The London International Ska Festival 2026

About the show

The world’s longest running ska festival returns to the capital next Easter (2nd-4th April) for it's 38th anniversary year!

Since 1988 the LISF has been celebrating all things ska, and it’s wonderful evolution through rocksteady, reggae, 2 Tone and beyond. Along the way we have hosted true legends of the genres, including; Prince Buster, Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, The Skatalites starring Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso & Lester Sterling, Derrick Harriott, Marcia Griffiths, Bob Andy, Derrick Morgan, Georgie Fame, Laurel Aitken, Rico Rodriguez, Dawn Penn, Dave & Ansel Collins, Susan Cadogan, Stranger Cole, Keith & Tex, U-Roy, The Pioneers, Justin Hinds, Delroy Wilson, Rudy Mills, Barry Biggs, Johnny Osbourne, Misty In Roots, Horace Andy, Johnny Clarke, Steel Pulse, Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson, The Clarendonians, Doreen Schaffer, The Selecter, The Beat, Jerry Dammers, David Rodigan, Dennis Bovell, Don Letts, Rhoda Dakar, Channel One sound system, members of The Specials and Madness, and, star of this years artwork, the recently departed and legendary Jamiacan music pioneer - Owen Gray.

Previous years have seen the festival hold unforgettable events across in iconic London venue’s, from the Victoria & Albert Museum, to Camden’s Dublin Castle, taking in The Brixton Fridge (now Electric), Astoria, Electric Ballroom, 100 Club, Jazz Cafe, Dixie Queen paddle steamer, The Forum, The British Film Institute and Prince Charles cinema, to name but few.

Easter 2026 see’s the festival take on a new, and refined, 3 day series of events, once again hosted in truly iconic and beautiful London venues. The festival prides itself on authenticity, creative and original programming, and 2026 promises more of the same, with world exclusive events starring legendary names alongside the finest new bands and DJs from around the world, and more!

Over the coming months we will be revealing the venues, events and line up.