Tents and Tunes 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Festival Season
Monday, 30 March 2026
Written by Stereoboard
Welcome to Stereoboard’s huge preview of the best biggest and best festivals 2026 has to offer — Glastonbury is having a lie down for the year, so why not find something new? Read on for all things vibey, heavy, dancey and cool.
Having spent the past few years pushing at the edges of what a Donington bill can be, Download 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. After a triumphant sub-headline slot in 2024, nu-metal titans Limp Bizkit are taking on their long-awaited bill-topping appearance, while the legendary Guns N’ Roses return for another hit-filled headliner. With Linkin Park rounding out an unstoppable headline trio and an undercard stacked with heavy music’s finest including Bad Omens, Babymetal, A Day To Remember, The Pretty Reckless and Mastodon, and even a fantastic curveball in the form of iconic German techno kings Scooter, it’s the kind of weekend metal fans everywhere have been dreaming of. Maddy Howell
When? June 10-14 Where? Donington Park, Leicestershire Headliners: Guns N’ Roses, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: South Arcade, Scooter, Native James
The UK’s longest-running popular music festival returns with its most eclectic headline billing in years. Five homegrown acts and one Irish export top the Reading and Leeds posters: Charli XCX’s synth-pop spectacle, Chase & Status’s drum and bass thunder, Dave’s commanding grime, Florence + The Machine’s cathedral-sized anthems, Fontaines D.C.’s jagged post-punk urgency, and Raye’s glittering R&B. Leeds festivalgoers get an additional treat with Kasabian headlining Thursday exclusively. Lower down the bill, Kneecap bring their incendiary political hip-hop while Geese — fresh from winning the Brit Award for International Group — arrive as the indie-rock act everyone needs on their radar. Jack Press
When? August 27-30 Where? Richfield Avenue, Reading, Bramham Park, Leeds Headliners: Charli XCX, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence + The Machine, Fontaines D.C., Raye Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Kneecap, Geese, Keo
A must-see for hardcore heads the world over, this year Outbreak’s bill is a versatile beast that celebrates past glories and the genre’s rude state of health. Their 15th anniversary celebrations will encompass sets from some truly formative groups — step forward Hatebreed, Trapped Under Ice and Converge — alongside performances by bands who have spent the past couple of years spinkicking their way into positions of prominence, from the always-on-tour chaos merchants in Haywire to Dynamite flying the flag for the north of England. In the summer, meanwhile, Deftones will headline Outbreak’s London tie up with All Points East. Huw Baines
When? June 26-28 Where? B.E.C Arena, Manchester Headliners: The Front Bottoms, Alexisonfire, Basement Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Trapped Under Ice, Ingrown, Initiate
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in suitably huge style, Slam Dunk returns for another bank holiday twin-city takeover with a line-up spanning the best of alternative music’s past, present and future. This year, pop-punk kings Good Charlotte lead the charge, playing their only European show of the year, while Californian ska-punk icons Sublime are set to make their first ever UK appearance, with Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh now joined by Jakob, son of the late Bradley, Nowell. For those who like things a little heavier, hardcore heavyweights Knocked Loose and Sheffield metalcore favourites Malevolence will be dealing out the riffs, with Dashboard Confessional, Motion City Soundtrack and Taking Back Sunday (celebrating 20 years of ‘Louder Now’) promising nostalgic emo singalongs. Get ready to reminisce on those side-fringed, lip-pierced teenage years. MH
When? South, May 23 / North, May 24 Where? Hatfield Park, Herts / Temple Newsam Park, Leeds Headliners: Good Charlotte, Knocked Loose, Sublime Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Motion City Soundtrack, Taking Back Sunday, Origami Angel
ArcTanGent’s reputation as the underground’s most forward-thinking gathering has never been more warranted. Chelsea Wolfe’s gothic doom headlines Thursday, while Friday belongs to Primus — making their first UK appearance in nine years — bringing their goofy prog-rock to a crowd that has waited long enough. Saturday’s headline slot sees Cult of Luna and Julie Christmas perform their collaborative album Mariner in full for its 10th anniversary: a rare sight to behold for post-metal fans. Beyond the headliners, Svalbard’s final UK festival show opens Wednesday’s pre-show, while Napalm Death, Alcest, Conjurer, and a post-retirement-set from Jamie Lenman ensure the underground is richly, brilliantly represented. JP
When? August 19-22 Where? Fernhill Farm, Bristol Headliners: Sikth, Chelsea Wolfe, Primus, Cult of Luna and Julie Christmas Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Svalbard, Napalm Death, Conjurer
