ArtistDirect News
One Love/One Sun 2026: East Sussexs New Family-Friendly Reggae and Electronic Weekender
When the summer sun rises over the rolling hills of East Sussex, a fresh soundscape will unfold. From 21–22 August 2026, the independent One Love/One Sun festival will open the picturesque Bentley Estate near Lewes, inviting music lovers to a weekend of reggae roots, dub sound‑systems and deep electronic beats. Campers can settle in until midday on 23 August, making the event the perfect blend of festival energy and rural tranquility.
"We’re putting a proper weekend festival in the Sussex countryside – serious music, proper sound, food, family, community and good energy," said organiser Dan Wiltshire. "One Love carries the roots and the sound‑system tradition. One Sun opens the other current into the woods. They are different energies, but they belong together." Wiltshire’s vision is clear: a place where people can stay, explore and feel part of something larger than the individual acts.
The programme is neatly split between two distinct areas. Friday’s “One Love” side focuses on sound‑system culture, while Saturday’s “One Love” stage showcases roots and reggae vocalists. The “One Sun” area, powered by Super Charge Sound System, offers an ambient electronic journey that carries listeners through the woodland.
Friday’s lineup is a homage to the underground: Saxon, Coxson, Jah Tubbys, Observer Supapower, Java Nuclear Power and Love Express will line the “One Love” stage, creating a pulsating atmosphere that echoes the history of the sound‑system movement.
Saturday’s “One Love” stage will host the vocal heavyweights Luciano, Bushman, Admiral Tibet, Linval Thompson and Little Roy. Their performances promise a soulful bridge between tradition and contemporary reggae.
Meanwhile, the “One Sun” space will host a roster of electronic pioneers. The Orb, A Guy Called Gerald, Ray Keith, The Grid DJ Set, Mixmaster Morris, Jagz Kooner, Nick Manasseh, Chris Coco and Carl Loben will guide visitors through an ambient soundscape that contrasts sharply with the reggae‑heavy “One Love” areas.
A major highlight is the 50th anniversary of the Saxon Sound System. The legendary crew will perform in full, celebrating half a century of dub and reggae that has shaped the sound‑system scene worldwide.
Beyond the music, the festival offers a range of non‑musical attractions. Woodland arenas provide a natural amphitheatre for performances, while food and craft stalls let visitors sample local produce and handmade goods. The Rasta Village hosts guided meditation, mindfulness, friendship‑bracelet making, mandala art, pranayama and gratitude sessions, creating a sanctuary of relaxation amid the festivities.
The Om & Bass holistic area is a haven for wellness enthusiasts. Yoga, tai chi, breathwork, qigong, sound baths and restorative workshops are available, inviting festival-goers to reconnect with body and mind.
Bars, live art installations and the Bentley Miniature Railway – nicknamed "the Train to Skaville" for the weekend – add layers of visual and experiential interest. The railway’s miniature locomotives will weave through the estate, offering a playful contrast to the deeper musical themes.
One Love/One Sun has partnered with the Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare as its official charity. The Sussex‑based rescue and sanctuary will benefit from the festival’s support, aligning the event with a cause that resonates with many attendees.
The greenfield format preserves the natural scenery of meadows and woodlands, framing the performances in an untouched landscape. By positioning the festival as a family‑friendly alternative to larger, more commercial events, organisers aim to create an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes all ages.
Ticket sales for the 2026 edition are slated to open in early 2025. The festival’s website and social media channels will provide updates on line‑up confirmations and logistical details, keeping potential attendees informed as the event approaches.
In sum, One Love/One Sun 2026 will deliver a carefully curated blend of reggae roots, dub sound‑systems and deep electronic music in the serene setting of East Sussex. Celebrating the Saxon Sound System’s 50th anniversary while offering family‑friendly activities, holistic workshops and a partnership with a local animal welfare charity, the festival positions itself as a notable addition to the UK festival calendar.
"We’re putting a proper weekend festival in the Sussex countryside – serious music, proper sound, food, family, community and good energy," said organiser Dan Wiltshire. "One Love carries the roots and the sound‑system tradition. One Sun opens the other current into the woods. They are different energies, but they belong together." Wiltshire’s vision is clear: a place where people can stay, explore and feel part of something larger than the individual acts.
The programme is neatly split between two distinct areas. Friday’s “One Love” side focuses on sound‑system culture, while Saturday’s “One Love” stage showcases roots and reggae vocalists. The “One Sun” area, powered by Super Charge Sound System, offers an ambient electronic journey that carries listeners through the woodland.
Friday’s lineup is a homage to the underground: Saxon, Coxson, Jah Tubbys, Observer Supapower, Java Nuclear Power and Love Express will line the “One Love” stage, creating a pulsating atmosphere that echoes the history of the sound‑system movement.
Saturday’s “One Love” stage will host the vocal heavyweights Luciano, Bushman, Admiral Tibet, Linval Thompson and Little Roy. Their performances promise a soulful bridge between tradition and contemporary reggae.
Meanwhile, the “One Sun” space will host a roster of electronic pioneers. The Orb, A Guy Called Gerald, Ray Keith, The Grid DJ Set, Mixmaster Morris, Jagz Kooner, Nick Manasseh, Chris Coco and Carl Loben will guide visitors through an ambient soundscape that contrasts sharply with the reggae‑heavy “One Love” areas.
A major highlight is the 50th anniversary of the Saxon Sound System. The legendary crew will perform in full, celebrating half a century of dub and reggae that has shaped the sound‑system scene worldwide.
Beyond the music, the festival offers a range of non‑musical attractions. Woodland arenas provide a natural amphitheatre for performances, while food and craft stalls let visitors sample local produce and handmade goods. The Rasta Village hosts guided meditation, mindfulness, friendship‑bracelet making, mandala art, pranayama and gratitude sessions, creating a sanctuary of relaxation amid the festivities.
The Om & Bass holistic area is a haven for wellness enthusiasts. Yoga, tai chi, breathwork, qigong, sound baths and restorative workshops are available, inviting festival-goers to reconnect with body and mind.
Bars, live art installations and the Bentley Miniature Railway – nicknamed "the Train to Skaville" for the weekend – add layers of visual and experiential interest. The railway’s miniature locomotives will weave through the estate, offering a playful contrast to the deeper musical themes.
One Love/One Sun has partnered with the Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare as its official charity. The Sussex‑based rescue and sanctuary will benefit from the festival’s support, aligning the event with a cause that resonates with many attendees.
The greenfield format preserves the natural scenery of meadows and woodlands, framing the performances in an untouched landscape. By positioning the festival as a family‑friendly alternative to larger, more commercial events, organisers aim to create an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes all ages.
Ticket sales for the 2026 edition are slated to open in early 2025. The festival’s website and social media channels will provide updates on line‑up confirmations and logistical details, keeping potential attendees informed as the event approaches.
In sum, One Love/One Sun 2026 will deliver a carefully curated blend of reggae roots, dub sound‑systems and deep electronic music in the serene setting of East Sussex. Celebrating the Saxon Sound System’s 50th anniversary while offering family‑friendly activities, holistic workshops and a partnership with a local animal welfare charity, the festival positions itself as a notable addition to the UK festival calendar.