MELTON SKA FEST β BACK FOR ITS THIRD YEAR!
Give it to me one time!
Give it to me two times!
Give it to me three times!
MELTON SKA FEST β ITβS BACK!
And this time, weβre bigger, better and ready to deliver our best festival yet.
Calling all Ska Skankers, Reggae Rockers, Rocksteady Ravers and 2-Tone devotees β welcome to Melton Ska Fest!
Put on your dancing shoes, lace up your Docs or slip into those tasselled loafers. Dig out the checked shirts, braces and tonic suits, because itβs time to Pick It Up and embrace the full Rude Boy and Rude Girl spirit.
TWO DAYS OF SKA, REGGAE & FESTIVAL VIBES
Now firmly established on the UK ska and reggae festival scene, Melton Ska Fest returns for its third year to the historic market town of Melton Mowbray.
What began as a fledgling festival has quickly earned a reputation as one of the strongest new events of its kind. Artists, promoters, musicians and fans have all been talking about this little festival with a big heart β and Melton Mowbray is now proudly taking its place on the ska, reggae and wider subculture map.
Get ready for two full days of live music, great food, refreshing drinks and unforgettable festival atmosphere, all beneath open skies.
Sun on your face.
Grass beneath your feet.
Music in your ears.
Friends by your side β and plenty of new ones waiting to be made.
OUR ROOTS. OUR VALUES. OUR MUSIC.
At the heart of Melton Ska Fest is a simple belief: music brings people together.
We created the festival to provide a safe, welcoming, controlled and family-friendly environment where people can come together, have fun and escape the stresses of everyday life.
Music is a universal language. Melodies and rhythms can communicate emotion beyond words, cultures and backgrounds. Festivals create a unique collective energy β strangers become friends, crowds become communities, and everyone comes together for the same reason: a shared love of music.
The roots of Jamaican music lie in enjoyment, celebration and the uplifting of people from the everyday challenges of life. As ska, rocksteady and reggae evolved, so too did their powerful messages of One Love, unity and positivity.
If Melton Ska Fest can bring even a little of that spirit to you for one weekend, then our mission is accomplished.
LEGENDS. ICONS. PIONEERS.
For our third festival, weβre raising the bar once again.
Weβre delighted to welcome one of the foundation acts from the defining era of ska, rocksteady and boss reggae.
Born on the small island of Jamaica and later taking their music to audiences around the world, these pioneers helped shape a sound that would cross generations, borders and cultures.
An early signing to one of the most iconic record labels ever created to champion ska and reggae, they became genuine icons, legends and pioneers of the scene.
Expect classic songs from their incredible back catalogue, including UK chart hits and tracks later covered by some of the biggest names in music β alongside plenty of songs you may not realise you already know!
As those opening notes ring out, be prepared to travel back in time.
Maybe you first heard them at a youth club.
Perhaps it was Top of the Pops.
A friend's house.
A party.
A first dancefloor memory.
Whatever the memory, these songs have a way of bringing it all rushing back.
And when the band takes the stage, thereβll be only one thing left to do:
Sing along. Dance. Skank. And celebrate some absolute legends of Jamaican music.
AND THATβS NOT ALLβ¦
Weβll also be bringing you a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and recording artist, Also, the former backing band of one of skaβs true legends β the man widely regarded as The Godfather, particularly following his celebrated comeback in the late 1970s.
And whatever you do, watch out for that Cucumakka stick!
With plenty more artists, performers and surprises still to come, every act has been chosen for one reason: to entertain, create incredible festival vibes and keep your feet moving from start to finish.
SO, ARE YOU READY?
Two days.
One town.
One festival.
One love.
Whether you're a lifelong ska fanatic, a rocksteady romantic, a reggae rocker, a 2-Tone follower or simply someone who loves great live music and good people, Melton Ska Fest welcomes you.
So, Pick It Up, mister!
Do you hear what I say now?
GIVE IT TO ME THREE TIMES!
I SAID YEAH!
MELTON SKA FEST
Ska. Reggae. Rocksteady. 2-Tone. One Love.
You asked, and we listened! After the incredible energy of 2026, we are buzzing to announce that Melton Ska Fest is officially returning to Play Close Park for 2027βand we're going bigger than ever! ...more
general news
September 04, 2026β’1 min read


Find out all about the bands and acts appearing at Melton SKA Fest 2026 here. Our stellar line-up features bands and performers from all over the country, masters of Reggae, SKA, 2Tone, Rocksteady and Mod music, paying tribute to the greats.

Melton Mowbray is a historic market town in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside, surrounded by green spaces and filled with parks. Melton SKA Fest is being held in Play Close Park in town, well within walking distance of plenty of shops, pubs and accommodation and Melton Mowbray train station.

Don't delay! Make sure you get your tickets soon and enjoy a generous discount on the ticket price at the gate. At Β£28 a ticket for adults and only Β£12 for under-16s (under 5s and carers go free) this is a festival for everyone to enjoy!







