Rum & Reggae 2026

Chester’s first major city festival in 15 years is here.

On Friday 29 August 2026, Rum & Reggae takes over Chester Racecourse for a full outdoor festival packed with live music, Caribbean food, rum punch, street vendors, bright colours and unbeatable summer vibes.

After two sold-out years at Alexander’s, we’re stepping things up in a huge way — bigger stage, bigger crowds, more food, more rum and more sunshine. This is Rum & Reggae Chester like you’ve never seen it.

🎶 LIVE ACTS 2026

Featuring:

🔥 ASWAD – One of the most successful reggae bands in UK history
With a career spanning over four decades, ASWAD have shaped British reggae like no other.
Known for global hits like “Don’t Turn Around”, “Shine”, and “Give a Little Love”, their sound blends roots, lovers rock and dub in a way only true legends can.
Expect a full live set packed with classics, energy and pure sunshine vibes. 

🔥 GENERAL LEVY – The unmistakable voice of jungle & UK reggae
One of the most iconic voices in British sound system culture.
GENERAL LEVY is the man behind “Incredible”, one of the biggest jungle/reggae crossover anthems ever made.
His rapid-fire delivery, huge stage presence and unstoppable energy guarantee a massive festival moment every time he touches the mic. 

🔥 DA FUCHAMAN & His Fire Blaze Band – High-energy Caribbean sound
Explosive, soulful and full of positive energy.
Da Fuchaman brings authentic island spirit with a full band delivering reggae, dancehall, roots and festival-ready vibes. 

🔥 XODUS – One of the UK’s top reggae & live festival bands
A fan favourite known for their rich musicianship and uplifting sets.
XODUS deliver modern reggae with classics woven in — the perfect soundtrack to a summer festival.

🎤 Deccy J – Your legendary host returns
A crowd favourite at every Rum & Reggae event, Deccy J brings the hype, the humour and the Caribbean flow all day long.

🍹 THE RUM (AND OTHER DRINKS)

Expect:

• Our famous rum punch!
• Plenty of Caribbean rums to choose from as well as a selection of rum based cocktials
• Caribbean beer
• All your other usual festival and bar favourites
  

The perfect place to chill, dance and soak up the sunshine.

🍗 CARIBBEAN STREET FOOD

A full food village bringing the flavours of the islands:

• Jerk chicken
• BBQ & grilled dishes
• Vegan Caribbean options
• Festival classics
• Sweet treats

Come hungry.

👨‍👩‍👧 THIS IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY 

Rum & Reggae Chester is built for everyone: families, groups, couples and festival lovers.
Kids welcome with adults 

📍 LOCATION

Chester Racecourse
Chester CH1 2LY
Just minutes from the city centre, hotels, bars and transport links.

💥 THE FESTIVAL CHESTER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR

This is the start of a brand-new annual event for the city — thousands of people coming together for a huge Caribbean celebration right in the heart of Chester.

🎫 TICKETS

Early Bird & Tier 1 tickets will sell out quickly.
Secure yours now and be part of Chester’s newest festival.

🔥 More ticket options available on our official website:

👉 www.rumandreggaeuk.com