Love Supreme 2026: The Sound of Community
Photo: Dom Le Brun
For one weekend every summer, the South Downs become the centre of the UK's jazz, soul and hip-hop community. Love Supreme 2026 proved once again why it remains one of the country's most unique festivals, welcoming more than 60,000 people to Glynde Place for three days that celebrated both musical heritage and the future of the culture.
This year's programme perhaps reflected the festival's broadest musical vision yet. With Ezra Collective, Loyle Carner and De La Soul topping the bill, hip-hop felt more ingrained in the festival than ever before. Two of the three headline slots belonged to rap artists, while Ezra Collective's headline set welcomed Kojey Radical, Yazmin Lacey and Leona Lewis to the stage, further blurring the lines between jazz, soul and hip-hop in the best possible way. It was a reminder that these genres have always shared common roots, and Love Supreme continues to be one of the few festivals celebrating those connections so naturally.
Photo: Dom Le Brun
Ezra Collective's return, exactly ten years after their Love Supreme debut, was a full-circle moment, delivering a joyful headline performance that perfectly embodied their Temple of Joy ethos. Saturday belonged to Loyle Carner, whose decision not to rely on surprise guests was, if anything, a statement of confidence. Holding one of the festival's biggest stages entirely on his own, Carner delivered an emotional and thought-provoking performance that never needed outside distractions. One of the evening's standout moments came during Ottolenghi, when celebrated chef Yotam Ottolenghi watched from the pit as Carner performed the track named in his honour, drawing one of the warmest reactions of the weekend. De La Soul closed the festival with a euphoric headline set, reminding everyone why they remain one of hip-hop's most influential groups.
Photo: Dom Le Brun
Away from the main stage, there were countless highlights. TC & The Groove Family transformed the South Stage into a party, while witnessing soul pioneers Loose Ends perform was a genuine privilege. Alongside standout appearances from esperanza spalding, Samara Joy, Courtney Pine and exciting newcomers including Knats, Eniola and Olympia Vitalis, the festival continued to prove its commitment to honouring the past while investing in the future.
What continues to separate Love Supreme from the growing festival calendar is its sense of community. Families wandered between stages, record collectors browsed vinyl in Rough Trade, wellness spaces sat comfortably alongside incredible food, and every corner of the site offered another discovery waiting to happen. Jazz, soul and hip-hop is at the heart of this festival and the community welcomes all.
Words: Matt Neville
Photos: Dom Le Brun
