe and a strong sense of community. The 4-day festival attracts people who value shared experiences, friendliness, and a respectful environment. Conversations start easily, adventures begin, and friendships are made. With a choice of camping and glamping options, comedy, wellness and plentiful hospitality, the festival delivers an unforgettable weekend packed with live entertainment, delicious food and fun for all ages.

Fancy an upgrade this year?

Maybe Glamping is your thing or a stay in a luxury hotel with private transfers on and off site, room service, fluffy towels and a hot shower or just want to get a wristband for a posh loo?

There’s a range of comfort options from flushing toilets with handwashing facilities to bespoke VVIP hotel experiences at The House Of George W Davies in Broadway and various glamping options in between to choose from!! Alternatively, pop along for the day to see your favourite band and meander home at your leisure, to the comfort of your own bed, as day tickets are now on sale!!

See all of our Upgrades here: https://buytickets.lakefest.co.uk/events/lakefesttickets/1909454

The House of George VVIP Package

· VIP Tickets for the festival Friday 7th August to Sunday 9th August

· 3 night’s accommodation in a double room at The House of George W Davies in Broadway, Worcestershire.

· Daily chauffeured mini bus transport on and off site from the hotel to the festival. (Own parking pass also included if you prefer the freedom to travel on your own timetable)

· 2 x meals (Fri lunch on arrival and Sunday lunch) plus breakfast daily at the hotel and Sunday Paper in room.

· Total all-inclusive package cost £1,449 pp. · https://www.houseofgeorge.uk/

BANANARAMA JOIN THE CHARLATANS, EXAMPLE AND MADNESS AT LAKEFEST – AUGUST 2026

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Attracting 25,000 revellers of all ages each year, Lakefest’s 12 stages host performances from world class music artists, award winning cuisine and a vibrant mix of family friendly activities, which includes a stage hosted by Steam Co, whose mission is to inspire creativity for children across the UK.

Whilst mums and dads are down at the mainstage, checking out an eclectic mix of their favourite bands, or working up a sweat on the Retrospective of House or Funky Town dancefloors, younger family members can also enjoy magic shows, storytelling, beat-boxing, BMX stunt show, wrestling, circus performances & the Kapow Gaming arena.

Lakefest is a UK music festival designed to be enjoyed by everyone. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and broad musical appeal, there’s a relaxed vibe and a strong sense of community. The 4-day festival attracts people who value shared experiences, friendliness, and a respectful environment. Conversations start easily, adventures begin, and friendships are made.

With a choice of camping and glamping options, comedy, wellness and plentiful hospitality, the festival delivers an unforgettable weekend packed with live entertainment, delicious food and fun for all ages.

Bananarama will complete the festival headliners, with further line-up to be announced for Sunday 9th August. Celebrating 40 years in the business, Bananarama’s DIY-style and attitude inspired a generation, obliterating all previous notions of what a girl band could be. During the 80’s these coolest of cool, pop princesses consistently topped the charts, with Hits such as Venus, Love In The First Degree, Robert De Niro’s Waiting, Cruel Summer and Our Lips Are Sealed with Terry Hall’s Fun Boy Three.

They hold the Guinness World Record for being the most successful female band worldwide, with the most charting singles. They performed twice on Band Aid, have released 12 albums, sold 30 million records and have retained their female pop duo cool credentials to date, with the release of their album Glorious, celebrating 4 decades of their music in 2024. 

Athlete set for this years Lakefest

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Lee Martin, one of the organisers of the two day festival said, “We are delighted to have signed Athlete to play the headline slot, vacated by The Levellers following an injury to their fiddle player. With only 3 weeks to go until the event we knew it was going to be tough and had spoken to a number of potential replacement acts. Athlete were the stand-out option and we are grateful to them for agreeing to play. They have a fantastic reputation for their live performances and have been one of the biggest bands recent times – we feel honoured that they are headlining our festival.”

Tickets for what promises to be a hugely successful weekend are available fromwww.lakefest.co.uk/tickets – they’re selling fast so immediate purchase is recommended.

Lakefest 2012 details

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Highlights include a great festival line-up, a laser display on the lake, street entertainers, arts and crafts workshops and of course the rinky dinks.

The bands selected are folky but also have the ability to really get people up dancing.  The festival has been built on an open approach with a sense that everyone counts.  Too many festivals these days have become generic and sterile. There aren’t many festivals where the organisers publish their mobile telephone numbers on the website and are available for all to call whenever…. Hence the organisers never want to grow their festival beyond 5000 people!!

The festival takes place on 18th and 19th May 2012 and more information can be found at www.lakefest.co.uk

LakeFest lineup