The Great Escape adds 100+ new artists to 20th Anniversary edition

The Great Escape is back doing what it does best: gracing us with another stacked wave of the best new musical talent for its 2026 edition, with over 100 new artists joining the festival’s 20th anniversary lineup in Brighton this May.

Set once again to take over the city from 13th - 16th May, the latest additions span everything from indie and post-punk to hyperpop, electronic and beyond. We’re talking ARXX, Bimini, PVA, Sassy 009, Do Nothing, The Skinner Brothers, Tom Rasmussen, Bella Kay, Chase Icon and plenty more, all adding to what’s already shaping up to be one of the most stacked editions in the festival’s history.

Tickets and passes for The Great Escape 2026 are now live. Head to their website to purchase and find more information.

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As always with TGE, it’s all about sonic discovery, and this new wave brings together emerging talent not only from the UK but across the globe. From South London rapper Ceebo and Welsh songwriter Ben Ellis to Norwegian dream-pop artist Sassy 009 and US hyperpop disruptor Chase Icon. Elsewhere, you’ve got gritty British post-punk from Do Nothing, GANS, and My First Time, indie cuts from Sweden's Girl Scout and Irish/Cornish outfit Girl in the Year Above, alongside electronic energy coming from names like PVA, Charlotte Plank, Lauren Duffus, Madmadmad, and Tsatsamis.

There’s also a big Spotlight Show moment in the mix, from a homecoming from The Kooks, an already sold-out epic with Ireland's Kingfisher, and the Canadian electroclash of Peaches at Brighton Dome, with recently announced support Bimini. 

New for this year is the introduction of TGE Wristband Rewards, giving festivalgoers even more reason to explore Brighton beyond the venues. Wristband holders will be able to unlock exclusive perks across the city, from discounts to special offers at a range of local spots, including Shelter Hall, Chilli Pickle, Beach Box Spa and more, all accessible via the official TGE app.

Alongside the artist drop, TGE has also unveiled its daily highlights for 2026, giving fans a clearer picture of who to catch across the four days, with plenty of next-wave talent tipped to break out across the festival.

With over 450 artists set to perform across 35+ walkable venues, The Great Escape remains the UK’s go-to for discovering what’s next in music, and with this year being its 20th anniversary, you just know it's going to be one of the best in memory.

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Header image credit: The Great Escape