News: Grooves On The Green 2026
Ashley Cross, Poole returns 19th-21st June
Three days of fantastic live music, delicious food, family entertainment and community spirit can mean only one thing – the return of Grooves on the Green, Dorset’s best-loved community charity festival.
Promising a weekend to remember, Grooves returns to Ashley Cross from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June, welcoming thousands of visitors for a celebration of music, food, drink and family fun.
Festival organiser Jan Crump, who launched the event in 2000, is looking forward to welcoming friends old and new back to Ashley Cross: “The summer starts here, and we’re going to have a fantastic time at what has become the focal point of this wonderful community,” she says.
“We’re beyond excited to welcome the amazing Rockaoke to Ashley Cross for the first time, alongside classic 90s chart favourites Livin’ Joy, and top festival DJ OPD.”
Endorsed by broadcasting legend Chris Moyles, Friday headliners Rockaoke are a true cultural phenomenon. As the UK’s leading live karaoke band, they have appeared on BBC Radio 1, Sky TV’s A League of Their Own, Ibiza Rocks and the Isle of Wight Festival. Audience members can sign up for free and take to the stage to perform one of over 300 songs backed by a professional live band.
Saturday’s headline act Livin’ Joy are best known for their chart-topping anthem Dreamer and dancefloor favourites Follow the Rules and Where Can I Find Love. They headline a packed Main Stage programme alongside Back to the 90s favourite DJ OPD, crowd-pleasing rocker Chris Payn, tribute acts The Few Fighters and Oasiss, and Grooves regulars Volatile Agents – the unique band whose members include doctors, surgeons, theatre medics and even a member of the judiciary.
Sunday’s lineup includes the hugely popular Fleetwood Shack, the incredible nine-piece ska band Rat Race and high-energy party starters BB3.
Hosting the Main Stage throughout the weekend will be DJ Allan Turner-Ward, while the popular Entertainment Stage features a packed programme including the Mad4Animals Show, Squidge & Pop’s unbelievable balloons, Krazy Kev’s magic and games, Little Gizmos character appearances, CoMotion Dance, dress-up discos and the marvellous magic and mayhem of Mr Merlin.
“Ashley Cross knows how to host a party,” adds Jan, “and Grooves has a special atmosphere created by local stallholders, local musicians, local entertainers and local businesses coming together. People travel from miles around to join us, but at its heart Grooves is all about community.”
Over the years, Grooves on the Green has raised more than £50,000 for Diverse Abilities, helping the charity continue its invaluable work supporting children and adults with physical and learning disabilities. Jan’s son Brandon, who uses Diverse Abilities services, has played a key role in helping secure raffle prizes from local businesses.
Festival-goers can enjoy a wide range of drinks from the ever-popular Bricklayers Bar and dedicated Grooves Garden Bar. This year, additional serving points have been introduced to help improve service and keep queues moving. Alongside beers from Butcombe Brewery and Thatchers Truck, visitors can also enjoy coffee, bubble tea, milkshakes, slush drinks, Pimms, cocktails, gin and much more throughout the weekend.
The food line-up is bigger than ever, with everything from Greek favourites and authentic curries to wood-fired pizza, bao buns, bratwurst, burgers, crepes and artisan doughnuts. Vendors include Greek Catering 4U, Kotty and Curry, Bratwurst UK, The Bao Beast, Fire House Pizzeria, Dough Folk, Chuck Wagon Kitchen, Crepe Salut and StrEAT South Coast, alongside Ice Cream Bournemouth, Speedy Sweets and the ever-popular Cool Coffee Cart.
Grooves on the Green opens at 4pm on Friday and 11am on both Saturday and Sunday. Bars close at 9pm on Friday and Saturday, and 7pm on Sunday.
Friday 19 – Sunday 21 June
Fri 4pm – 9pm
Sat 11am – 9pm
Sun 11am – 7pm
Tickets are available now from here.
Children under 5 go free. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Proof of ticket, either on a smartphone or printed, must be presented at the entrance. Dogs are welcome on site but must remain on a lead at all times. Alcohol may only be purchased from the on-site bars. No alcohol may be brought into the event, and glass is prohibited throughout the festival site.
Links
https://groovesonthegreen.com/
https://www.facebook.com/grooves.ashley.cross
