Margate Soul Festival announces 20 venues for 2024
Venues will be linked by a free ‘Margate Soul Train’
Having run for more than two decades from the legendary original soul venue Olby’s, Margate Soul Festival has expanded to include 20 venues (indoor and outdoor) for 2024.
Known for its street party vibes, this year sees a huge new beachside main stage (under the iconic Lido sign), new free music stages such as the Balearic Beach Boutique (Jo Mills, Nancy Noise, Dean Thatcher, Chris Coco) and Disco Heaven in Margate’s Old Town.
There are the most late night venues the festival has ever had showcasing the UK’s best soul DJs from MiSoul Radio (Brandon Block, Gordon Mac, Ricky Morrison) Soul Beat Radio and Zero Hour Radio plus local talent from Margate Radio, and other long-standing festival favourites.
Secret after parties include an exclusive set from XPress2 and others.
Venues run from the beachside Sun Deck opposite the train station to Margate Leisure Centre spanning iconic venues in the town such as Turner Contemporary, Barnacles, Whereelse? and many more.
They will be linked by a free Margate Soul Train which will run between the train station and the key venues and main beachside stage.
Festival co-founder Eli Thompson says: “I’m so proud to see that Margate Soul Festival has grown to involve the entire town, and showcases how collaborative and wonderful Margate is, to bring guests something truly unique - the magic of the seaside, with the best soul soundtrack and an incredible town wide party.”
All of this is in addition to the live line-up which features soul icons from both sides of the Atlantic - Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes / Dexter Wansel / Heatwave / House Gospel Choir / Izo Fitzroy.
There will also be a live reggae show featuring Peter Hunnigale, Sandra Cross and Tipper Irie.
PLUS…there are more soul-themed things to do than ever before: Soul lovers record fayre / Soul jam rollerskating sessions (Sk8 Skillz) / Sunset soul bike ride with mobile soundsystem (Cycle Del Mar) / Sunday beach clean (Rise Up Clean Up)
This will be the ultimate beach party, bringing the best music to Margate but taking care of its treasured home.
And in 2024, they’re not just hitting the right notes, but also making a positive impact, ‘Respecting the natural landscape and borrowing the space mindfully from its inhabitants’ is a priority.
Using eco-generators and low power lighting, partnering with key environmental charities and partners and giving back £1 from every ticket sold to local community groups is key to the festival.
Weekend tickets are £108.90 (£99 + 10% BF) / Day tickets are £60.50 (£55 + 10% BF) /
Kids tickets (7-17) are £38.50 (£35 + 10% BF).
LIST OF VENUES / STAGES
1. Beachside Stage
2. Margate Leisure Centre
3. The Lido Bar
4. Bar Nothing
5. The Victoria Hotel
6. Fort Crescent Promenade (rollerskating)
7. The George & Heart
8. Lighthouse Bar
9. Turner Contemporary (record fayre)
10. Louie on Sea
11. Barnacles’ Carnival Corner
12. Olbys
13. The Northern Belle
14. Wildes / Duke St Disco Heaven
15. Wig & Pen / Marketplace
16. Balearic Beach Boutique Stage
17. Harlequin
18. Bar 7
19. Whereelse
20. The Sun Deck
