The Best Reggae, Dub and Ska Festivals

A global phenomenon that still heavily influences modern culture today, reggae, and its many sub-genres, has been a pioneering and potent force within music, the arts and politics since it first arrived on the airwaves back in the 1960s.

The likes of Lee Scratch Perry, Toots & The Maytals and figurehead Bob Marley have gifted the world with an extensive list of iconic records. And that’s not all. Think of all the other reggae legends, including Hollie Cook, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Gardna, The Skints, Kiko Bun, and so many more. The genre continues to evolve, innovate and inspire, with a rooted universal sound that never seems to age.

The UK and Europe offer an abundance of reggae, ska, rocksteady and dub festivals to commemorate the lasting love for the genre, the music, and its pivotal characters, and to usher in the rising reggae stars of tomorrow.

It might not be the Caribbean, but you can still sample yourself a flavour of the birthplace of reggae and its cherished culture, at one of the best reggae, dub and ska festivals of 2024…

 

Reggae Land Festival

Image: Reggae Land / Facebook.com

2024 Lineup: Tarrus Riley, Morgan Heritage, Burning Spear, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and many more 

When: Saturday 3rd - Sunday 4th August 2024

Where: The National Bowl in Milton Keynes

The UK's biggest Reggae Festival, Reggae Land will touch down in Milton Keynes Campbell Park this summer for an incredible weekend, teeming with performances from some of the best live reggae, dub, and dancehall artists around.

Across the two-day, family-friendly weekend event, big names always line up to play the stage, 2023 saw the festival rise to new heights as chart topper Sean Paul headlined along with genre favourites like Beenie Man, Shy FX, David Rodigan, Junior Marvin & The Legendary Wailers and much more.

However, don't just go for the music! Punters will also be spoilt with an offering of delicious and authentic food in the festivals Caribbean Food Village, with plenty of Caribbean cocktails and rum bars on hand to help wash it all down.

 

Find tickets, FAQS, and more information on Reggae Land Festival- HERE

 

---

 

Moovin Festival

Image: Moovin Festival / Facebook.com

2024 Lineup: TBA

When: Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th August 2024

Where: Whitebottom Farm in Stockport

Big names, booming basslines, and a boutique festival in a bull field...it can only mean one thing... Moovin Festival is back for 2024 and promises to get you dancing to a music lover’s mix of bass, funk, soul, reggae, house and drum & bass until the cows come home. 

From its humble beginnings that started with a few hundred people has now ballooned into a sellout event that any reggae festival fan has on their to-do lists. It has now well and truly established itself as THE place to party on August bank holiday weekend. 

Not far from Manchester, yet feeling like another world, Moovin takes place at the eco-friendly Whitebottom Farm nestled in the stunning Compstall countryside. Through a magical canopy of trees, past lakes with waterfowl to greet you and with a breathtaking gorge welcoming you at the entrance, and that’s when the special weekend adventures really begin. 

 

Find tickets, FAQS, and more information on Moovin Festival - HERE

 

---

 

The Jungle Weekender - Amsterdam

Image: The Jungle Weekender / Facebook.com

2024 Lineup: Aphrodite, Randall, Ragga Twins, Bladerunner, Uncle Dugs, Mungos Hi Fi, King Yoof and many more

When: Friday 8th - Monday 11th March 2024

Where: Club Panama in Amsterdam

Just imagine if four of the biggest promoters in Jungle and Reggae music got together and put on a weekend in Amsterdam for over 1000 ravers... Well, you don’t have to imagine any more because that is exactly what is going down this May when The jungle Weekender comes to the Dutch capital. 

Jungle Mania, established in 1994 and still the Kings of the Jungle; AWOL, one of the world's longest-running jungle brands spanning over 3 decades; Vibena Jungle, the true sound of underground Jungle music in London and beyond; and Rompas Reggae Shack, the world-renowned Reggae promotion brand, have all come together to give you a lineup stacked beyond belief.

Get those flights booked and head on over to this, we cant think of many bigger and better celebrations of the scene in the entire world, and we cant wait to be bopping along down at the form with you.

 

Find tickets, FAQS, and more information on The Jungle Weekender - HERE

 

---

 

City Splash Festival

Image: City Splash Festival / Facebook.com

2024 Lineup: General Levy, WSTRN, Heartless Crew, Shenseea, Beenie Man, Bus Signal, Rampage Sound and many more 

When: Monday 27th May 2024

Where: Brockwell Park in London

London's biggest celebration of Reggae, Dancehall, Afrobeat, and all the food and culture that comes along with it, City Splash is going to drench you in great vibes and after the success of last year's second instalment, things are only set to get bigger and better. 

The lineup is stacked with big names, from dancehall legend Beenie Man to eclectic producer and DJ Ras Kwame, to help bring the biggest cultural celebration to the capital. 

