Get ready for huge tunes and plenty of famous faces as a brand-new festival launches in Kent this weekend.
Canterbury Live is set to bring more than 40,000 music fans together for a celebration of pop, dance and iconic British music.
Chart-topping boyband JLS are kicking things off on the Friday. Picture: Supplied by Brick PR
Some of the biggest names in the industry are heading to the St Lawrence Ground, with JLS, Becky Hill and Madness topping the bill of three consecutive nights of live outdoor entertainment.
Also taking to the stage are special guests the Wanted 2.0, Pixie Lott, Ella Eyre, Cast, the Beat ft Ranking Jnr and the Ordinary Boys.
Tickets went on sale in February and there are now a limited number remaining.
You can book online here.
Whether you’ve already got your ticket or are still planning your day, here’s everything you need to know before you go…
Dance pop superstar Becky Hill will also be performing. Picture: Supplied by Zeitgeist
When should I arrive? Nobody wants to enjoy the first song of their favourite band stuck in a queue, so arriving early is a good idea. Gates open at 3pm this Friday and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, with security checks taking place before you enter the arena. Thousands of people are expected to attend across the weekend, so give yourself plenty of time to get in, grab some food and find your spot.
What’s the best way to get there? Leave the car at home if you can, as organisers are encouraging visitors to use public transport, with Southeastern helping fans travel to the event. The St Lawrence Ground is within walking distance of the train stations, taking around 20 minutes from Canterbury East and around 35 minutes from Canterbury West.
Can I drive and where can I park? There is no public parking available at the venue itself, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re travelling by car. The city centre will get quite busy throughout the weekend, so maybe look at alternative parking options or use public transport where possible.
Ska pop legends Madness are rounding off the three-day event on Sunday
What can I bring inside? You can bring the essentials, but don’t turn up looking like you’re moving house. Bags must be no bigger than A4 size and will be searched on arrival. You can bring an empty reusable water bottle to refill inside, or a sealed 500ml bottle of water.
Can I bring my own picnic? Sadly, this isn’t one for packing up the summer hamper. Outside food and drink won’t be allowed into the arena, but there will be plenty of options available on site, including street food traders and bars.
Will there be somewhere to sit? Yes, picnic blankets are allowed if you fancy taking a break between performances. However, leave the camping chairs, gazebos and bulky items at home as they won’t be permitted.
It will take place at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Do I need to bring cash? No, Canterbury Live is a fully cashless event. Make sure your card or contactless payment is working before you arrive so you can grab food, drinks or merchandise without any last-minute panic.
What should I wear? There’s no official dress code, but remember this is an outdoor event. Comfortable shoes are probably your best friend – especially if you’re planning on dancing through the headline sets. Keep an eye on the forecast too. Sun cream and sunglasses could be useful, but a waterproof jacket is never a bad idea when it comes to British weather.
Can I bring my dog? As much as your four-legged friend might love the music, animals aren’t allowed inside the event. The only exception is registered assistance dogs.
Special guest Pixie Lott will also be performing on the Friday alongside JLS
Is Canterbury Live suitable for children? Yes, the event is designed to be family-friendly and is open to music fans aged six and over. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over.
Will there be more than just music? Of course! Alongside the performances, visitors can expect food, drinks and festival-style experiences throughout the weekend. The event will also shine a spotlight on emerging Kent talent through its BBC Introducing partnership, giving local artists the chance to perform alongside some huge names.
Any last-minute tips? Charge your phone, plan your journey and don’t leave arriving until the last minute. Most importantly, get ready for a huge weekend of live music as Canterbury welcomes the brand-new event to the city for the first time.