Love to be Festival 2026 in Harrogate to Feature Major Upgrades and Star Lineup

Exciting news is on the horizon for festival-goers in Yorkshire, as the iconic house music brand, Love to be, prepares for a major transformation of its annual festival at The Stray in Harrogate. Set to take place on Saturday, 5th September 2026, the festival promises to deliver an even more enjoyable experience for its 6,000-strong crowd with significant upgrades to the festival site.

Major Upgrades

The 2026 edition of Love to be will feature a complete overhaul of the festival area, designed to enhance the overall experience for attendees. Some of the key highlights include:

• Glam Van: A luxury mobile beauty space from Ilkley’s The Hair & Makeup Project, where festival-goers can enjoy a range of treatments, including festival braids, biodegradable glitter, and professional makeup services.

• Chillout Zone: A new area where attendees can relax away from the dancefloor, featuring bean bags and soft lighting for a serene atmosphere.

• Larger Main Stage: The main stage will be rebuilt to accommodate 3,000 people, complete with upgraded sound and production to create a more immersive experience.

• Redesigned VIP Area: The VIP section will now include a garden, pamper room, and interactive games to keep guests entertained.

• Improved Bar Service: A switch to a traditional bar system will allow for faster service, reducing waiting times for drinks.

• Expanded Food Village: More food options will be available, along with various stalls selling festival clothing and accessories.

DJ performing in retro VW van with love-themed decor

Colorful outdoor market stall with hats and jewelry under a tent

Crowd enjoying food at Greek street food truck in park

Musician on stage with cheering crowd in illuminated tent

Festival goers in colorful outfits under vibrant rainbow arch

Crowd dancing under large tent with colorful stage lights

Crowded festival tent with colorful flags and wooden tables

Festival crowd dancing under colorful lights at night

Group of smiling people at a lively music festival in Yorkshire

Lineup of Legends

This year’s festival will not only boast an upgraded site but also an impressive line-up of artists. The 2026 festival will feature renowned house music legends, including:

• Claptone

• Sam Divine

• Paul Woolford

• Todd Terry

• Gok Wan

• K-Klass (Live)

• Julie McKnight (Live)

• Mousse T

• And many more!

These artists will perform across three stages, ensuring a diverse and exciting range of performances throughout the day.

Fixture of the UK house music scene

Love to be has been a significant part of the UK house music scene since its inception in 1994. The festival has rapidly become one of the North's essential annual celebrations, bringing together fans from various generations in one of Yorkshire's most beautiful green spaces. With the upgrades planned for 2026, the festival is set to elevate its status even further, providing a memorable experience for both returning fans and newcomers alike.

The festival’s new features, like the Glam Van and chillout zone, reflect a growing trend in festivals to provide not just music but a complete experience. This is particularly important for younger attendees who may appreciate the opportunity to relax and recharge before hitting the dancefloor again.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the Love to be Festival 2026 are priced from £51.50, plus booking fees, and are available through Skiddle. Given the festival's popularity and the recent sold-out success of previous editions, it is advisable to secure tickets early to avoid disappointment.