ROCKORE has announced its headline act for 2026, with '80s pop legends' ABC set to top the bill at Lochore Meadows Country Park.
Organisers Benarty Events Group confirmed the band, fronted by Martin Fry, will headline the one-day festival on Saturday, August 22.
Kevin Payne, who is in charge of booking acts for Rockore, said he was “delighted” to secure the group after a late breakthrough in negotiations.
He said: “I’m delighted to have Martin and his band along. It actually came together just late in the day, so we had a bit of a sweat on as we were struggling at first.
"Then I got word that ABC were available and would like to be considered. I spoke to their agent and we got the deal done, thankfully.”
ABC helped define the sound and style of early 1980s pop, scoring major hits including The Look of Love, Poison Arrow, All Of My Heart and When Smokey Sings.
Their debut album, The Lexicon of Love, went straight to number one on its release in 1982 and remains widely regarded as a classic of the era.
Kevin said the band’s track record and live performances made them an ideal fit for the Meedies festival.
He added: “I had seen them in Dundee last year at Slessor Gardens and I was quite impressed, but at that time I thought they were probably outwith our budget.
“We’ve dealt with their booking manager previously and I think he’s done us a wee bit of a favour, so we’ve managed to get them within budget.”
The announcement follows earlier confirmation that Madchester favourites Inspiral Carpets will also appear. Kevin said unveiling ABC has already boosted interest.
He said: “Everybody seems delighted with it and we’ve had quite a wee surge in ticket sales on the back of the announcement.
“Stuart Watson, who manages our socials, messaged me and said he thought our Facebook page was about to go on fire. The community shop has sold out and we’ve had to top them up again, so there’s definitely been a bounce.”
ABC join a packed line-up featuring Inspiral Carpets, George Bowie (GBX), Ska Face, Deacon Blues, Ian Beattie – The Freddie & Queen Experience Tribute Show, Drums N’ Roses, Dionne Hickey and Instant Credit.
Organisers are also planning changes to improve access after long queues at last year’s event.
Kevin said: “We’re looking to move the entrance gate up towards the pithead. Last year the queue was right over to the boathouse, so if we can take it up there we can get more people through quicker.
“It’s going to be an experiment, but hopefully it speeds things up. We’ve opened the gates earlier before, but you still always get the queue.”
Like many events, Rockore is facing rising costs, with increases across infrastructure such as security, fencing and toilets.
Kevin added: “We try to make it affordable for everybody, but we can’t absorb all the increases, so some of that has to be reflected in ticket prices. Hopefully people still feel it’s good value for money.”
He also highlighted the event’s reputation for its atmosphere.
“I think it’s the friendly feel,” he said. “A music critic once described it as like a garden party. Everybody’s just dancing next to each other and enjoying themselves.”
Rockore is one of three major annual events organised by the volunteer-run Benarty Events Group, alongside the Benarty Gala and Pipe Band Championships.
Tickets for the over-18s festival cost £35 and are available from Benarty Community Shop in Ballingry, BRAG Enterprises in Crosshill, Identity Hair Salon in Lochore (cash only), and online via Skiddle, subject to a booking fee.
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