LitFest Proudly Hosts Young Athena’s First Festival Headline Show
- Sturge Mazzocchi
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
30th April 2026
An unmissable moment-in-time, bespoke headline show where narrative, performance, energy raw talent collide.
There is a moment every independent festival works towards, when everything it has been building finally connects. For LitFest, we feel that moment has arrived.
Now entering its fifth year, LitFest has grown from the humblest of beginnings, a 3x3 metre gazebo in 2021, a small circular carpet laid out to represent what would be a stage, three artists, one of them now being the Festival Director, and a single beer pump, into a what has become a regionally established independent music festival, hosting some of the most exceptional independent artists in the UK new music scene. Built with intention year by year, LitFest has become a platform dedicated to discovering and supporting the next wave of talent.
In 2026, that journey meets one of the UK’s most compelling rising artists right now.
LitFest has announced Young Athena as a headliner, marking her first ever festival headline performance.
Her selection is no coincidence. It reflects everything the festival has set out to represent.
Singer-songwriter Young Athena from London is a Mastercard Ambassador & Artist Accelerator Alumni, MOBO Unsung-Certified Alumni, BRIT School Alumni and Own It and Go Forward Ambassador. She has built her reputation through consistency, creativity, and an extraordinary commitment to live performance, with well over a hundred and fifty live performances in just two years, headlining 16 of the performances, albeit LitFest will be her first festival Headline Show.
Young Athena has She has performed at intimate venues such as The Wallace Collection, Sofa Sounds, BOXPARK, and her sold-out Mastercard Presents: Young Athena Live to Vinyl solo show at Metropolis Studios, as well as concert halls including Mastercard’s BRIT Awards Afterparty held at the Indigo 02 and events like AIG Women's Golf and festivals such as UEFA Champion’s Festival in Trafalgar Square, All Points East Festival, South Facing Festival, The Great Escape Festival, Notting Hill Carnival, and London Fashion Week, to name a few.
Young Athena's music draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including social issues, teenage love, coming-of-age experiences, internet culture, and personal self-discovery. Her musical influences range from contemporary artists like Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and Doja Cat to established icons like Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson.
Currently, Young Athena is focused on releasing singles and filming music videos independently. She is also collaborating with multiple top-level producers and preparing for several shows. With her incredible work ethic, Young Athena has earned recognition and a reputation as 'the one to watch' in the London music industry.
Young Athena's exposure to a wide range of musical genres from a young age can be attributed to her upbringing in London, a city known for its diverse musical influences. Her mother, an Opera singer, and her father, a rapper, played pivotal roles in shaping her musical journey. At just 12 years old, she wrote and produced her debut track, "Be Who You Are," which gained recognition on several internet radio stations. Her subsequent single, "On Fleek," an upbeat R&B Hip Hop dance anthem, turned her into a local celebrity and garnered the attention of music A&R professionals eager to sign her.
Her work has since been recognised through programmes including the Brit School, Mastercard Artist Accelerator and MOBO Unsung, alongside national radio support across BBC 1Xtra and Capital Xtra.
This is not a standard headline set, but a carefully curated performance built around narrative, movement and connection. A show designed to be felt as much as it is seen. You won’t just watch this; you will feel it.
Young Athena describes
"Lit Fest is providing me with a platform to showcase my talent and art as an up-and-coming independent artist. But it’s more than that; it’s my first experience as the headliner. This kind of support is a true privilege and a moment I’ll never forget. I’m counting down the days and can’t wait to hit the stage and share this with everyone."
LitFest has always positioned itself as a space where audiences can discover artists early, at the point where potential becomes undeniable and before the biggest stages come calling.
"As a manager, it’s wonderful to witness all of Young Athena’s hard work finally bearing fruit. She’s passionate about life performances and it’s an honour to headline Lit Fest. This is a fantastic festival that supports up-and-coming talent." Mark Walters - Emotive Frequency.
LitFest 2026 will take place this summer, continuing its mission to champion independent artists and create meaningful live music experiences.
LitFest Discovering New Music Festival 2026
We’re back baby!
Bolder, bigger, and better than ever before!
LitFest returns to Litlington for a full day of live music, family fun, and community buzz, bringing together incredible independent artists and a welcoming festival atmosphere for all ages. Whether you’re coming for the music, the kids’ activities, or just a great day... LitFest is your summer sorted.
Live New Music Discover the next big thing
LitFest is all about discovering and supporting exceptional independent artists could you be watching the next George Ezra, James Bay, RAYE or Katy B?
Featuring an incredible lineup including:
HEADLINER YOUNG ATHENA – Soul, Hip Hop, Pop, R&B, Rap, Dancehall, Drum N Bass: BBC 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, O2
NATALIE GRAY – 75M+ streams, upbeat synthpop energy
DJ RICHELLE – Kiss FM DJ, festival favourite, Cambridgeshire homegrown talent
ROOUE – Alt-pop duo with electrifying live shows include headline at The Finsbury
MAX BIANCO – Indie/folk, supported The Libertines and Pete Doherty
JOE CLARK – Edinburgh’s most in demand indie storyteller, Sofar Sounds performer
MABES – Debut album 38M streams, BBC Radio favourite
IM COLLECTIVE – 5-piece vocal powerhouse, sell-out shows: Pizza Express Live, Soul Mama
THE KID AND I – High-energy indie rock, BBC Radio Introducing and billing European tours
EMILIA ANASTAZJA – Soul, jazz & R&B fusion, acclaimed by Earmilk and Jazz FM’s Song of the Week
LOUIS SMITH – Bedfordshire's Country/blues-rock trailblazing talent crafting debut album
KIT – Local Knebworth artist featured on BBC Radio
A full day of non-stop live music from 12pm
Family Zone & Activities
LitFest isn’t just about music, it’s a true family festival
Enjoy:
Bouncy castle
Face painting & glitter artists
Inflatable bowling
Giant games (Snakes & Ladders, Connect 4, Tetris)
Many More Kids Entertainment To Be Announced Soon
VIP & Table Packages
Upgrade your experience with:
Prime main stage views
Reserved seating
Covered areas (sun or rain)
Drinks packages
Whether you’re coming for the music, the kids’ activities, or just a great day... LitFest is your summer sorted.
LitFest 2025 Highlights
LIMITED TICKETS
IF YOU HAVEN’T BOUGHT YOUR TICKETS YET
THIS IS ONE HEADLINE SHOW YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS!
BUY NOW
BEFORE WE SELL OUT AT: litfestlife.com
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