The Great Escape expands its 2026 lineup with 26 new acts

The Great Escape Festival has added 26 new names to the lineup of acts set to perform at its 2026 edition, completing its “first fifty” lineup, showcasing some of the most exciting rising talents from the UK and beyond. The announcement also confirms Irish indie-folk trio Kingfishr for a headline spotlight show at Brighton’s Dome Concert Hall on 14th May 2026.

Known as the UK’s biggest festival for new music discovery, The Great Escape will mark the first fifty names added to next year’s lineup with a series of special performances taking place in venues across East London this evening, providing a first look at who’ll be taking over Brighton next May.

The newly announced names, spanning genres, scenes and continents, include the likes of much-hyped Manchester outfit Westside Cowboy, genre-shifting favourite Mustbejohn, acclaimed alt-R&B artist Ngaiire, spoken-word star Sophia Thakur, Canadian psych-rockers Meltt, Scottish breakthrough Becky Sikasa, mysterious Ukrainian newcomer Carpetman, and Brighton locals Big Long Sun, ladylike and Lily Moore.

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They join an already impressive list featuring Ain’t, Annie-Dog, Ashaine White, Ava Joe, Dermot Henry, Girl Group, Saint Clair, Tommy WÁ, Tukki, and more, setting the tone for a festival weekend packed with future headliners in waiting.

Also announced is Kingfishr’s return to The Great Escape with a major spotlight show. The Limerick trio - whose breakout hit “Killeagh” went four-times platinum after 18 weeks in Ireland’s Top 10 - are set to deliver one of the festival’s most anticipated performances of 2026. Standalone tickets go on sale on Friday, 21st November at 10 am, with presales from Wednesday, 19th November.

With over 450 emerging artists performing across 35+ walkable venues, The Great Escape - running from Wednesday 13th to Saturday 16th May 2026 - remains one of the world’s most important showcases for new talent.

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Header image credit: The Great Escape / Facebook.com