Birmingham’s brand new reggae & ska fest arrives this month

A brand new ska and reggae festival is coming to Birmingham in 2024. See who’s on the lineup and secure your tickets now!

Last updated: 7th May 2024

Originally published: 22nd Aug 2023

With Birmingham having taken centre stage in the global spotlight with the release of “This Town," a gripping drama series, created by renowned screenwriter Steven Knight, authentically portraying Birmingham's cultural tapestry, and focusing on the Two Tone Ska music scene, the compelling narrative of the series captivated audiences and showcased the city's unique charm and character.

Now, on Friday 31st May - Sunday 2nd June, Birmingham International Ska & Reggae Festival comes to Birmingham's Thornborough Farm to serve as a fitting backdrop for Two Tone Ska and Reggae music of the era and echoing the city's dynamic spirit and diverse cultural landscape portrayed in the series. 

Nestled on the outskirts of Kings Norton and Wythall in Birmingham, the festival will pulsate with the infectious rhythms of ska and reggae, featuring an impressive roster of iconic artists, scroll down to find out more and secure your tickets!

The festival will host an array of original artists from around the world - including Neville Staple (of The Specials), Stranger Cole, The Pioneers, The Ethiopians, The Pyramids-Symarip, Susan Cadogan, The Skatuesques, and The Equators - with the addition of two very carefully chosen tributes.

Where the lineup is concerned, prepare for a musical spectacle featuring the legendary The Pioneers, Stranger Cole, Symarip, Rhoda Dakar (The Bodysnatchers), The Equators, Basil Gabbidon (Steel Pulse), Kioko, Aka The Syndicate, Lobster, Natural Right, Xodus, The Piragons, The Reggulites, Dakka Skanks, The Lloyd McGrath Collective, CariSoul Vibes, Island Collective, Luibh Laoch and The AfroBians; all of whom will showcase the rich tapestry of ska and reggae across the festivals three stages.  

Beyond the live music, festival-goers can immerse themselves in a world of culinary delights with a tempting array of street food. Explore market traders and vintage stalls, adding an extra layer of vibrancy to the festival atmosphere. Choose between camping facilities for a complete festival experience or opt for easy access for non-campers.

Ken Moore, Birmingham International Ska & Reggae Festival (Thornborough Events): “We are delighted to be hosting this new festival on our beautiful green field site at Thornborough Farm. We look forward to welcoming revellers and performers and hope that this will become an annual celebration!”

Mazzy Snape, Birmingham International Ska & Reggae Festival (Bread Birmingham / The Night Owl), added: “We’re delighted to be playing host to original ska and reggae artists from Jamaica such as Stranger Cole and Symarip, Two-Tone legend Rhoda Dakar and tons of fresh and current ska and reggae acts such as Kioko, Lobster, The AfroBians and many more. The scene is still alive and kicking in 2024 and we want it to go from strength to strength!”

Secure your tickets to Birmingham International Ska & Reggae Festival below:

For more information, and some FAQs, on Birmingham International Ska & Reggae Festival, visit the event page on Skiddle by clicking or tapping - HERE

Check out our What's On Guide to discover more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header image credit: Birmingham International Ska & Reggae Festival / Facebook.com