Ska, reggae and 2-Tone music fans set to converge again on Melton Mowbray
Hundreds of music fans are set to converge on Melton Mowbray this weekend for the second Melton Ska Fest.
Play Close Park will again be hosting Saturday’s event, which last year attracted 1,800 enthusiasts of Ska, Reggae, and 2-Tone with a blend of top tribute acts and an authentic community atmosphere.
The inaugural festival was shortlisted for the National Outdoor Event Association (NOEA) ‘Small Event of the Year’ award, and organisers Melton Mowbray Town Estate promise the 2026 edition will be ‘bigger and better’.
Leading this year’s line-up is The Beat featuring Ranking Junior, carrying forward the legacy of the legendary Ranking Roger.
They are joined by Xodus, the UK’s top Bob Marley tribute, and Zeb Rootz, who has been described by fans as The James Brown of Reggae & Ska.
The festival will once again feature the Boot Boy Radio Crew and the formidable Trojan Sound International, playing original Jamaican vinyl revive 45s and essential 2Tone anthems in the beer & chill out marquee.
Local favourite and Melton’s own ska ambassador, Steve Wallbanks, from One Man Two Tone, will also make a special homecoming appearance from Benidorm.
Town Estate CEO Dean Rees commented: "The inaugural event in 2025 was a watershed moment for the Town Estate.
"We saw people travelling from across the country to skank under our open skies.
"For 2026, we’ve taken all the feedback to heart, expanding our facilities and handpicking a line-up that celebrates the deep roots of working-class music culture."
Go to www.meltonskafest.co.uk for more information on the festival and to buy tickets.