Lovebox returns at new home of Dreamland in Margate with Scissor Sisters, Friendly Fires, Rudimental and more

Lovebox is set to return in 2026 as a new collaboration with Dreamland in Margate, with performers including Scissor Sisters, Friendly Fires and Rudimental.

• READ MORE: Scissor Sisters on being labelled a “gay band”: “It was rooted in homophobia”

The two-day festival has moved from London to the Kent seaside town, with the event taking place on Friday May 29 and Saturday May 30, marking its first edition in seven years.

Organisers have promised “a brand new event concept masterminded by the original Lovebox crew and the team behind Margate’s iconic Dreamland” as the event enters “a new era”.

Rudimental will headline the first night of Lovebox Presented by Dreamland 2026, following sets by Mike Skinner (DJ set), Armand Van Helden, Groove Armada (DJ set), Girls Don’t Sync, DJ EZ, David Rodigan and more.

The following evening will see Scissor Sisters close out Lovebox 2026. They’ll take to the stage after performances from the likes of Friendly Fires, Soul II Soul (live), Jayda G, Horse Meat Disco and Hot Blood.

Further names are due to be announced in the coming weeks and months.

Tickets for Lovebox Presented by Dreamland 2026 are on sale now – you can buy yours here.

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“We have called on our friends and family of Lovebox for this first edition. A lot of history on this poster and a lot of new names we are excited to welcome from our friends in Margate,” organisers wrote. “There is so much more to share with you.”

Rory Bett, CEO of Lovebox Festival, said: “Lovebox has always been more than a festival, it’s a feeling, a reunion, a moment of pure connection. If you’ve never been, you’re in for something special.

“Once you step inside, you’re part of the family forever. Lovebox has always been about freedom, discovery and celebrating life with your favourite people, and this year, that spirit is reborn by the sea for our first edition with Dreamland.”

Eddie Kemsley, CEO of Dreamland Margate, commented: “Dreamland is quickly becoming one of the country’s top music venues, hosting packed indoor and outdoor events with diverse, genre-defining artists.

“Since reopening in 2015, it’s grown into both Margate’s cultural hub and a key stop on artists’ touring schedules. Opposite Margate’s golden sands, Dreamland offers vintage rides, roller discos, arcades, pop-ups, art installations, and street food.”

The original iteration of Lovebox was established in 2002. Its most recent edition was held at London’s Gunnersbury Park in 2019, and, the following year, the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lovebox had been scheduled to return the year after, but it did not take place.

Meanwhile, the Dreamland Margate summer series will host headline performances by The Streets and The Human League next year. More artists are yet to be announced.

Lovebox 2026 headliners Scissor Sisters have confirmed numerous other outdoor UK shows, including London’s Mighty Hoopla, Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre, The Piece Hall in Halifax, Y Not Festival and Victorious Festival.

This year, Jake Shears and co. headed out on tour to mark the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album. In June, they played a huge slot at Glastonbury 2025, where they brought out Sir Ian McKellen as a special guest.

When asked by NME if a new album was on the cards late last year, Shears responded: “Definitely. I think it’s a matter of doing these shows, seeing how they go and having fun… and yeah, I would really like that. But I mean, we’d have to write some good songs. Great songs.”

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