In a bold move, LitFest unites with major expert partners for the spectacular show on 18th July 2026

Team LitFest
Nov 13
6 min read

Updated: Dec 2

Litlington, Royston - Nov 13, 2025

LitFest has become a cornerstone of the Litlington Royston community for families to experience fresh new music talent of all genres. This year's festival welcomed over 500 LitFestival-goers throughout the day to the modern live music festival, With major plans already underway for 2026, we’re thrilled to share what’s next.

If you loved this years show (check out video below), get ready for LitFest on 18th July 2026 which is set to exceed all expectations.

Credit: The Ad Plain

LitFest 2026 Lineup

Under The Radar and LitFest

Under The Radar (UTR) is a groundbreaking event series championing female and underrepresented artists from around the UK, that creates a platform for their voices to thrive.

Founded by independent female artist Shannon Herbert (PKA Official Shannon), who is an emerging soulful pop artist Since graduating from The BRIT School around the same time as GRACEY and Olivia Dean, her releases have received constant support from BBC Introducing having performed live as a featured artist in 2024 as well as winning the title "Best Live Session" alongside Dodie and Sam Ryder.

UTR Associate Director of Under The Radar, Natalie Gray played LitFest this year. Natalie is a singer/songwriter, described as ‘the love child of The 1975 and Madonna’ who is making a name for herself in the Synth and commercial Pop world. Natalie has been featured on several dance hits such as “Get What You Give” by Joel Corry and Billy Da Kid, and "Don't Walk Away" by Damian Harrison which hit over 20 million Spotify streams. Natalie has supported the likes of Becky Hill at Pride in London, Billy Locket at London’s Omeara, McLowry at Lytham Festival and Rag’n’Bone Man at Penn Fest.

Will the next Glastonbury will be here in Royston

Whilst featuring at a LitFest showcase gig in the lead up to the festival, Natalie and Festival Director for LitFest, Sturge Mazzocchi began floating the idea of a potential alliance between LitFest and Under The Radar, seemingly a natural fit where they share similar visions for providing a platform for independent artists to perform new music from.

Natalie is a huge supporter of grassroots music has her own radio show on Future Hits, promoting Under The Radar artists weekly. "I am so excited about the future of Under the Radar and LitFest. We are so excited to grow together and bring a platform for independent artists. Hopefully next year will be even bigger and before you know it the next Glastonbury will be here in Royston!

Under The Radar Pavilion Stage

In recent months the three music industry curators began having regular talks to shape what a collaboration could look like and can officially announce Under The Radar will be bringing six of their freshest artist to shine on the newly named Under The Radar Pavilion Stage at LitFest 2026, immediately bolstering the talent on show!

Together we have been planning to bring new genres to LitFest's UTR Pavilion Stage with plans ranging from electro pop, celtic indie fusion to country folk, funk, soul, disco, house, afrobeats and R&B, providing a platform for underrepresented artists to bring their music to a new audience where we promise to showcase something for everyone to enjoy. For Shannon, Natalie and Under The Radar artists, many being key figures and influencers in the UK new music scene Litfest provides their supporters and community with a day of spectacular music at LitFest 2026.

Shannon commented "We wanted to partner with Litfest because it's a brilliant independent festival that recognises real talent and showcases it across it's platform and festival stages whilst bringing people together to discover new music which deeply aligns with Under The Radar's mission to connect, inspire and encourage both aspiring and professional female and underrepresented artists across all levels.

LitFest Headliner 2026

LitFest will host six artists too, a mix of returning favourites and some exciting new talent. With a total of twelve first-class new music acts lighting up the stage from 12pm - 9pm and all happening on the 18th July 2026, one big question remains, who will be the grand headline act 2026?

Both teams are already on it, curating a thrilling shortlist from each other's networks, guaranteed draw a huge crowd to Litlington, Royston as the trio finalise plans for a major announcement in the coming months.

Follow LitFest on Instagram to be the first to know and not miss out on the chance to see the headline act this year!

The Ad Plain and LitFest

LitFest has great ambitions and large expansion plans, especially for 2026. A huge part of that is communicating the message and storytelling to reach new audiences, elevating the event and its artists performing, through powerful communication.

LitFest have teamed up in partnership with global full service advertising and communications agency with content at their core, The Ad Plain. With their global team of content generators and marketing specialists bringing a wealth of expertise and support to draw upon. Lead by Art Director, David Comiskey who is also a Litlington resident, through a close partnership and local connection, everything is in place to transform LitFest is poised to step up from its local roots to become a recognised player in the national music scene.

The Ad Plain

Litfest is a family festival that brings music talent from across the Royston area to the village of Litlington. It has become a standout event for the community, and raises money for the local football club, Litlington AFC. After the success of this summer’s event, organisers are planning even greater things for next year, preparing to apply for a grant from Arts Council England, to rocket LitFest to the next level.

Central to the awareness and interest has been communicating the value of the festival for showcasing local talent and supporting the community. A village resident stepped forward to produce promotional content to capture the atmosphere at this year’s LitFest event.

David Comiskey, Art Director - The Ad Plain

In his day job, David Comiskey, is an Art Director at The Ad Plain, the Oxfordshire-based communications agency specialising in the agricultural sector. His content has captured the essence of LitFest in an ‘immeasurable’ way according to Festival Director, Sturge Mazzocchi.

Creating captivating videos is at the heart of David’s role for The Ad Plain. As a certified B Corporation, staff at the agency are encouraged to volunteer in meaningful community work, and so getting involved with a project like this was a perfect fit for David, and the festival organisers.

David commented: “It was an absolute pleasure to help enhance LitFest with professionally produced video that will hopefully raise awareness and revenue for future festivals and the Club.”

“As a punter of LitFest last year, I knew at that point I wanted to partner with the festival organisers and offer our full services in content production for digital and social channels. I find myself drawn in by our friendly community and rural businesses, and I find Sturge’s passion and ambition addictive, I feel a bit like his co-pilot at the moment!” he confesses.

With clients in the UK and across the world at The Ad Plain, David is used to working from a variety of locations. “One of the other huge sectors we work in is turf care and pitch maintenance, so I am very versed to filming outdoors!“ he says. “Three things are certain in life… LitFest is drenched in band talent, it will be even bigger and bolder next year, and you can bet we’ll be there!”

LitFest Community Togetherness & Local Pride Sponsored by Local Business

LitFest remains accessible and affordable for all music lovers to enjoy thanks to the incredible support and collaboration of local businesses. Their continued investment helps deliver top-tier musical talent, fund stage and lighting infrastructure, and expand the ever-popular Family Zone with exciting new features.

A sincere thank you to our 2025 official partners and sponsors.

"RK Print have been a part of Litlington village since the 1980s. When we were asked to become a sponsor of LitFest, we saw this as a great opportunity to contribute to the local community. Having seen the festival grow in stature and attendance, it is a pleasure to provide sponsorship again for this year's event."

— Andy James, Managing Director, RK PrintCoat Instruments Ltd

"At Alexander Green, we’re always keen to support events in the local community, so when we heard about LitFest we just had to get involved. Sturge’s passion for live music and up-and-coming local talent has made LitFest what it is today, and we’re confident that this year’s event will be even better than last year’s."

— Lee Alexander, Partner, Alexander Green Office Interiors

Is your company Interested in joining the spectacular 2026 show?

Contact LitFest Festival Director, Sturge Mazzocchi: hello@litfestlife.com

OFFICIAL PARTNERS