To commemorate thirty years since the first Soccer Six celebrity match, which saw Britpop stars face off on the football pitch to raise money for Nordoff & Robbins, 2026’s edition saw an excellent display of musicians, industry people and special guests take to the pitch in a hunt for silverware.
Hosted at the iconic Mile End stadium in London, bands from up and down the country travelled to the capital with only one goal. To write their names in history.
Headlined by previous champions The Darkness, other notable participants included The Clause, A.R.T (who also headlined the music stage), Lock-In and quite literally the morning after supporting The Libertines at Rochester Castle, Tres Kings sub-headlined the musical affairs.
With each team repping their own jersey based on an iconic strip from the past, nostalgia was buzzing around the stadium! Netherlands ’88. Germany ’90 and even an ode to Hull City, with A.R.T donning the tiger print alongside some their comically large goalie gloves and planet-sized ball.
The footballing action lasted from early afternoon until the evening, with each team playing their heart out to a, for the most part, impressive standard, seeing The Now take home the trophy, whilst Kick Down The Door took home the Next Generation plate.
Despite all of the intensity and trash-talk on the pitch, there was a much lighter atmosphere in the stands as industry persons, football fans and families gathered to watch some great bands on the pitch, stage and even on the track, as members from each participated in the ‘fastest man in rock’ competition’.
With great vibes all around, the drinks were flowing and the atmosphere was perfect for a scorching Sunday afternoon in East London. Starting with the ever-peaceful football tournament and winding down with some of rock’s newest and most promising musicians taking the stage. You just can’t beat it.
Although it didn’t quite carry the hype of the 90’s, Soccer Six did an amazing job at creating a festival based around nostalgia, providing great entertainment in the name of music and ensuring that generations will remember the cause.
Here’s to the next one!
IT’S FESTIVAL SEASON, ALL THE LATEST LINE UPS AND FESTIVAL NEWS HERE AND INTERVIEW NEWS HERE
