Lucy Spraggan headlined RecoverFest at Uttoxeter Racecourse with its biggest line-up yet
Thousands gathered for a day of celebration, music, and recovery
Yesterday, Lucy Spraggan took centre stage at RecoverFest 2026, held at Uttoxeter Racecourse, marking the festival's most extensive entertainment programme to date.
The free, family-friendly event brought together thousands from Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and surrounding areas to celebrate recovery, hope, and substance-free living.
Joining Spraggan were various local and national talents including Amy Jo & The Spangles, Sons of Jericho, and Detox Factor Live, adding vibrancy to the main stage throughout the day.
Festival-goers were treated to motivational talks by resilience speaker Josh Connolly, alongside enriching activities such as yoga, meditation, and drumming circles, all within the healing fields.
Cara Cox, one of the organisers of RecoverFest, shared her personal perspective: “This was our 4th year of RecoverFest. It started out four years ago, and I know for me, so I've been in recovery for six years now... it was really important to create a festival that people could celebrate recovery and still celebrate being a part of and having music.”
She continued, “What's beautiful about it is it's grown organically and it has provided that opportunity for people. I know for me, and I've said it before, but I don't think I'd dance again...I just needed to rebuild myself. So with RecoverFest, we hope that we give people the opportunity to do that as well.”
The festival also featured a wide range of family activities, creative workshops, and community stalls, offering opportunities to engage with local support services.
Backed by Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, RecoverFest is delivered by the Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery System (STaRS), and supported by various local partnerships.
With over 3,000 attendees at the previous event in 2025, this year's event maintained its reputation as one of the region's most inspiring, delivering an expanded programme with additional entertainment and wellbeing services.
Organisers aspire to grow the festival beyond Staffordshire, with ambitions to evolve it into a key Midlands event.
Kendra Gray, CEO of BAC O’Connor, expressed excitement in welcoming attendees to this celebration of community and recovery, while local council representatives praised the festival's positive impact.
Sam Wilcox, Founder of Purpose Comms and event organiser, emphasised RecoverFest's role in highlighting the possibilities of recovery and community connection through music and shared experiences.