The countdown is on! The Brewery Quarter will transform into Cheltenham's ultimate summer party as Summer Jam: The Lakefest Warmup returns from 26-28 June, bringing three packed days of free live music, entertainment, family activities and festival atmosphere to the heart of the town centre.
With a bigger line-up, exciting new attractions and a programme bursting with local talent, Summer Jam is set to kick off the summer season in style, giving visitors a taste of the magic ahead of this year's Lakefest Festival.
- What can you expect from Summer Jam at The Brewery Quarter?
Friday 26 June - The party gets started
Summer Jam gets underway on Friday evening with an unforgettable line-up of live music. Audiences can look forward to soulful performances from Kytana and Flynn (of Duke fame) at 5.30pm - 7.30pm, before the Mark Walby Band takes to the stage at 7.30pm - 9.30 pm, with a crowd-pleasing mix of classic anthems and contemporary pop and rock hits guaranteed to get the weekend started.
Saturday 27 June, 1pm to 10.30pm - Battle for a Lakefest main stage spot
Saturday brings one of the weekend's biggest highlights as six talented acts go head-to-head in the Road to Lakefest Grand Finale, competing for the chance to perform on the iconic Lakefest main stage this August.
Alongside the live music, visitors can enjoy comedy, magic and jaw-dropping entertainment from Matt Barnard and Gareth Jones, better known as the viral sensation Cling Film Guy.
As the sun sets, the energy levels rise even further with headline performances from Duke Duo, Cheltenham's internationally recognised beatboxing stars. Known for their appearance on The X Factor UK and for supporting music legends including Prince, Amy Winehouse and Kanye West, Duke Duo promise a show-stopping performance. Enjoy live music from Loz Apperley, performing crowd favourites and classic anthems from the '70s to today.
The celebrations continue late into the evening with a silent disco hosted by DJ Shippers and Friends, bringing festival-style fun to The Brewery Quarter.
Sunday 28 June, 12pm to 8pm - Family fun takes centre stage
Sunday shifts gears with a fun-filled family day packed with entertainment for all ages.
Visitors can enjoy performances from Lakeside School, Cheltenham Rock Choir, Variations Academy showcases, comedy magic from Phil at Cotswold Children's Parties, and live music from Adam Cross, Emzy Music and Tate Note before the weekend reaches its finale with a high-energy closing set from beatbox band Hive.
New for 2026 - Community dog show
Making its Summer Jam debut this year is a community dog show hosted by So Fetch, the new independent dog grooming salon on Henrietta Street.
Taking place from 12pm-1pm on Sunday, dog owners can enter their four-legged friends into a range of fun categories including Waggiest Tail, Happiest Pooch, Grinchiest Paws and more.
Entry is a minimum £2 donation per dog, with all proceeds going to Cheltenham Animal Shelter. To enter, or for more information, email [email protected].
Free family activities all weekend 24 – 26 June
Throughout the weekend, families can also enjoy free arts and crafts activities from Spare Room Arts, ensuring there's plenty to keep younger visitors entertained.
Your first taste of Lakefest 2026
Summer Jam serves as the perfect warm-up for this year's Lakefest Festival, taking place at Eastnor Castle from 5-9 August.
Festival-goers will be able to purchase Lakefest tickets and merchandise throughout the weekend, with this year's festival featuring headline performances from Madness, The Charlatans, Example and Bananarama, alongside hundreds of acts performing across multiple stages.
Demelsa Coleman, Marketing Manager for The Brewery Quarter said:
"Summer Jam has become one of the highlights of our events calendar and we're incredibly excited to welcome visitors back for another fantastic weekend. With free live music, family entertainment, comedy, silent disco, our brand-new dog show and a real festival atmosphere, there's something for everyone to enjoy. It's the perfect way to kick-start summer in Cheltenham and get excited for Lakefest."
Friday 26 June
5.30pm - 7.30pm - Kytana and Flynn
7.30pm - 9.30pm - Mark Walby
Saturday 27 June
1pm - 1.20pm - Taylor Latham
1.20pm - 1.50pm - Matt Barnard/Gareth Jones Comedy & Entertainment
1.55pm - 2.15pm - Amity
2.15pm - 2.45pm - Matt Barnard/Gareth Jones Comedy & Entertainment
2.50pm - 3.10pm - Amy Jo
3.10pm - 3.40pm - Matt Barnard/Gareth Jones Comedy & Entertainment
3.45pm - 4.05pm - The Figurines
4.05pm - 4.35pm - Matt Barnard/Gareth Jones Comedy & Entertainment
4.40pm - 5pm - Fran Lusty
5pm - 5.30pm - Matt Barnard/Gareth Jones Comedy & Entertainment
5.35pm - 5.55pm - Sweet Unrest
6.05pm - 6.15pm - Winners announced
6.20pm - 7.15pm - Loz Apperley
7.30pm - 8.30pm - Duke Duo
8.30pm - 10.30pm - DJ Shippers - Silent Disco
Sunday 28 June
12pm - 1.15pm - SoFetch Dog Show
1.15pm - 1.45pm - Rock Choir
1.50pm - 2.20pm - Phil the Entertainer
2.35pm - 3.20pm - The Haskins
3.30pm - 4pm - Phil the Entertainer
4.20pm - 5.20pm - Adam Cross
5.40pm - 6.40pm - Emzy Music & Tate Note
7pm - 8pm - Hive
The event is free to attend, with no tickets required.
For full event details, visit The Brewery Quarter's website and social media channels.
