Margate has always marched to its own beat, and this summer the town’s rhythm section is in full swing. In 2026 the Margate Soul Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with a weekender that promises to eclipse the rave reviews of 2025. From 31 July to 2 August the UK’s signature soul festival takes over the promenade, showcasing world‑class live performers, legendary DJs and those intimate after‑party vibes we all love.
Hosted at Olby’s Soul Café and other iconic venues across Margate, the festival is a three‑day celebration of soul, funk, jazz‑funk, reggae, Latin and R&B. Picture dancing barefoot under the stars on the Lido Sunset Stage, then wandering between beach bars and pop‑up record stalls as the sun paints the sky gold. Organisers call it a “soulful escape” where friends, families and music lovers unite to celebrate timeless grooves and create memories that last a lifetime.
The 25th‑anniversary line‑up is stacked with heritage acts and modern favourites: Incognito, Odyssey, Brass Construction, Change, Shaun Escoffery, The Real Thing and Brit Funk Association all take to the stage, alongside the queens of lovers rock Carroll Thompson and Janet Kay with host Peter Hunnigale. Expect packed dance floors, pop‑up vinyl markets and chilled daytime sessions at seafront cafés. If you need a break from the beats, wander through Cliftonville’s indie galleries, take a dip at Walpole Bay or join a yoga class on the sand. Tickets are sold as day or weekend passes – check the official festival website for details.
Whether you’re a lifelong soul aficionado or just love any excuse to dance by the sea, Margate’s soul fest should be on your calendar. After all, there’s something about hearing a funk bassline bounce off a Victorian terrace that makes you feel that Margate’s creative heartbeat is stronger than ever.
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