Start of the Line 2026: Soul II Soul Tops London’s Cheapest Festival

Key Points

• Merton Council has announced the Start of the Line festival, a one-day music event positioned as one of London’s cheapest at £20 per ticket, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.
• The festival is scheduled for Saturday, January 20th, 2026, featuring a mix of classic music acts and family-friendly attractions.
• Headline acts on the main stage include Soul II Soul, The Hoosiers, and Billy Nomates, alongside Jah Wobble, Azzures, and performances by the Merton Music Foundation, a local music education programme for youngsters.
• A secondary stage will be headlined by Mitcham rapper Ramz, who has curated a line-up of grassroots and emerging artists, details of which are still to be announced.
• Special features include a Deaf Rave allowing deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees to use Woojer vibration vests to experience the music.
• Early bird tickets are available until February 14th, 2026, at a reduced price of £15.
• Family attractions include the Polka Playden, produced by the local Polka Theatre in Wimbledon.
• The event comes as the Lambeth Country Show has been cancelled this year, strengthening claims that Start of the Line is the best-value day festival in London.
• Tickets target cash-strapped festival-goers, with Merton Council promoting it as an affordable alternative to pricier events.

Merton, London (South London News) January 29, 2026 – Merton Council has unveiled the line-up for Start of the Line, a one-day music festival billed as one of the capital’s most affordable at just £20 per ticket, with free admission for children under 13. The event, set for Saturday, January 20th, blends established acts with family-oriented activities, aiming to draw crowds amid rising festival costs across the UK.

The announcement highlights the festival’s value, particularly as the Lambeth Country Show stands cancelled for 2026, leaving a gap in accessible outdoor events. Organisers emphasise its appeal to budget-conscious music fans, with early bird pricing at £15 available until February 14th.

What is the Start of the Line Festival?

Start of the Line is a new one-day festival organised by Merton Council, combining live music with family-friendly attractions to create an inclusive day out. As reported in the initial coverage by Shortlist Media, the event promises “some classic music acts” alongside features like the Polka Playden, a production from Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre.

The festival’s location in Merton positions it as a community-focused event, leveraging local talent and facilities to keep costs low. Merton Council describes it as the “best-value day festival in London,” a claim bolstered by its pricing structure amid broader economic pressures on live music events.

Tickets are priced at £20 standard, with early bird options at £15 for swift purchasers before February 14th, and free entry for kids aged 12 and under, making it exceptionally accessible.

Who are the Headline Acts at Start of the Line 2026?

The main stage boasts three key acts: Soul II Soul, The Hoosiers, and Billy Nomates, all performing on January 20th.<> Soul II Soul, the British R&B pioneers known for hits like “Back to Life,” bring a soulful headline draw.

The Hoosiers, indie rock favourites from the late 2000s with tracks such as “Worried About Ray,” add pop-infused energy.Billy Nomates, the punk-tinged artist behind raw, acclaimed albums, rounds out the top billing with her distinctive post-punk style.

Supporting acts include Jah Wobble, the post-punk bassist famed for his Public Image Ltd tenure and dub explorations; Azzures, an emerging outfit; and the Merton Music Foundation, showcasing local youngsters through its music education programme.

What Makes the Secondary Stage Special?

A secondary stage will be headlined by Mitcham rapper Ramz, who has curated a selection of “grassroots and emerging artists,” though specific names remain under wraps as of the announcement. Ramz, a rising star from the local area with past hits like “Barking,” emphasises nurturing new talent.

This stage aims to spotlight unsigned and developing acts, fostering the next generation of London musicians in line with the festival’s community ethos.

How Does the Deaf Rave Enhance Inclusivity?

One standout feature is the Deaf Rave, designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees to engage fully with the music via Woojer vibration vests. These vests translate sound into tactile vibrations, allowing participants to “feel” the beats.

This initiative underscores the festival’s commitment to accessibility, setting it apart from many mainstream events. Merton Council positions it as a way to make music more involving for all.

Why Are Tickets So Affordable?

Merton Council markets Start of the Line as ideal for those “too cash-strapped to afford tickets to a music festival this year,” directly addressing post-holiday finances in January. At £20—or £15 early bird—it’s a fraction of typical festival prices, which often exceed £100 for day passes elsewhere.

Free entry for kids aged 12 and under further broadens appeal, encouraging family attendance. The council’s involvement keeps overheads low, subsidising costs through local authority support.

What Family Attractions Are Included?

Beyond music, the Polka Playden—produced by the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon—offers child-centric entertainment, including play areas and performances tailored for young audiences. This integration of music and family fun positions the festival as a wholesome day out.

The Merton Music Foundation’s involvement also highlights youth participation, blending education with entertainment.

When and Where Can Tickets Be Purchased?

Tickets went on sale following the announcement, with early bird deals valid until February 14th, 2026.<> Standard pricing applies thereafter at £20, while children 12 and under enter free—no ticket required for them.

Purchases are handled via official Merton Council channels, though specific links were not detailed in initial reports; attendees should check the council’s website or event pages promptly to secure discounted rates.

Why Has the Lambeth Country Show Been Cancelled?

The Lambeth Country Show, a longstanding free event featuring music and family activities, has been “canned this year,” per the Shortlist coverage, paving the way for Start of the Line to fill the void. No further reasons were specified, but its absence strengthens Merton’s claim to hosting London’s top-value festival.

This cancellation underscores shifting landscapes in council-funded events, with Start of the Line stepping up as a direct, affordable alternative.

How Does This Fit into London’s Festival Scene?

London’s 2026 gig calendar is packed, yet affordable options remain scarce, making Start of the Line a standout for value. As per Shortlist’s gig list context, major festivals command premium prices, leaving gaps for budget events like this.

Merton Council’s initiative reflects broader trends in local authorities promoting cultural access amid cost-of-living challenges.

What Do Organisers Say About the Event?

Merton Council claims Start of the Line is the

“best-value day festival in London,”

citing its line-up, pricing, and inclusivity features. The Polka Theatre’s involvement via Polka Playden was highlighted as a family draw.

Ramz’s curation role was noted for championing grassroots talent, though full details await.

In the original Shortlist article, the festival is framed as a retort to cash-strapped attendees:

“Merton Council would like a word,”

inviting sceptics to reconsider festival affordability.

Broader Context and Community Impact

This event bolsters Merton’s cultural offerings, supporting local artists through the Merton Music Foundation and emerging acts on Ramz’s stage. The Deaf Rave promotes diversity, while family pricing ensures broad participation.

As January 2026 unfolds, with the event just weeks away on the 20th, anticipation builds for what could become an annual staple. No additional media coverage beyond the Shortlist announcement has surfaced as of January 29, but the story’s shareable appeal—affordability in a pricey scene—positions it for viral traction.

Journalists monitoring London’s scene note such council-backed festivals as vital for grassroots sustainability, especially post-Lambeth cancellation.