Kickstart festival season with three days of free live music, comedy, magic, family entertainment and festival fun as Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup returns to The Brewery Quarter this June.

Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup

• Dates: Friday 26th - Sunday 28th June 2026
• Location: The Brewery Quarter, Cheltenham
• Price: Free

Returning a month earlier than usual, Summer Jam brings the atmosphere of Lakefest to the heart of Cheltenham with a packed programme of live performances, family activities and community entertainment.

Friday 26th June: 5:30PM - 9:30PM 

The weekend begins with live music from Kytana and Flynn, bringing soulful sounds and heartfelt lyrics to The Brewery Quarter stage.

The evening continues with the Mark Walby Band, performing crowd-pleasing classic and contemporary pop and rock favourites.

Saturday 27th June:  1PM-10:30PM
1pm - 10:30pm

Saturday's headline attraction is the Road to Lakefest Grand Finale, where six bands compete for the chance to perform on the main stage at Lakefest 2026.

Throughout the day visitors can enjoy comedy, magic and juggling performances from Matt Barnard and Gareth Jones (The Cling Film Guy).

Live music includes performances from Loz Apperley, performing favourite hits and anthems from the 1970s through to the present day.

Headlining Saturday evening are Cheltenham beatboxing stars Duke Official, featuring Ed and Flynn, who have appeared on The X Factor UK and supported artists including Prince, Amy Winehouse and Kanye West.

The evening concludes with a lively Silent Disco hosted by DJ Shippers and Friends.

Sunday 28th June: 12PM-8PM

Sunday focuses on family-friendly entertainment, performances and community activities.

Visitors can enjoy performances from:

• Lakeside School
• Cheltenham Rock Choir
• Variations Dance Academy
• Phil from Cotswold Children's Parties

Live music throughout the afternoon includes:

• Adam Cross
• Emzy Music
• Tate Note
• Hive

Festival favourites Hive will close the weekend with an energetic mix of beatboxing, house, hip hop, garage and dance music.

Summer Jam Dog Show - Find out more

• Date: Sunday 28th June 2026
• Time: 12pm - 1pm
• Hosted by: So Fetch Dog Groomers
• Entry: Minimum £2 donation per category

Bring your four-legged friends along for a fun-filled community dog show, with all proceeds supporting Cheltenham Animal Shelter.

Dog Show Categories

• Cutest Puppy (up to one year old)
• Golden Oldie
• Waggiest Tail
• Friendliest Dog
• Dog That Looks Most Like Its Owner
• Best Rescue
• Best Fancy Dress
• Best in Show

Advance registration is encouraged by emailing bark@sofetchstudio.com. Dogs can also be entered on the day from 11:30am, subject to availability.

Family Activities

• Free arts and crafts sessions with Spare Room Arts
• Live music and performances
• Comedy and magic shows
• Community dog show
• Silent disco
• Festival atmosphere in the heart of Cheltenham

Visitors will also be able to purchase tickets and merchandise for Lakefest 2026, taking place at Eastnor Castle from 5th-9th August, featuring headline performances from Madness, The Charlatans, Example, Bananarama and hundreds more acts.

With three days of free entertainment, live music, family fun and festival spirit, Summer Jam promises to be one of Cheltenham's biggest free summer events.