The grocery industry’s biggest live music and fundraising event celebrates landmark year and opens bookings for next year’s festival.
GroceryAid has announced the return of Barcode Festival on 1 July 2027, following another hugely successful event this year that brought together thousands of grocery industry colleagues for a day of live music, networking and fundraising at Kenwood House, London. Tickets and brand activation opportunities for next year are now available, giving grocery businesses the chance to secure their place at one of the industry’s most anticipated events.
Marking the first Barcode Festival under GroceryAid’s new branding, Barcode 2026 welcomed more than 4,600 attendees from 378 companies spanning grocery, FMCG and the wider supply chain, reinforcing its position as the industry’s biggest one-day live music and fundraising event. The festival saw high representation from senior leadership and board-level colleagues, underlining its senior industry support and influence.
Most importantly, Barcode 2026 raised £1,190,025 for GroceryAid, helping the charity continue its vital work supporting grocery workers and their families across the UK. The charity provides financial, emotional and practical support to grocery people when they need it the most.
Reflecting GroceryAid’s commitment to reducing waste and supporting communities, surplus food from the event was donated to City Harvest, who help nourish people in need across London experiencing food poverty. 20,535 meals were delivered to charities feeding communities across London, through City Harvest’s charitable network, after the event.
This year’s event featured an unforgettable line-up on the Bulldog Main Stage, sponsored by Edgewell, with headline performances from Scissor Sisters, Faithless, Wet Leg and MASSAOKE®. Festival-goers also enjoyed a packed programme on the Glass and a Half stage, sponsored by Mondelez.
Alongside world-class entertainment, Barcode 2026 featured 114 immersive brand activations from some of the grocery industry’s leading brands, giving attendees the chance to discover new products, enjoy fun interactive experiences and connect with brands in memorable ways. Highlights included NPD samples by Pringles, Euro Food Brands’ multi-brand activation showcasing brands including Barilla and Reese’s, an impressive XL sponsorship stand by Birrificio Angelo Poretti, its biggest yet activation by MOTH, as well as distinctive activations from brands such as Vita Life and Lee Kum Kee. The activations created valuable opportunities for networking, brand engagement and relationship building throughout the festival.
The event was further supported by valued partners including Estrella Damm, whose Damm Lemon VIP Garden provided an exclusive hospitality experience for guests, and Danone, who partnered with GroceryAid to create the GroceryAid Retreat, helping attendees recharge throughout the day. Danone was also the official festival hydration partner, keeping colleagues hydrated during the festival. Their support, alongside that of the festival’s wider partner community, played a key role in delivering another memorable celebration for the grocery industry while raising vital funds for GroceryAid.
Kieran Hemsworth, CEO of GroceryAid, said:
“Barcode is so much more than a festival. It’s a celebration of an industry that genuinely cares for its people. To see thousands of colleagues come together to connect, celebrate and raise vital funds for GroceryAid is incredibly special. Every ticket purchased, every activation delivered and every donation made helps us continue providing financial, emotional and practical support to grocery workers and their families across the UK.
“This year’s event showcased the incredible spirit, creativity and generosity that exists throughout our industry, and we’re hugely grateful to everyone who played a part.”
Looking ahead, Barcode Festival will return to Kenwood House on Thursday 1 July 2027.
For brands, Barcode provides an unrivalled platform to connect with key decision-makers from across the grocery sector through immersive activations, product sampling, new product launches and memorable experiences. Barcode offers a unique opportunity to get products and brands in front of the people who matter most.
For businesses and teams, the festival offers a unique opportunity to reward and recognise colleagues, strengthen customer relationships and enjoy valuable networking with industry peers in a relaxed and engaging environment.
Hemsworth added:
“We’re already looking forward to welcoming the industry back in 2027. Barcode continues to grow because it delivers something truly unique – bringing together business, entertainment, networking and purpose in one unforgettable day. Every year we strengthen the connections that make our industry so special, while raising funds that ensure GroceryAid can continue supporting grocery people when they need us most.”
To secure tickets or explore activation opportunities for Barcode Festival 2027, visit www.barcodefestival.co.uk.
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