Mucky Weekender has announced the line-up for its Thursday opening party, kicking off the 2026 festival in style. Leading the first wave of artists for Thursday are Gentleman’s Dub Club, Goldie Lookin Chain, and special guests The Sabres of Paradise. They will be joined by Greg Wilson, Leeroy Thornhill, and Terry Farley to open the three-day festival.
Taking to the stage to honour their late founding member Andrew Weatherall, The Sabres of Paradise will deliver a special live performance. Welsh favourites Goldie Lookin Chain bring their fun blend of comedy and hip hop, while Gentleman’s Dub Club are renowned for their explosive live shows. The opening day sets the tone for the weekend with a high-energy mix of live acts and DJs spanning dub, hip hop, electronic and club culture.
The festival will take place on the 10th, 11th and 12th of September 2026 at Vicarage Farm, Winchester. Now in its seventh year, the independent festival continues to build its reputation as one of the UK’s small but mighty boutique festivals, previously named as one of our readers’ favourite events. Curated by Barry Ashworth and Dub Pistols, the weekender has a strong focus on music and community.
Across the full weekend, Mucky Weekender 2026 will feature an extensive lineup including Roni Size, David Rodigan, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, Utah Saints, Pop Will Eat Itself, Children of Zeus, and Norman Jay MBE. They will appear alongside a broad roster of DJs and live acts such as Micky Finn, Doc Scott, DJ Hype, MC GQ, Mr Scruff, The Cuban Brothers, Dreadzone, Altern8, and Plump DJs, with many more still to be announced.
Thursday’s supporting artists include Deekline, The Beatles Dub Club with Horns, Dub Catalyst, and The Scribes, alongside a Dub Pistols DJ set. Mucky Weekender resident DJ and former member of The Prodigy, Leeroy Thornhill, will also perform alongside UK house music pioneer Terry Farley.
Returning with its immersive dress-up theme, the 2026 edition invites festivalgoers to embrace the “Circus of Freaks”, promising a weekend of surreal costumes and mayhem. Set across four stages, a large bar venue, and a new Fire Garden, the festival offers an intimate and safe arts-led experience. Barry Ashworth highlights the welcoming spirit of the crowd, stating: “You can attend by yourself, feel safe, have the best time and leave with 100 new lifelong friends.” Tickets and further information are available from the festival’s official website.
Image credits:
In this article: Dub Pistols
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