Pop-rock group Scouting for Girls will headline Preston Summerfest 2026, delivering a significant boost for the charitable three-day music event near Canterbury. The London group, widely known for anthems like ‘She’s So Lovely,’ is scheduled to play the festival’s prestigious ‘legends slot’ on the final day, Sunday, August 30, at the Preston Recreational Grounds.
This key announcement marks a major milestone in the festival’s development. The event has transformed dramatically in recent years, running from Friday, August 28, to Sunday, August 30, 2026. What began as a smaller, community gathering has now become one of Kent’s most anticipated annual music celebrations. Crucially, the entire operation remains non-profit, which means all funds generated, without exception, are directed straight back into regional charities.
The Festival’s Evolution and Structure
The festival uses the Preston Recreational Grounds near Wingham as its base. This site offers ample space for the increasing number of visitors while remaining easily accessible for people travelling from Canterbury and surrounding areas.
Organisers consistently manage the festival’s ambitious expansion. They designed the three-day structure to ensure the event remains a reliable, affordable, family-friendly option for local people. Focusing on low ticket prices is crucial to its identity, differentiating it from the more expensive commercial festivals operating across the South East.
Having grown rapidly, the festival’s current scale successfully rivals many established regional events. This is true both for the quality of artists booked and for production standards. This continued success confirms its vital role as a major vehicle for local fundraising.
Chart Success and Headliner Details
Securing Scouting for Girls is a significant achievement for the festival team. The three-member band has maintained strong public appeal for almost twenty years. They are known for consistently delivering high-energy, infectious performances to large audiences across the UK.
The band’s enduring popularity ensures they attract music fans from all age groups. They achieved initial success with their debut album in 2007, a record that was a massive chart hit. It quickly reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, later achieving triple Platinum status. Their subsequent album, released in 2010, included the certified Platinum number-one single ‘This Ain’t a Love Song’. Overall, reports indicate the group has sold more than four million albums globally.
The final set is expected to draw heavily on their well-known hits. Fans will hear enduring songs like ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’ and ‘Heartbeat’. The Sunday slot is always reserved for the biggest act, guaranteeing a high-quality close to the weekend.
Supporting Line-up and Musical Diversity
The line-up has been carefully curated to ensure broad appeal, supporting both regional talent and different music genres. The bill includes a dynamic mix of professional tribute acts and original artists:
- THePETBOX: A multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter known for his unique compositions.
- Electric Hoarse: A prominent Kent-based indie-fusion band, receiving a vital platform for development.
- Certified Madness: A professional tribute band whose dedication to the classic ska sound of Madness reliably draws large, energetic crowds.
- The Mixtape Collective: A popular cover band specialising in hits from film soundtracks, which adds a layer of accessible nostalgia to the bill.
The blend of these performers guarantees continuous entertainment throughout the event. This careful selection ensures the ticket price delivers strong value for attendees of all ages.
Vital Commitment to Charity and Community Impact
The core philosophy of Preston Summerfest rests on its deep commitment to charitable giving. The entire event operates as a non-profit venture, ensuring that all surplus funds are directed straight back into local causes.
Three key beneficiaries will receive funding from the 2026 event:
- Demelza: This children’s hospice provides crucial, specialist care for young people living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. Their services cover Kent, South East London, and East Sussex.
- Pilgrims Hospices: This organisation offers essential end-of-life care for individuals facing incurable illnesses across the region.
- Preston Primary School: A local educational facility that also receives direct support from the festival proceeds.
The event, therefore, represents a significant and consistent source of financial aid. It supports both major regional health services and localized educational facilities, fulfilling its core mission to aid the community.
Logistics, Accessibility, and Family Entertainment
Organisers have heavily prioritized accessibility and enjoyment for all visitors, with particular attention paid to families. They aim to make the festival experience as seamless as possible.
A comprehensive schedule of activities is planned specifically for younger guests. This includes a dedicated action-adventure playzone and a circus skills workshop. Further entertainment involves UV painting stations, princess pampering, and structured story time. These provisions ensure children remain fully engaged throughout the festival weekend.
A wide variety of food and drink vendors will operate on the grounds. The food selection caters to various tastes and dietary requirements, offering options from gourmet pizza and burgers to speciality milkshakes and desserts.
Ticketing and Camping Arrangements
The ticket system is designed to keep prices manageable. The initial release of adult weekend tickets is set at £41.50, which provides access to all three days of music and entertainment.
Children’s tickets are heavily subsidised: tickets for ages 12 and under cost just £8.50, while the 13–17 age group can attend for £16.75.
Low-cost camping is also available. The grounds feature separate, designated zones for adult camping and family camping, aiming to enhance the experience for all users. Campervans and motorhomes can be accommodated on site. Finally, regarding accessibility, free parking is guaranteed for all blue badge holders, alongside standard and premium parking options for other attendees.
