The Love to be… Festival has finalized plans for a structural redesign of its event site at The Stray in Harrogate ahead of its return on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The infrastructure updates are designed to manage a capacity crowd of 6,000 attendees and improve crowd movement across the 200-acre green space.
Nicola Freitas, Director at Sliding Doors Publicity, explained that the 6,000-capacity site is being completely overhauled for the 2026 edition in September to deliver the most enjoyable Love to be yet. The adjustments address previous layout constraints to establish a more functional environment for attendees.
Structural Changes and Production Upgrades
The festival’s central hub, the Stray Stage, has been reconstructed with a larger framework to increase its individual capacity to 3,000 people. This change is accompanied by upgraded sound and production hardware. To manage foot traffic, the festival footprint has been expanded to create wider pathways and greater physical distance between the performance areas.
Freitas noted that following last year’s sold-out success, the 2026 edition introduces an expanded main stage, new chillout zone, upgraded VIP offering and a host of fresh additions. For the first time, organizers are introducing a dedicated chillout zone away from the main stages. This covered area will feature low-level lighting and bean bag seating intended for rest.
Vendor and Operational Adjustments
Based on operational feedback from previous events, the festival is removing its electronic wristband token system. All bars and on-site vendors will transition to a traditional payment system accepting direct contactless and card transactions to reduce queue times. The food village has also been expanded to accommodate a larger number of vendors, alongside clothing traders, a jewelry stall, and a mobile coffee unit.
VIP Infrastructure and Local Partnerships
The VIP section has been relocated to a new position on the site. The redesigned area includes a dedicated garden with interactive activities, a premium bar, a complimentary pamper room, and an exclusive stage hosted by funkylove featuring distinct DJ sets and live performances.
The festival has also established a partnership with Ilkley-based business The Hair & Makeup Project, which will deploy a mobile beauty vehicle called the Glam Van. The unit features professional styling stations, specialized lighting, and a 360-degree video booth.
Artist Lineup and Scheduling
The event runs from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM and features programming across three stages:
- Stray Stage: Claptone, Paul Woolford, Sam Divine, David Penn, Mousse T, Julie McKnight (Live), Trimtone, DJ Cash Only, Janika Tenn, Keexx.
- Music Factory: Todd Terry, Gok Wan, K-Klass (Live), Grant Nelson, Paul Taylor, Tom Wainwright, Dale Castell, Aimee, Sinclair, Bongo Dave.
- VIP Stage: Jetboot Jack, NRK ft Nikki Belle (LIVE), Tony Walker, Stuart Pilling, Scott Harris, Mr Jones, Marmajam, Bri Buckle, Keexx, Sinclair, Joshua Brookes, EmiYuu, Sarah Sax Player.
