The countdown is on to one of Staffordshire’s best-loved annual events as the Stone Food & Drink Festival 2026 returns to Westbridge Park this May with a packed programme of food, family fun and an impressive three-day live music line-up.
Now celebrating its 21st year, the festival takes place from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 May and promises something for all ages – from headline live bands and local talent to celebrity chefs, artisan shopping, street food and children’s entertainment.
This year’s event is proudly backed by lead sponsor Brown Recycling, which is celebrating its 100th year in 2026, while the Live Music Stage is sponsored by Stone favourites Joule’s Brewery. Music has always played a huge part in the atmosphere of the weekend, and this year’s line-up is one of the strongest yet.
Friday: Family Fun & Festival Anthems
The festival opens on Friday afternoon with a special Kids’ Disco from 3.45pm to 4.45pm, making it the perfect after-school treat for local families. With dancing, feel-good tunes and plenty of fun, it is set to be a lively start to the weekend. There is even better news for parents too, with accompanied under-16s admitted free on Friday, making it a great-value family evening out.
Live music continues with Citizen Stone from 5pm to 6pm, performing a crowd-pleasing mix of classics from the 1980s through to modern chart hits. Then from 6.45pm, returning favourites Sonic Boom Band take over with their trademark high-energy show packed with rock, pop and indie anthems.
Anyone who saw their singalong set last year will know just how popular they are with Stone crowds.
Saturday: Huge Variety & Party Night Headliner
Saturday offers a full day of entertainment, beginning with performances from students of local performing arts school Rooftop Studios, showcasing emerging talent from across the area. Next up are Serenity Singers Choir, a Stafford-based choir known for putting an unexpected twist on songs from across the decades and genres.
Singer Shane Nolan then brings a lively set of feel-good favourites before folk favourites The Unlawful Men deliver their energetic mix of sea shanties, reworked classics and singalongs.
Saturday night belongs to House Jammerz, who headline from 6.45pm with a live show celebrating house and dance classics from acts such as Faithless, Chemical Brothers and Robin S. Expect a huge party atmosphere to close the day.
Sunday: Soulful Finale
Sunday begins with more young talent from Rooftop Studios, followed by Midlands’ entertainer Kenyon Walker, whose crowd-friendly set spans the 1960s to the present day.
Then it is time to hit the dancefloor with Disco Divas, bringing timeless disco classics from icons including Whitney Houston, Diana Ross and Chaka Khan.
Bringing the curtain down on the festival in style are returning favourites The Lack Of Commitments, whose tribute to The Commitments promises brass, soul and plenty of energy for a memorable finale.
More Than the Main Stage
Away from the headline acts, visitors can also enjoy the festival’s much-loved Acoustic Stage, featuring laid-back live performances and hidden musical gems throughout the weekend. Festivalgoers can also ‘dance to their own tune’ all weekend in the NEW Silent Disco, set to be a firm favourite for all ages.
Food, Drink & Family Entertainment
Alongside the music, visitors can expect celebrity chef demonstrations, cookery sessions, artisan market stalls, bars, street food, family activities, talks, tastings and much more (you can even test your skills in the Great Stone Bake Off by bringing along your best bake)!
Advance tickets are on sale now, with organisers encouraging visitors to book early online to save against on-the-gate prices and avoid queues – www.stonefooddrink.org.uk
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