An outdoor Ska Festival is coming to Digbeth, Birmingham in 2024 & it’s really got the rhythm & blues beat

The highly anticipated Ska Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of the iconic two-tone movement.

It is taking place in the outdoor grounds at Zellig in Digbeth, Birmingham, and with organisers saying this will serve as the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary gathering of Ska legends. It’s promising to be an amazing tribute to Birmingham’s ska heritage which is set to be celebrated in a new drama set in the 80s from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.

The event had originally been planned to take place at the New Irish Centre ahead of the Pairc Festival on August 25, but has moved to next year.

Ska Festival organisers are pleased to announce The 2 Tone Ska Orchestra, The Selecter, and The Beat featuring Ranking Jr will join forces for a historic performance on March 16, 2025. The 2 Tone Ska Orchestra, a powerhouse 50-piece ensemble comprising some of the finest musicians, will provide a perfect end-of-evening performance with their dynamic blend of Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae.

An orchestra of this magnitude performing two-tone and Ska music is unprecedented and a spectacular unique show for all music lovers. The orchestral event will feature special guests The Selecter and The Beat ft Rankin Jr to get the evening off to the best possible start.

The Selecter will bring their unique brand of 2 Tone Ska to the forefront. Fronted by the incredible Pauline Black, this influential group has been instrumental in shaping the Ska and Punk scenes since their formation in the late 1970s. Expect a high-energy performance that will have the crowd skanking and dancing to their beloved hits.

The Beat featuring Rankin Jr will then take the stage, ready to deliver their signature fusion of Ska, Punk, Reggae, and Soul and captivate the audience with their timeless classics and new hits alike.

Organisers said: “We are thrilled to bring together these legendary ska acts for what promises to be an epic night of music and nostalgia. The 2 Tone Ska 50 piece Orchestra plus vocalists joined by The Selecter & The Beat featuring Rankin Jr. Representing the essence of the two-tone Ska movement, and we look forward to having them share the stage.

“We can’t wait to bring Birmingham an event of two-tone Ska, a genre with strong roots in the city. The evening will be a celebration of Ska history and a night to remember for all fans.” Tickets are available at The Ticket Sellers and Skiddle and priced at £30 standard and £50 VIP.