Vybz Kartel to Headline UK Reggae Festival

2026-01-27 - 16:03

Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has been confirmed as a headliner for the 2026 staging of Reggae Land, delivering a major boost to what organizers are describing as the festival’s biggest edition to date. Now in its sixth year, Reggae Land returns to the Milton Keynes National Bowl on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, 2026. Organizers unveiled the full lineup on Thursday, confirming that Kartel will make his Reggae Land debut on the Main Stage on Sunday. The self-styled Worl’ Boss joins a powerhouse Sunday lineup that includes Shaggy and Shenseea, along with dancehall legend Super Cat and reggae veterans Inner Circle. Saturday’s programme will feature a highly anticipated world debut performance by The King and The Royals, a collaborative project bringing together Beenie Man and the Grammy-winning reggae family Morgan Heritage. Organizers have billed the set as a historic and unifying live experience. Saturday will also showcase performances from Tarrus Riley, Barrington Levy, and Jah9, as well as Konshens and Kranium, both appearing at the festival for the first time. With more than 120 artists performing across seven stages, Reggae Land is preparing to welcome up to 100,000 patrons over the two-day weekend. To accommodate the expanded lineup, organizers have added two new stages for 2026. The most notable addition is the Dancehall Stage, a new open-air arena with a capacity of 7,000, dedicated to high-energy performances. Artists slated for this stage include T.O.K, Charly Black, Cham, Ding Dong, Stylo G, and Serani, alongside UK selectors David Rodigan and Seani B. Also making its debut is Bob’s Bar Stage, an indoor venue focused on roots reggae, dub, and lovers rock. The stage will feature selectors and artists such as Don Letts, Channel One, and Earl Gateshead. In a statement on the festival’s expansion, organizers JBM Music said they were committed to continuously elevating the Reggae Land experience. “Every year we push ourselves to make Reggae Land bigger, better, and more vibrant for everyone who joins us. As the festival grows, we are determined to give even more back to the community that powers this event. By expanding the lineup and adding new stages, we are bringing more music, more culture, and more energy than ever before,” the statement said. Several established stages will also return with carefully curated lineups. The One Love Stage will focus on roots and cultural reggae, featuring Richie Spice, Ken Boothe, Sanchez, Mr Vegas, Alborosie, and Third World. The Carnival Stage will spotlight jungle and bass sounds with performances from General Levy, Congo Natty, and a Jungle Cakes takeover. The Dub Stage will feature Mad Professor, Scientist, and Mungo’s Hi Fi, among others. Tickets for Reggae Land 2026 go on sale on Friday, January 30, at 9:00 a.m., starting at £74.50 plus booking fees. Further information is available via the festival’s official website.