SO Festival 2026 programme launched with free workshops, performances and international acts
The full programme for SO Festival 2026 has officially been unveiled, promising three days packed with performances, workshops and family-friendly entertainment across the Lincolnshire coast.
Festival organisers say this year’s event staged in Skegness and Mablethorpe will shine a spotlight on “Made in Lincolnshire”, celebrating the work of local artists, young creatives, emerging talent and established performers from across the county.
Alongside homegrown acts, visitors can also expect performances from international companies travelling from countries including France, Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Italy.
As well as outdoor shows and live entertainment, organisers are encouraging festivalgoers to make the most of a wide range of free workshops and activities taking place in the lead-up to, and during, the festival.
Among the highlights is an AI Workshop at Mablethorpe Library on Tuesday, June 9, offering a beginner-friendly introduction to artificial intelligence and how it shapes everyday life.
Young people aged 14 and over can take part in the Make Some Noise DJ and beatbox workshop at the Embassy Theatre in Skegness on Friday, June 5, while the Urban Sports Zone Mini Sports Challenge at XSite Skatepark on Thursday, June 11, promises an energetic mix of street sports and creative play for children aged seven to 16.
Creative sessions also include a Visual Arts Zine Workshop at The Colonnade in Sutton on Sea, where participants can learn DIY publishing techniques using collage and drawing.
A fully inclusive Accessible Aerial Workshop will also tour Skegness and Mablethorpe between Friday, June 12 and Sunday, June 14, giving people of all abilities the chance to try aerial circus skills using specially adapted equipment.
Festivalgoers can also explore Audio Tales, a self-guided trail across Lincolnshire featuring stories inspired by the county’s landscapes and heritage. The trail includes work from more than 60 local writers, musicians, illustrators and performers.
Families visiting the festival can also drop into the Lower Foyer and Courtyard Café at the Embassy Theatre, or festival information points in Skegness and Mablethorpe, to enjoy free games, activity sheets and books.
Organisers are reminding people that places for bookable sessions are limited and advising early booking through the festival website.
The festival will also host the UK debut of Box Meetings, an internationally recognised storytelling project which asks participants to reflect on the personal items they would save if forced to leave home in a hurry.
The project, which has previously been staged across Europe, Africa, Asia and South America, is now seeking local participants aged 16 and over ahead of an application deadline on Tuesday, May 26.
Further information, including accessibility details, travel guidance and the full programme, can be found on the SO Festival website at sofestival.org/so-festival-2026-programme/