The sound of Nashville, by the sea.

Margate Country Music Festival is fast becoming one of Kent’s most exciting live music events. Held at the historic Oval Bandstand & Lawns, the festival has brought the energy of Nashville to the Kent coast, filling Cliftonville with music, dancing, and community spirit.

Since our launch in 2024, the festival has grown from a bold new idea into a proven success. Our debut year featured unforgettable performances from Smokin’ Mavericks, Taynee Lord, and First Time Flyers, drawing crowds who sang, danced, and soaked up the seaside atmosphere. In 2025, we went even bigger with Buckle ’n’ Boots, Nick Edwards & His Band, and Gasoline & Matches, plus high-energy line dancing with Line ’em Up. Each year the audience has grown, the atmosphere has buzzed, and word has spread: Margate is on the country music map.

We’ve also been working closely with Matt Clewes, host of Clewes Country UK on Voice FM, to extend the reach of the festival beyond Margate. In June 2025, Matt featured the Margate Country Music Festival on his show, previewing our line-up with interviews and music from artists including Gasoline & Matches, Nick Edwards, and Buckle ’n’ Boots. This collaboration has helped us connect with country fans across the UK and beyond, showcasing Margate as a rising destination for live country music and strengthening our reputation on the national scene.

But this festival isn’t just about music — it’s about people. Families, friends, and visitors come together for an affordable day out, traders and food vendors benefit from increased footfall, and volunteers help deliver something the whole town can be proud of. The Oval transforms into a stage for celebration, connection, and joy.

Now, with 2026 on the horizon, we’re ready to take the festival to the next level. With the right backing, we can:

• Expand our line-up and bring even bigger names to Margate.
• Scale up production with professional staging, lighting, and sound.
• Attract a wider audience from across Kent, London, and beyond.
• Deliver even greater community and economic impact.

This is a chance to support a homegrown festival with momentum — one that is building a cultural legacy for Margate and helping put the town firmly on the national stage. Funders and partners who join us now will not just be supporting an event; they’ll be investing in a movement that brings joy, connection, and opportunity to hundreds.

Together, we can make Margate Country Music Festival 2026 the biggest and best yet.