The iconic Lovebox Festival is officially returning to the UK festival circuit, announcing a major “seaside reunion” at Margate’s Dreamland for May 2026. After a hiatus since 2020, the beloved event has revealed a brand new concept, “Lovebox Presented by Dreamland,” set to take place across the weekend of Friday 29th and Saturday 30th May 2026.
Pop icons Scissor Sisters and drum and bass heavyweights Rudimental have been confirmed as headliners for the two-day event. They lead an eclectic bill that blends festival veterans with contemporary club talent, marking a fresh chapter for the brand that shaped London’s festival culture for nearly two decades.
Presale tickets went live earlier today (Thursday 27th November), with the general sale scheduled to launch tomorrow, Friday 28th November, at 12pm. Fans can secure their spots via the official Lovebox and Dreamland websites. While specific pricing tiers have not been released, demand is expected to be high given the festival’s long-awaited return.
Founded in 2002 by Groove Armada, Lovebox began as a club night before evolving into one of London’s most recognisable festivals, holding residency in Victoria Park and Gunnersbury Park until 2020. This new iteration sees the original Lovebox team partnering with Dreamland Margate to utilize the venue’s unique amusement park setting.
Rory Bett, CEO of Lovebox Festival, described the comeback as a “moment of pure connection.” He said: “Lovebox has always been about freedom, discovery and celebrating life with your favourite people, and this year, that spirit is reborn by the sea for our first edition with Dreamland. If you’ve never been, you’re in for something special. Once you step inside, you’re part of the family forever.”
Friday’s programming leans heavily into dancefloor energy, headlined by Lovebox family members Rudimental. The bill includes a special reunion DJ set from founders Groove Armada, alongside garage legend DJ EZ and house music icon Armand Van Helden. The full Friday line-up includes:
- Rudimental
- Armand Van Helden
- Groove Armada (DJ Set)
- Girls Don’t Sync
- DJ EZ
- David Rodigan
- Mike Skinner (DJ)
- 4AM KRU
- Goldie B2B Special Request
- Hot Blood
- Emily Rawson (Supa Dupa Fly)
- JAW-G
- Abbie Neill
Saturday shifts gears into a colourful pop and disco celebration, led by the Scissor Sisters. The day also features live performances from British soul legends Soul II Soul and indie-dance trio Friendly Fires, as well as sets from Jayda G and Horse Meat Disco. The complete Saturday line-up features:
- Scissor Sisters
- Friendly Fires
- Soul II Soul (Live)
- Jayda G
- Dan Shake
- Horse Meat Disco
- Storm Mollison
- Dance Dance Dance
- Hot Blood
- Huns N’ Roses
- Ni Gel
- Bee Oynett
The festival will take over three main stages at Dreamland: the Main Stage, the Hall By The Sea, and the Roller Rink. Eddie Kemsley, CEO of Dreamland Margate, highlighted the venue’s growing reputation as a cultural hub.
“Dreamland is quickly becoming one of the country’s top music venues,” Kemsley noted. “Opposite Margate’s golden sands, Dreamland offers vintage rides, roller discos, arcades, pop-ups, art installations, and street food.” Organisers have promised that the event will retain the “Lovebox ethos” while embracing the seaside charm of Margate, offering attendees a mix of sea breeze, fairground rides, and world-class music.
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