Welcome to SwingFest, Sunday 16th August 2026

An amazing day of live swing music, swing dance workshops and dancing as we take over iconic South London venue The Bedford

Workshops • Afternoon band and dancing • Evening live music and swing dance party

Everyone is welcome at SwingFest - you don't need any experience for the afternoon or evening dances/bands, and some of the workshops (especially those marked "open level") are suitable for complete beginners to swing dancing too! Below you will find the events that make up the day - add them to your booking or find out more about each. Your booking can be adjusted easily before checking out - so feel free to add and remove items as you wish!

Get your tickets now!

SwingFest has sold out every year to date - don't miss out...

The afternoon is aimed at everyone, including non-dancers. There's more seating available than the evening, it's family-friendly - and tickets include a FREE beginners swing dance class (on a Tuesday evening, courtesy of Swingland)

The evening is aimed at swing dancers of all levels, but is suitable for everyone (over-16). Seating is very limited, and must be reserved.

The Lindy hop workshops are suitable for improvers through to advanced (2 levels), and the Charleston, Black Bottom, and tap dance workshops are suitable for beginners and up.

You can book the bands/parties below, or directly from the schedule. Workshops should be booked from the schedule.

Prices are lower before 14th August.

Please do contact us with any queries or if you find something not working on the site.

SwingFest 2026

SwingFest is a day of many parts!
You can come to any or all of them - from one band show to the full day of dance workshops and parties.

Here's the low-down...

The Morning - Swing Dance Workshops

A selection of swing dance workshops for all levels - Lindy hop, Charleston, Black Bottom, and tap dance - with experienced professional teachers

10.30am-3pm

Stephen, Korantema, Kim, Martin, Simone, Bic, Claire, and Liza

A selection of swing dance workshops for all levels - Lindy hop, Charleston, Black Bottom, and tap dance - with experienced professional teachers.

Prices from £21, in advance only (see price list)

Please book workshops directly from the schedule

The Afternoon - Live Music and Dancing

With live music from Pete Long & Denny Ilett - "R & Bebop", plus a short dance show from a selection of the SwingFest teachers

3pm-5.30pm

Enjoy a swingin' Sunday afternoon in The Bedford's beautiful Ballroom.

Smart dress please

Seating available around the dance floor (come early to get a seat).

The adjacent room will also be available for relaxation/catching up with friends.

No dance experience needed. The afternoon is family-friendly... but sorry, no pets.

From £23 in advance, children age 5-15 free*

Adult tickets include an optional FREE beginners swing dance class - worth £15 - at C Jam (at The Bedford) on either Tuesday 11th or 25th August.

*Children must be accompanied by a responsible, paying adult.

Please contact us before booking if you would like to bring a younger child (we want everyone to be comfortable and to get involved in the class and dancing - unfortunately there is no space for buggies/push-chairs etc, and as parents ourselves we know that live music can be a bit loud for the really little ones.)

The Evening - Live Music & Swing Dance Party

Featuring Elise Roth & Her Harvard Squares

7.30pm-10pm

The evening is always a spectacular event at SwingFest, and this year will be no exception! American songstress Elise Roth with her full 9-piece Harvard Squares ensemble - featuring a selection of today's finest swing and jazz musicians. An evening of live music for your dancing (if you feel so inclined, and we're sure you will!) and listening pleasure. Book soon - limited places!

Dress to impress!

Reserved seating available on the Mezzanine with great views of the stage.

No dance experience needed - non-dancers are advised to book reserved seating. Over-16s only. No pets.