Ska(Ish) Fest on the Beach

Brighton is gearing up for a major one-day music event this summer, focusing entirely on the vibrant ska and related scenes of the South Coast. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 18, 2026, because the Ska(Ish) Fest on the Beach is taking over the Lower Promenade. The location is Daltons, situated right under the Brighton Zip, offering a unique setting literally on the beach, adjacent to the Palace Pier. This festival is designed to be a full immersion into Ska, Reggae, Soul, Ska-Punk, and Mod culture, promising more than just live bands; the day will also feature dedicated DJs, a record stall for digging, and vendors selling clothing and merchandise.

The lineup already looks solid, featuring a strong mix of established names and newer acts, ensuring the energy stays high throughout the day. We’ll see performances from Brighton legends Too Many Crooks, known for their Ska/Indie blend, alongside the unique sounds of Natural Right, who mix original reggae ska with indie and Balkan influences. The bill also includes the Brighton ska/soul supergroup The Meow Meows and a notable reunion: Soho Bombshell is getting back together specifically for this event, bringing their ska-punk-reggae sound back to the stage. Rounding out the confirmed artists are The XLNTS (ska-mod), Vegan Meat Raffle (ska-punk), and the vocal harmony duo The Tribulizations.

The music kicks off early, starting at 1:30 p.m. (13:30). Regarding the finish time, there seems to be a bit of an extended party planned; while some sources suggest the main event runs until midnight, the venue itself indicates the party continues until 3:00 a.m. the following morning, extending the festival well into Sunday. If you’re planning to attend, tickets are already available. The standard price is listed at £24.00, but online tickets can be found starting from about £19.80, including booking fees. Just remember that due to the extended hours and venue policy, this is strictly an 18+ event.