SUSTAINABILITY
Margate Soul Weekender takes place beside one of the UK’s most distinctive coastlines.
For 2026, the Weekender is working to reduce its impact on the beach, the town and the wider environment while continuing to celebrate the music, culture and community that make Margate special. Our aim is simple: a lighter footprint, stronger local benefit and a festival experience that respects the coastline we call home.
From community investment and local partnerships to lower-impact power, refill points, reduced plastic and beach-conscious behaviour, sustainability is becoming part of how Margate Soul Weekender is planned, delivered and improved.
People.
Margate Soul Weekender is rooted in people. The festival is now delivered by NewMargate CIC, a social enterprise created to support long-term benefit for the town. Through this model, £1 from every ticket will go back into community and environmental projects that directly benefit Margate.
The Weekender brings thousands of visitors to the Kent coast, but its value should reach beyond one weekend. That means working with local partners, social enterprises, charities and community groups to help create positive outcomes for Margate residents, businesses, young people and the wider local area.
We are currently exploring partnerships with Margate-based charities and social enterprises that can help turn ticket proceeds into practical, lasting benefit. The music brings people together. The mission is to make sure the impact reaches further.
Place.
Margate is not just where the Weekender happens. Margate is part of the story. For 2026, the main stage moves beachside to Lower Newgate Promenade, just behind the iconic Lido sign. It is a setting shaped by the sea, the sands, the tides and the character of the town.
We are working with local groups, environmental partners and sustainability experts to keep our footprint as light as possible in this special coastal location.
This includes using eco-generators to support lower-impact power, introducing low-power lighting where suitable and planning more carefully around waste, movement and site use. We are also taking practical steps to reduce avoidable emissions while continuing to consult local sustainability voices as the festival develops.
Our partners include Plastic Free Thanet, Margate-based skincare brand Haeckels, and local sustainability expert Georgina Wilson-Powell, with further partners to be confirmed. The goal is to deliver a powerful beachside soul festival while respecting the place that makes it possible.
Planet.
Margate Soul Weekender is working towards a festival with less single-use plastic and more responsible choices across the site. For 2026, we are reviewing alternatives to single-use plastic cups and exploring better systems that reduce waste going straight to the bin.
Food and drink vendors have been asked not to bring single-use plastic packaging, in line with UK government legislation introduced in October 2023. Visitors will be able to refill water bottles at the Sunset Stage, with local cafés and bars encouraged to support refills where possible.
We are currently exploring partnerships with Margate-based charities and social enterprises that can help turn ticket proceeds into practical, lasting benefit. The music brings people together. The mission is to make sure the impact reaches further.