Barnstorming day of live music promised as Summerfest debuts in Lancaster

An inaugural day music festival featuring some of the best local talent is coming to a Lancaster venue as part of a fundraising drive to support musicians.

Summerfest will be held on the Garden Stage at The Pub on Saturday July 25 from 4pm - run by Lancaster Music Co-op as part of their monthly series of music extravaganzas.

Following a huge fundraising campaign, an extensive renovation has been taking place at the Co-op’s Lodge Street premises, closed since 2018.

But it still needs to raise a further £100,000 to fit out and re-open its revamped rehearsal facility, recording studio and music space.

Summerfest will help in that quest and is being billed as a special one-off celebration of the best new music being made in the region.

Headlining is Morecambe singer-songwriter, Lois.

Lois left Morecambe aged 16 to study music in Liverpool, signed her first record deal at 19, and has navigated topics ranging from grief and trauma to identity through her music.

Lois. Photo Sarah Oglesby.

Now Leeds-based, after two EPs, a debut headline tour, support slots alongside The Lottery Winners, Etta Marcus, and SOFY, and sets at Kendal Calling and the Royal Albert Hall, this year will see Lois release her third project.

Her new music channels influences from Prince and Talking Heads to today’s leading names in Self Esteem and Haute & Freddy.

Her latest single 'Holy Water' was released on all platforms last Friday, hot on the heels of her recent banger 'Small Town Party Girl' which was played by Sir Elton John on his Rocket Hour radio show and regularly airs on Beyond Radio - where Lois performed it on 'The Resident Sessions' in May.

Read more: IN SESSION: Lois - Beyond Radio

Also on the bill are duel-drumming duo Sky Valley Mistress who have been likened to Queens of the Stone Age, the Stooges and Black Sabbath, and Lancaster locals Good Boy Nikko and Life in Neon.

Good Boy Nikko

Good Boy Nikko, fresh from their first UK headline tour and a performance at NXNE festival in Toronto, were awarded one of BBC Introducing’s ‘Ones to Watch for 2026’ gongs.

Life in Neon are also renowned throughout the city for their regular scorching gigs, most notably their recent performance at Lancaster University’s Great Hall alongside Massive Wagons, and at The Platform as part of Morecambe Music Festival.

Life In Neon

Also taking to the stage will be Blackpool teenage indie wunderkids, The Mandrills - whose shows and recent releases mark them out as one of the north west’s most hotly-tipped new acts – and the fabulous El Winstanley.

Opening proceedings, El, an ex-member of British Birds, Big Pixie and Sirene Soul Shakers, has a very special new solo project exploring loops, synths, bass, omnichord alongside her unique Spanish-language vocals.

"Summerfest 2026 is shaping up to be an absolute barnstormer," said Derek Meins, Lancaster Musicians Co-Op director.

“It is going to be an incredible day with some cracking bands and lots of different genres and styles on show.

“When we have this calibre of local talent in our district and region it’s clear why a facility like Lancaster Music Co-op is so important.

“Everyone’s support is hugely appreciated and what better way to show it than to get down to The Pub and enjoy some fabulous new music.”

The Pub, China Street, Lancaster

Entry to the event is free but attendees are encouraged to donate towards the co-op re-opening fund, wherever possible. Donation points and merch stalls will be available on the day.

After doors open at 4pm the music will begin at 5pm with a curfew of 11pm. There will be a DJ Afterparty in the upstairs room of the venue.

The repairs at the co-op have been funded by £1.2m from the government’s Community Ownership Fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Lancaster’s High Street Heritage Action Zone and Lancaster City Council.

The city council, which owns the co-op premises, issued it with an eviction notice in 2018, but it was eventually granted a long-term lease following a community campaign and support from city councillors.

The big renovation which was needed is making good progress, with the rehearsal rooms and recording studio having now been rebuilt. But funding is still needed to allow heating, air conditioning, a full electricity supply and lighting to be installed, flooring put in, and the public areas and office completed.

You can donate to the fundraising campaign HERE.

Co-opilation Vol #1, a compilation of tracks donated by artists who have used and supported the co-op over the years is available to download HERE on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis with a suggested donation of £5.