Butlins Soul Weekenders
Soul Weekender The Soul Bible
2026 brings two distinct soul events to Butlin's — the classic Soul Weekender with Soul II Soul, Mica Paris and Kenny Thomas, and the brand-new Soul Power Weekender celebrating the neo-soul era with Brand New Heavies, Incognito, and Trevor Nelson. This is your complete guide to both.
In 2026, Butlin's runs two distinct soul events — the established Soul Weekender featuring classic soul, funk, and R&B legends across Minehead, Skegness, and Bognor Regis in September and October, and the Soul Power Weekender, a brand-new event at Skegness in January celebrating the neo-soul era of the early 90s. The Soul Weekender crowd is a sophisticated, older audience that dresses the part — this isn't a shell suit crowd. Think Motown-era glamour, 70s soul style, and coordinated squad looks that match the music. This guide covers every 2026 date, both lineups in full, what to wear, and how to make the most of the weekend.
Two Soul Events — Know the Difference
Same venue, very different vibes. Make sure you know which event you're attending before you pack.
Soul Weekender
The classic — Soul II Soul, Mica Paris, Kenny Thomas, Shakatak, and the soul, funk, and R&B legends. September and October dates across all three resorts. A sophisticated, mature crowd that dresses elegantly. The glamour is as important as the music.
Confirmed Artists
Soul II Soul Mica Paris Kenny Thomas The Real Thing Shakatak Carroll Thompson & Janet Kay Heatwave Junior Giscombe Jaki Graham Aswad Alison Limerick Fat Larry's Band The Team with Angelo StarrActs vary by resort date — check butlins.com for your specific event lineup.
Soul Power Weekender
Celebrating the neo-soul era — when funk, R&B, and acid jazz fused in the early 90s. Skegness only, January 2026. Hosted by the biggest DJ names in the business with live performances from neo-soul sensations. A younger, more dancefloor-focused crowd than the classic Soul Weekender.
Confirmed Artists
Brand New Heavies Incognito Trevor Nelson Craig Charles Norman Jay James Taylor Quartet Omar Central Line Junior & Beggar & Co Eddie Piller Leela James Lee Fields SnowboySkegness only — 16 January 2026. Full lineup at butlins.com/soul-power.
All 2026 Soul Dates
| Date | Event | Resort | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 January 2026 | Soul Power | Butlin's Skegness | Book Now |
| September 2026 | Soul Weekender | Butlin's Minehead | Book Now |
| 18 September 2026 | Soul Weekender | Butlin's Bognor Regis | Book Now |
| September 2026 | Soul Weekender | Butlin's Skegness | Book Now |
| 2 October 2026 | Soul Weekender | Butlin's Skegness | Book Now |
Full and most up-to-date schedule at butlins.com/bigweekenders. Additional Minehead and Skegness dates may be added throughout the season.
What to Wear — Soul Weekender Outfit Ideas
The Soul Weekender crowd has a distinct look — more elegant, more considered, and considerably better dressed than most other Butlin's Big Weekender events. These are the outfit approaches that land at both events.
Personalised Soul Squad Tees
The most practical group option for either event — matching personalised tees with squad names or soul alter egos. Works for the daytime sessions and the late-night club sets where dressed-up outfits become a liability in the heat. Bold typography in gold and black works perfectly for the Soul Weekender aesthetic.
Shop Soul Squad Tees →70s Soul Glamour
Halterneck, flares, platform heels, and gold accessories. Inspired by the original soul era — Donna Summer, Diana Ross, and the full Motown aesthetic. This is the most popular look for the classic Soul Weekender. The higher the heels, the more the floor needs to be worth it.
Browse 70s Costumes →Smooth Soul Sharp
A proper suit, open-collar shirt, and clean trainers. The male equivalent of dressing the part — Soul II Soul-era sharp. Works for Friday arrival and Saturday headline sets. Switch to a breathable tee for the late-night sessions.
Shop Soul Apparel →Neo-Soul (Soul Power)
For Soul Power specifically — baggy cargos, vintage band tees, bucket hats, and fresh trainers. The early 90s neo-soul and acid jazz look. Brand New Heavies and Incognito era. More relaxed than the classic Soul Weekender but still considered — this isn't a shell suit crowd either.
Browse 90s Apparel →Motown Matching
Coordinate your squad as a Motown girl group — matching shift dresses or coordinated separates in gold, black, and white. The Supremes, Martha Reeves, or the early Soul II Soul look. Group photography at this event is spectacular when the squad commits to a colour palette.
Browse Group Costumes →Gold & Black Sequins
For Saturday night. Sequin dresses, gold accessories, and matching gold-tone accessories across the squad. Timeless for a soul event and works across all age groups. Keep the shoes comfortable — the dancefloor is always worth it at Soul Weekender.
Browse Sequin Looks →Squad Going to Soul Weekender?
Personalised soul squad tees — one order, every item different. Gold and black bold typography that fits the vibe. Delivered before your event date.
Venue Intelligence
The resorts are familiar — but Soul Weekender runs differently to most other Butlin's events.
