The Wilkswood Reggae Festival 2023

Sweet, Sweet Reggae Music in the Purbeck Countryside

The Wilkswood Roots Reggae Festival has been presenting some of the best UK and international roots, dub, lovers, ska and ragga artists since 2016. Previous headliners on the main stage have included Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Mad Professor, Dennis Bovell, General Levy, Brinsley Forde, Twinkle Brothers, Tippa Irie, Mikey General, Joe Ariwa, Earl Sixteen, Carroll Thompson, Janet Kay and Festus Coxsone.

Both the Main Stage and the Jah Spirit Soundsystem Stage are under cover so the music carries on whatever the weather. Elsewhere there’s a chillout zone, street food stalls (including a Jamaican jerk barbecue, wood-fired pizza and vegetarian/vegan food), the main bar serving draught beer and ice cold lager and the Rumshak’s infamous rum cocktails; we’re still trying to work out what the ‘magic ingredient’ is but they taste great and get you dancing!

The Wilkswood Roots Reggae Festival is a family-friendly festival and there is plenty to keep your little ragamuffins entertained including a dedicated kid’s field and a wooded clearing featuring storytelling and music. To encourage the whole family to come along, we offer reduced prices for children up to the age of 17 and under-3s are free!

Organised by Hard Way Productions (formed by members of Bournemouth’s Dubheart/Countryman collective), the festival takes place over three days at Wilkswood Farm in Langton Matravers and the ticket price includes full admission and camping for three nights. There is a glamping field with pre-pitched tents and campervans and caravans are welcome (for a small additional fee).