One day, seven stages, over 60 artists, 20,000 people, over 45 food trucks and traders, celebrations of culture don't get much better than this, just secure those tickets before its too late. 

 

Find tickets, FAQS, and more information on City Splash Festival - HERE

 

---

 

Hastings Reggae Festival

Image: Hastings Reggae Festival on Facebook

2024 Lineup: TBA

When: Saturday 27th July 2024

Where: The Oval in Hastings

Hastings Reggae Festival, the sister event of the UK's biggest reggae festival, Milton Keynes' Reggae Land, has recently announced the lineup for its day-long summertime spectacle, running over Saturday 27th July 2024. 

Among those set to entertain the huge crowds, expected to flood the festival's spiritual home, The Oval, a 7,000-capacity outdoor venue located within eyeshot of the stunning blue waters of the south coast of England, are various champions and future stars of the international reggae scene.

Last year featured Brummie legends UB40 featuring Ali Campbell performing some of their biggest hits, including 'Red Red Wine' and 'Kingston Town', whilst the 'Incredible' General Levy brought the energy, with a setlist stocked full of well-known anthems. A list of upcoming talents and renowned tribute acts, including Hollie Cook of The Slits, Reggae Roast with Natty Campbell MC and the Bob Marley Revival, have also ensured that vibes were aplenty on the day. 

 

Find tickets, FAQS, and more information on Hastings Reggae Festival - HERE

 

---

 

In It Together Festival 

2024 Lineup: General Levy, Ragga Twins, Gardna, Congo Natty, Eva Lazarus, Mungos Hi Fi, Afro Cluster and many more

When: Friday 24th - Sunday 26th May 2024

Where: Old Park Farm, Margam in Port Talbot

Promising to deliver its biggest and best iteration yet, In It Together will return in 2024 to Port Talbot's Old Park Farm and has something to enjoy in plenty of genres, from pop and rock to dance. For the reggae festival fans out there, the debut of the Steelworks stage was one to remember, and will be returning this year for another stage-shaking selection of sounds both reggae and harder to suit the Swansea sunset. 

Genre regulars like General Levy, Ragga Twins and Mungos Hi Fi are just some of the names taking to the Steelworks stage, with plenty more to keep the good vibes going. 

 

Find tickets, FAQS, and more information on In It Together - HERE

 

---

 

Birmingham International Ska & Reggae Festival 

2024 Lineup: The Pioneers, Stranger Cole Rhonda Dakar, Susan Cadogan, Symarip, Rhoda Dakar (The Bodysnatchers), The Equators, Kioko, and many more 

When: Friday 31st May - Sunday 2nd June 2024

Where: Thornborough Farm in Birmingham 

You're going to struggle to find a ska festival as star-studded and iconic as this one. Setting its sights on Birmingham's Thornborough Farm, the Birmingham International Ska & Reggae Festival promises a fun-filled weekend with some of the most treasured names in the genre. 

A slew of huge artists have already been divulged, with many more to follow in the coming weeks and months. Mix that with two huge live stages, DJs, a video wall, market traders and street food vendors, this festival has everything you'd want and more. We might grab a ticket before you do... 

 

Find tickets, FAQS, and more information on Birmingham International Ska & Reggae Festival - HERE

 

---

 

Equinox Festival 

2024 Lineup: TBA

When: Thursday 19th - Monday 23rd September 2024

Where: Chalk Farm in Lincolnshire 

Equinox is all about unity. This unique festival brings an eclectic array of genres and styles together to give what is surely going to be one of the best parties in the known universe. The action will be spread across three live music venues and three thriving dance tents, which includes the best psydub, tech and trance tunes from the Sunshine tent along with some banging jungle beats to boot. Couple that with a variety of food traders and a selection of stalls with clothes, handmade crafts and jewellery, it's too good an event to turn down really. 

 

Find tickets, FAQS, and more information on Equinox Festival - HERE

 

---

 

Bournemouth Reggae Weekender 

2024 Lineup: Stylo G, David Rodigan, Janet Kay, Christopher Ellis, Robbo Ranks, Ras Kwame and many more

When: Friday 26th - Sunday 28th July 2024

Where: Kings Park in Bournemouth 

Here is a distinctive 3-day celebration of the rich African-Caribbean culture and heritage that Bournemouth proudly provides. Across this weekender you can get stuck into the vibrant reggae music, diverse entertainment and activities that supports both the creative arts and performing artists through music, poetry, storytelling and dance workshops. 

If that wasn't enough, explore artisan traders and craft stands featuring traditional wooden art, African clothing, and exquisite kente designs. As an event that's dedicated to promoting a city's cultural diversity and artistic expression, it's also a treat for those wanting to get their fix of reggae. 

 

Find tickets, FAQS, and more information on Birmingham Reggae Weekender - HERE

 

---

 

In the mood to start planning your summer festival adventure in 2024? Be sure to check out Skiddle's full festival guide here.

  

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.