Organisers of The Harrogate Food and Drink Festival have unveiled the full Live Music Programme for their sixth annual summer celebration.
The event returns to the Stray on 27th and 28th June 2026.
And attendees can expect performances from rising solo artists, talented vocalists, local bands, community groups and two renowned tribute acts.
Saturday 27th June
Headlining Saturday evening are The UB40 Experience, one of the UK’s leading and longest-running tributes to the timeless reggae classics of UB40.
The full Saturday live music programme includes:
- 11:00 Wil Forrester Smooth Saxophone - vibrant saxophone covers
- 12:00 Old Time Rags - dance and music duo
- 13:15 Sienna Craven - talented up-and-coming vocalist
- 14:30 The Johnny Storm Band - classic rock ‘n’ roll
- 16:00 Gumbox - eccentric rock covers
- 17:45 The UB40 Experience - UB40 Tribute
- 19:15 Ibiza Sax Classics - Ibiza favourites
Sunday 28th June
Headlining Sunday evening are The Soul Shebang, an eight-piece Yorkshire ensemble celebrating the legends of soul music through live brass and powerful covers. The full Sunday live music programme includes:
- 11:00 Will Forrester Smooth Sax - vibrant saxophone covers
- 11:45 Mackie - intricate acoustic originals
- 13:00 Scoble and Friends - charming community acoustics
- 14:15 Leeds City Stompers - red-hot blues band
- 15:30 Danny Charles Band - emphatic alt-rock covers
- 17:15 The Soul Shebang - tribute to the legends of soul
- 18:30 Ibiza Sax - Ibiza Favourites
Festival Director Michael Johnston spoke on the importance of creating a diverse live music line-up:
“Part of what creates the vibrant, community-led atmosphere at our event is the wonderful mix of local acts and up-and-coming musicians that take to the stage each and every year.
'It’s important to us that we deliver a diverse and exciting line-up that’s testament to the region’s wealth of talent while offering a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.”
New Arena: The Sizzling Showdown Arena
Festival-goers can enjoy a busy schedule of free activities, attractions and challenges, including a live cookery theatre, family magic shows, and various forms of roaming entertainment.
The festival’s newest addition is the Sizzling Showdown Arena, a series of daily competitions and live shows tailored to friends and families alike.
These include:
- A Family Dog Show - inviting attendee’s beloved pets to compete in friendly contests
- A Chilli Challenge - eating challenges for brave attendees
- The Foodie Olympics - reimagined with new games and greater audience participation
In addition to the arena is the introduction of an Inflatable Banana Jousting Ring, daring competitive families and friends to test their balance and strength in a series of light-hearted duels.
Both the new arena and banana jousting are completely free for ticket holders.
Early Bird Tickets are still available, priced at £6.95 for Adults, £4.95 for Under 16’s, and Free for Under 5’s. For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.harrogatefoodfestival.com

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