'Made in Lincolnshire' themed SO Festival returns to Skegness and Mablethorpe next month
A popular free international arts festival is set to return to Skegness and Mablethorpe in just over a month – and for those who can’t wait to see what’s new this year the full programme is now live online.
The three-day SO Festival will once again transform streets, parks and promenades into outdoor performance spaces featuring theatre, dance, circus and live art.
Organisers say the 2026 edition places a strong focus on “Made in Lincolnshire”, showcasing creative talent from across the county, from established professionals through to young and emerging artists.
Many of the works featured have been developed through SO Festival-supported programmes, with organisers highlighting a commitment to long-term creative opportunities rooted in local communities.
A key highlight in this year’s programme is JOY, a co-created project commissioned by SO Festival and led by Hubbub Theatre Company in partnership with Skegness Day Service.
The project has been developed with learning disabled adults from the local area, with participants working alongside professional artists to shape the performance through a collaborative and inclusive process.
Organisers say the project reflects a wider commitment to accessibility and community-led creativity, with participants developing confidence, skills and ownership throughout the process.
Alongside performances, SO Festival will also deliver a series of free workshops in the lead-up to and during the event, offering opportunities for people of all ages to take part in activities including circus skills, music, visual arts and digital creativity.
These sessions are designed to encourage participation, build confidence and ensure local residents are at the heart of the festival.
The programme also includes work from the Without Walls network, bringing outdoor theatre, circus and dance created specifically for public spaces.
International artists from across Europe and beyond will also take part, bringing global performances to the Lincolnshire coast and placing the region on a wider cultural stage.
Organisers say the festival continues to support the local economy by attracting thousands of visitors, boosting hospitality and accommodation providers while strengthening civic pride across the area.
For the full SO Festival programme, maps and visitor information visit the website at https://www.sofestival.org/so-festival-2026-programme/