🎭 The Vibe Is Different Here
Soul Weekender has a noticeably more relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere than the 80s or 90s events. The crowd is typically older, the venue behaviour is more considered, and the music appreciation is serious. Don't underestimate the late-night DJ sets — the dancefloor at Reds for a soul all-nighter is genuinely exceptional.
🎤 Centre Stage
The headline shows for Soul II Soul, Mica Paris, and Kenny Thomas run here. Seated and standing. For the big headliners, standing areas fill up 30–45 minutes before showtime. If you want to be up close, send someone ahead to hold position.
🌙 Late-Night Reds
The soul and funk DJ sets at Reds run well into the early hours. This is where Soul Power really lives — the acid jazz, rare groove, and neo-soul sets. It gets hot. Your Saturday night sequin look stays in the room; breathable squad tees keep you on the floor longer.
🌅 Daytime Sessions
Soul Weekender typically features daytime soul sets, listening sessions, and more intimate performances that don't happen at the larger decade events. Check the app for the full daytime schedule — some of the best moments of the weekend happen before 6pm.
🍽️ Dining
Book Premium Dining in advance. The Soul Weekender crowd tends to eat properly — the restaurants are genuinely full on Saturday evening. A pre-show dinner before the headline set makes the evening. Book through the Butlin's app as soon as it opens for your event.
📱 The Butlin's App
Download and log in before you travel. The full schedule, dining bookings, and your resort information all live here. Resort WiFi on check-in day is unreliable — screenshot the key set times offline before you leave home.
🎫 ID — No Exceptions
Physical photo ID (passport or driving licence) is mandatory for all Butlin's Big Weekenders. Challenge 25 is strictly enforced regardless of age. No digital copies are accepted. Don't be the person who can't get in.
Packing for the Soul Weekend
Soul Weekender is a dressier event — your packing list reflects that.
👗 Outfit Planning
- Friday arrival — smart casual, comfortable travel outfit
- Saturday day — relaxed but considered; still better than jeans and a hoodie
- Saturday night — the main look. Full glamour or sharp suit
- Sunday — your most comfortable outfit. You'll need it
- Breathable squad tee — for Reds when the main look becomes a liability
💄 The Getting-Ready Kit
- Extension lead — one socket per chalet, multiple people
- Portable LED mirror — for squads of 4+ getting ready simultaneously
- Fashion tape — for keeping glamour looks in place on the dancefloor
- Heel protectors — for outdoor walking between venues
- Flat backup shoes — for Sunday and late-night Reds
📋 The Admin
- Physical photo ID — passport or driving licence
- Booking confirmation — screenshot offline before you travel
- Power bank — three days of filming and Apple Pay
- £1 coins — pool lockers at Splash Waterworld
- Card + cash backup — most bars are card-only
Why Soul Squads Choose DRESS LOUD
The Soul Weekender crowd has standards. Our gear matches them.
🌡️ Breathable for Reds
Cotton-rich tees built for the heat of the late-night soul sessions. The dancefloor doesn't stop at midnight — your outfit needs to keep up.
✏️ Every Tee Different
One order, every item personalised differently. Soul names, nicknames, or era references — each person gets their own. One payment, one delivery.
🎶 We Know Soul
Gold typography, warm palettes, and designs built for a sophisticated soul crowd — not repurposed festival designs. The Soul Weekender deserves better than generic printed tees.
Soul Weekender 2026 — FAQs
When is Butlin's Soul Weekender 2026?
The Soul Weekender runs across multiple resorts in September and October 2026 — confirmed dates include Bognor Regis on 18 September 2026 and Skegness on 2 October 2026, with additional Minehead and Skegness September dates. Check butlins.com/bigweekenders for the most current full schedule.
Who is performing at Soul Weekender 2026?
The Soul Weekender 2026 features Soul II Soul, Mica Paris, Kenny Thomas, The Real Thing, Shakatak, Carroll Thompson & Janet Kay, Heatwave, Junior Giscombe, Jaki Graham, Aswad, Alison Limerick, and Fat Larry's Band, among others. Acts vary by resort and date — check the specific event page on butlins.com for your chosen weekend.
What is Soul Power Weekender?
Soul Power is a brand-new Butlin's event for 2026, running at Skegness on 16 January 2026. It celebrates the neo-soul era of the early 90s — the fusion of funk, R&B, and acid jazz. The confirmed lineup includes Brand New Heavies, Incognito, Trevor Nelson, Craig Charles, Norman Jay, Omar, and James Taylor Quartet. It is a distinct event from the classic Soul Weekender.
What should I wear to Soul Weekender?
Soul Weekender has a notably more sophisticated dress code than most other Butlin's events. Popular looks include 70s soul glamour (halterneck, flares, platform heels, gold accessories), Motown-era matching squad looks, gold and black sequins for Saturday night, and sharp suits for men. For the late-night Reds club sessions, breathable personalised squad tees are the practical choice. This is not a shell suit or neon crowd.
Is Soul Weekender fancy dress?
Soul Weekender is not a traditional fancy dress event — it is a music event with an elevated dress code. Attendees dress smartly and stylishly, often with a 70s soul or Motown-era aesthetic, rather than wearing costumes. Coordinated squad looks in gold, black, and warm tones are common and very well received. Personalised squad tees work as a practical base layer or daytime look.