Spongefest 2026 arrives at North Notts Arena for a night of live music and mental health awareness
Annual festival honours Sam “Sponge” Fisher with top indie, ska, and Britpop acts to raise vital funds for the In Sam’s Name charity.
Spongefest 2026, is a premier live music festival dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, and will take place on Saturday, 3rd October, 2026, from 5pm to 11pm, at the North Notts Arena (S80 1QS).
This year’s festival is kindly sponsored by two local businesses: Irontree Designs, Retford and Phoenix Private Hire, Worksop.
Spongefest, in memory of Sam ‘Sponge’ Fisher, is returning to Worksop in October
Created in loving memory of Sam “Sponge” Fisher, a passionate music lover who believed deeply in the power of sound to connect people, Spongefest brings together local communities for an evening centred on energy, friendship, and mutual support.
All proceeds raised throughout the event will directly fund In Sam’s Name, a peer-support charity established in 2021 following Sam’s passing.
The organisation runs peer-led support groups designed to ensure that no man or woman ever feels alone or without a place to turn when experiencing mental health challenges.
Spongefest 2026 promises a high-energy mix of national tributes and local acts spanning indie, ska, and Britpop genres:
- The Counterfeit Beatles – Bringing iconic classic hits to life.
- The Ultimate Brit Pop Experience – Celebrating 90s anthem culture.
- One Step Behind – The UK’s premier tribute to Madness.
- Special Local Guests: Featuring live sets from Kill The Shru, Dive, Daniel Scott, Cruella, with additional support acts to be announced.
Beyond six hours of live music, attendees will have access to:
- Charity Raffle featuring prizes donated by local supporters.
- Official Spongefest & Charity Merchandise Stalls.
- Pie & Peas served throughout the evening.
Organisers extend sincere gratitude to event sponsors Irontree Designs, Retford and Phoenix Private Hire, Worksop, whose community involvement helps maximise the funds directed toward mental health support services.
“Spongefest is more than just a gig, it is a celebration of community, resilience, and memory,” said John Stephen, chair of trustees, In Sam’s Name.
“Sam loved music and the happiness it brought to people. Through Spongefest, we use that passion to break the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure help is accessible to anyone who needs it.” said Stewart Fisher, trustee and Sam’s Dad
Tickets are on sale now priced £28 from www.spongefest.co.uk.
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