Scouting For Girls to headline Preston village summer music festival in 2026

A village music festival has scooped a multi-million album-selling band to headline the event next summer.

Summerfest, launched in 2024 as a small community gathering in Preston near Wingham, has now become one of the hottest tickets in the county.

Organisers are delighted to have secured the booking for rockers Scouting For Girls for 2026, after welcoming Toploader to the village earlier this year.

The band, known for hits such as She’s So Lovely, Elvis Ain’t Dead and It’s Not About You, have sold more than four million albums worldwide since forming in London in 2005.

The weekend event is the brainchild of parish council chairman Tommy Gale, who is also a DJ, and fellow DJ and villager Josie Leicester.

“We just set out to unite the community through music while raising money for charities close to home,” says Tommy.

“Despite its grassroots feel, Preston Summerfest has punched well above its weight when it comes to entertainment.

“It’s a remarkable achievement for a festival held on a rural recreation ground, proving that star-studded line-ups don’t have to come with hefty prices or sprawling arenas.”

Tommy says he has been able to secure the big-selling bands by developing a relationship with their agent.

“They understand what we are trying to do for charity and want to help us,” he says.

“Scouting for Girls and Toploader have the same booking agent, so we secured them via that relationship.

“Because we are flexible on when they play, they can fit in another gig on the same day, so we get a great band and they get to do something really positive for good causes. So it’s win-win and they don’t lose out financially.”

But the festival also showcases local musicians and this year will also be holding DJ sessions for children and teenagers in the community, using new professional sound equipment, bought with a grant from Dover District Council through the Rural Prosperity Development Fund.

“This is about creating our own stars of tomorrow,” says Tommy.

“Music changes lives. If Summerfest can be the spark that inspires a young DJ or producer from our own local community, that would be incredible.”

“There’s plenty else for younger festival-goers as well, with children’s activities, community choirs and performance slots for talented local kids.

Tommy says the festival is supported by a huge community spirit and volunteering, with all the proceeds going to charity.

“So far, we’ve raised an astonishing £27,000 for good causes , including Demelza, Pilgrims Hospices, Preston Primary School, Preston Tots and a summer club supporting disadvantaged children.

“The stewards volunteer their time, the bar is run by Ash Rugby Club, where profits are shared between the club and local charities.

The Scouts, who will be parking cars in 2026 to raise funds for their group, all play a role in creating a festival built by the village, for the village.”

Returning to the stage in Preston next summer will be Barry Goodsell, who transforms into Suggs with his band Certified Madness.

Last year, he delivered a powerful performance in honour of his daughter Caitlin, who passed away a few years ago while being supported by Demelza.

To commemorate her, the organisers have named one of the festival’s stages The Caitlin Stage.

“Playing here meant the world,” Barry said after his performance. “It felt like giving something back to the people who helped us, and the love from the crowd was unbelievable.”

Preston Summerfest takes place from August 28 to 30 with a weekend adult ticket priced at £40.

Tommy says the event promises more music, more activities, food choices, more community involvement and extended three-day camping, with options for families, adults and motorhomes.

The full line-up is available at PrestonSummerfest.com, and tickets go on sale from November 29 through Skiddle.