A new music festival is set to debut this summer, following the cancellation of the Drunken Monkey Festival.
Riverside Riddimz Festival 2026 will take place on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, at a riverside location in Upton-upon-Severn.
The festival will feature up-and-coming and established artists, with all profits going to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
Festival-goers can expect an eclectic mix of genres over two stages, including drum and bass, jungle, UK garage, grime, bassline, reggae, dub, and dubstep, showcasing both well-known and emerging artists from the Midlands and beyond.
Bristol’s Ruffneck Ting Records, pioneers of the UK jungle scene, will headline Saturday evening with a special two-hour takeover.
The weekend will also feature a special guest MC joining the set of Littlelegs, a 16-year-old jungle and drum and bass DJ and producer.
The Beat Boxx Studios, in collaboration with The Plough Inn, Lime Grove Sound, and Vibe Promotions, is organising the festival.
Lime Grove Sound’s handcrafted sound system will provide the soundtrack throughout the weekend for lovers of authentic sound system culture.
There will be vinyl only selections from the Lime Grove crew and guest selectors including Jam Jah Sound, Ital Johnny, Goosensei, Chef Huwie, and Heala, celebrating the roots of reggae, dub, and sound system culture.
The festival was born out of disappointment following the cancellation of the Drunken Monkey Festival.
Jake, owner of The Beat Boxx Studios and one of the festival organisers, said: “After the cancellation of the Drunken Monkey Festival, where I was due to be running my first festival stage showcasing up-and-coming local talent, everyone involved was understandably disappointed as we’d all been looking forward to it.
“So myself and a couple of the festival committee members got our heads together and decided that instead of letting all the hard work already put in go to waste, we’d organise our own event and still raise money for the same amazing cause.
“This time we’ve had the freedom to create the kind of festival we wanted to see, something completely different for Upton-upon-Severn.
“We’re bringing together some incredible artists, supporting local talent, and raising as much money as possible for the Midlands Air Ambulance at the same time! So far we have a had a great response from Upton locals and we can’t wait to show the town what we have to offer!”
Festival gates will open from noon until midnight on Saturday, with music continuing from noon until 9pm on Sunday.
Weekend and day tickets are available now via Skiddle, and organisers encourage people to book early.
