2026 Line-up

The Beat featuring Ranking Junior

Ranking Junior, son of the legendary Ranking Roger.
Carrying on his father’s legacy, Ranking Jnr delivers a high-octane, energetic performance that captures the unmistakable voice and spirit of the original frontman, backed by a tight and authentic band including that iconic ‘The Beat’ saxophone sound.

Xodus

The UK’s number one tribute to Bob Marley & The Wailers.
A full live band capturing the sound, spirit, and soul of Marley’s music, fronted by a lead singer whose voice and mannerisms authentically channel the legend himself.

Johnny 2 Bad

The UK’s leading tribute to UB40.
Fronted by Mitchell, whose voice has been praised for its striking resemblance to Ali Campbell and endorsed by the great man himself, delivering an authentic and faithful UB40 experience.

Too Much Too Young

A high-energy tribute to the legendary 2 Tone label.
More than just a live set, this band delivers an almost theatrical performance, telling the story of the movement through powerful visuals and music while fully engaging the audience — prepare to be amazed, prepare to be Two Toned!

Two Tone mafia

Paying homage to original 2 Tone pioneers, The Specials.
Lively, fun, and musically tight, the band delivers an energetic show that showcases their love for 2 Tone ska and the foundation band that started it all.

The Skas

A highly respected band with a strong reputation on the ska scene.
Fronted by Gareth, known for his Ska Man International and The Dualer International solo tribute acts, the band performs a high-energy set featuring classics from across the scene — including The Dualers, Bad Manners, Madness, and Toots & The Maytals , alongside original material. Get ready to be ska’d.

John O'Shea

The charismatic and unique frontman of the hugely popular ‘The Moochers UK’.
From humble beginnings busking with partner Patrick, to filling concert rooms and auditoriums, John’s journey through ska, rocksteady, and reggae shines through in a crowd-pleasing show that now includes original material penned by the talented singer-songwriter himself, delivered with unmistakable cheeky Irish charm.

Steve Wallbanks (One Man Two Tone)

Melton Mowbray’s own ska ambassador.
Now based in Benidorm, Spain, Steve brings his hugely popular One Man Two Tone show back home, blending ska classics with mod and new wave — a special hometown appearance not to be missed.

Boot Boy Radio

Broadcasting ska, reggae, mod and soul around the world via bootboyradio.net
make a return to Skafest, the Boot Boy Radio crew will once again live stream the main stage and host the Beer Tent / Chill Out Area, with DJs spinning revived vinyl 45s of ska, rocksteady, reggae, soul, and mod all day and into the evening.

Trojan Sound International — an authentic recreation of a classic Jamaican sound system.

Boot Boy Radio Crew meets Trojan Sound International.

Providing the power for Boot Boy Radio in the Beer Marquee, this striking sight-and-sound experience brings true JA sound system culture to life, with operator and selector Dave joining the BBR DJs throughout the day and into the evening for a heavyweight meeting of sound system culture.

DJ Chris P

The award-winning ska, rocksteady, and revival reggae DJ.
Hosting the main stage, Chris will compère the live acts and keep the vibes flowing between sets, drawing on a lifetime immersed in the music since 1976 and a career that has seen him support artists including Maxi Priest, Steel Pulse, The Prodigy, The Beat, and Neville Staple — a respected selector in high demand for his knowledge, loyalty, and deep roots in the scene.