Madness, Becky Hill, JLS, The Wanted 2.0, Ella Eyre & Pixie Lott named in line-up for Canterbury Live festival
Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage City to Host Major New Summer Music Festival
One of England’s most historic destinations will host brand-new open-air music festival, as Canterbury Live arrives in the heart of the cathedral city.
Taking place from 7–9 August 2026, the three-night festival will transform the St Lawrence Ground, home of Kent Cricket, into one of the South East’s largest outdoor concert venues — welcoming more than 40,000 visitors for a weekend that combines major live music with the atmosphere of one of the UK’s most picturesque historic cities. (TICKETS).
For visitors planning a summer city break, Canterbury provides a spectacular setting. The city is home to the Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of Britain’s most culturally significant destinations. Its cobbled medieval streets, independent boutiques, riverside cafés and vibrant restaurant scene offer plenty to explore before and after the music — all just under an hour from London by train.
The festival also offers the perfect base for exploring the wider county of Kent, often known as the “Garden of England.” From the nearby coastal towns of Whitstable and Margate to rolling countryside and vineyards, Canterbury Live gives visitors the chance to combine a major music event with a wider summer escape.
Becky Hill
Across the weekend, Canterbury Live will bring together an impressive line-up of artists spanning pop, dance and iconic British music.
Friday 7 August 2026 sees chart-topping boyband JLS headline the opening night, joined by The Wanted 2.0 and Pixie Lott. Since their breakthrough on The X Factor in 2008, JLS — Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, Oritsé Williams and JB Gill — have become one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, with multiple BRIT Awards, number-one singles and sell-out arena tours. Known for their high-energy performances and timeless hits including Beat Again, Everybody in Love and She Makes Me Wanna, their headline set promises one of the most anticipated outdoor shows of the summer.
On Saturday 8 August, dance music powerhouse Becky Hill takes to the stage, supported by Ella Eyre and rising artists Mia Kirkland, Issey Cross and Charlie Jeer. With her unmistakable voice and a string of multi-platinum hits, Becky Hill has become one of the UK’s most in-demand live performers, while Ella Eyre brings her soulful pop sound and festival-ready energy.
Madness
The weekend concludes on Sunday 9 August with a huge headline performance from British ska-pop legends Madness, joined by Cast, The Beat ft. Ranking Jnr, and The Ordinary Boys. With a career spanning more than four decades, Madness remain one of the UK’s most iconic live bands, celebrated for era-defining hits and an electrifying live experience.
Alongside the major headline acts, Canterbury Live will also champion emerging talent through a special collaboration with BBC Introducing, helping to showcase and support rising local artists from across Kent by giving them the opportunity to perform on a major festival stage.
Designed to be easy to reach for visitors across the county and beyond, the festival has partnered with Southeastern to encourage eco-friendly travel, making rail one of the easiest and most sustainable ways to attend the event. With direct train links from London and towns across Kent, Canterbury Live is easily accessible from across the region.
JLS
Beyond the music, the festival will feature world-class production, international street food traders and a premium selection of drinks, creating a vibrant open-air atmosphere within one of Britain’s most historic cities. The St Lawrence Ground has previously hosted global superstars including Elton John, Simply Red, Michael Bublé and Bryan Adams, and will once again welcome world-class performers for this landmark new event.
Designed to be family-friendly, Canterbury Live is open to music fans aged six and over (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult aged 21+), making it an accessible summer highlight for visitors of all ages.
Tickets are available with flexible Canterbury Live payment plans, allowing fans to spread the cost with a £10 (+ booking fee) deposit followed by two monthly instalments, making it easier than ever to plan a summer festival weekend in Canterbury.
With its blend of major headline acts, historic surroundings and easy access to both London and the Kent coast, Canterbury Live is set to become one of the South East’s most exciting new cultural events, and a compelling reason to plan a summer visit to Canterbury in 2026.
A spokesperson for promoter Supermodified said: “Canterbury Live is all about bringing people together for an unforgettable weekend of live music in a truly special setting. The line-up reflects some of the best in British music, and hosting it in a city like Canterbury adds another layer to the experience.
We want this to feel like a festival where people can build a whole weekend around: great artists, great food, and a brilliant atmosphere in one of the country’s most historic cities.”