There is a lot to be said for consistency in the festival biz, and Green Man’s organisers have made a name for themselves over the years as exceptional bookers. This time around is no exception, as they invite some of the coolest bands on Earth to hang out in the glorious surroundings of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. From Wednesday to Tony Bontana, The Tubs to Cate Le Bon, there is treasure in these hills. So much, in fact, that you can leave your prospecting gear at home and head straight to the nearest stage. HB
When? August 20-23 Where? Glanusk Estate, near Crickhowell Headliners: Four Tet, Wolf Alice, Wilco, Mogwai Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Dry Cleaning, Wednesday, The Tubs
Founded by Groove Armada back in 2002, Lovebox is set for a glossy rebirth this summer. Back for the first time since 2020, the festival is leaving London for its new seaside home in Margate, bringing two days of big tunes and great times to the south coast. With a line-up that celebrates the history of Lovebox, comprising plenty of returning favourites, it’s a festival curated with fun firmly at its centre. There’s something for everyone here, from the hands-in-the-air euphoria of headliners Rudimental and Scissor Sisters to the funk-fuelled R&B melodies of Soul II Soul and the anthemic indie choruses of Friendly Fires. Topped off with DJ sets from the festival’s founders and The Streets’ Mike Skinner, if this seaside relaunch hits as hard in practice as it does on paper, Lovebox could be one of 2026’s standout comeback stories. MH
When? May 29-30 Where? Dreamland, Margate Headliners: Rudimental, Scissor Sisters Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Friendly Fires, Soul II Soul, Mike Skinner (DJ)
Few festivals can claim six consecutive nights this eclectic. All Points East opens with Jorja Smith and Tems headlining a richly curated celebration of Black British and African music, before Lorde commands a future-pop Saturday alongside PinkPantheress and viral sensation Djo. Sunday hands the keys to Outbreak Fest, where Deftones, IDLES, and Amyl and the Sniffers collide in a full-throttle counterculture takeover. Then Tyler, The Creator arrives for back-to-back nights with two entirely separate bills, each wildly, distinctly spectacular in its own right before Twenty One Pilots close out the run with wall-to-wall anthems. JP
When? August 21-30 Where? Victoria Park, London Headliners: Jorja Smith, Tems, Lorde, Deftones, Tyler, the Creator, Twenty One Pilots Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Odeal, Turnstile, Mannequin Pussy
Every year, punters and industry types alike decamp to Brighton for this splurge of new music. With hundreds of musicians and more than 30 venues in play, there really is something for everyone at the Great Escape, from Sword II’s weirdo indie-rock to Piss’s confrontational hardcore and Psychonaut’s otherworldly post-metal. Also, this year will see hometown heroes the Kooks riding the crest of the nostalgia wave with a performance celebrating 20 years of their debut LP ‘Inside In / Inside Out’. HB
When? May 13-16 Where? Brighton Headliners: The Kooks, Kingfshr, Peaches Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Sword II, Maddie Ashman, Tony Bontana
One of the south coast’s most dependable heavy weekends is back, and Takedown 2026 looks every bit as bone-crunching as you’d expect. Returning to Portsmouth Guildhall for two days this April, the festival now boasts shape-shifting Northern Irish outfit Therapy? as Friday’s headliner following the sad loss of Phil Campbell, while mysterious masked metallers President top Saturday’s proceedings in their first ever festival headline slot. The Wildhearts, Wargasm, As It Is, Graphic Nature, Mouth Culture, Vower and South Of Salem ensure there’s no shortage of riffs, hooks and chaos. One of the UK’s most inclusive and fan-first rock and metal showcases, make sure to get out and support this one if you’re anywhere local. MH
When? April 3-4 Where? Portsmouth Guildhall Headliners: Therapy?, President Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Vower, Mouth Culture, Graphic Nature
The UK’s most warped village fête turns 28 with a lineup that captures indie’s past, present, and future in equal measure. CMAT makes her Truck headline debut on Thursday, while The Maccabees finally come to Hill Farm and Two Door Cinema Club celebrate 15 years of 'Tourist History' in full. The Libertines and The Wombats co-headline Sunday, with The Vaccines marking fifteen years of their debut for good measure. Beyond the anniversaries, Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, rising stars Keo and Florence Road, and alt-country warmth from Divorce ensure the weekend belongs as much to the present as the past does. JP
When? July 23-26 Where? Hill Farm, Oxfordshire Headliners: CMAT, The Maccabees, Two Door Cinema Club, The Wombats Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: CMAT, Divorce, Florence Road
Returning to Glynde Place near Brighton for another year of jazzy bonhomie, Love Supreme’s 2026 line-up is a feast. Loyle Carner and De La Soul are there to rep introspective, melodically-attuned hip hop old and new, while Ezra Collective’s Temple of Joy will break new ground as the collective headline the Friday night, expanding the fest to a three-day affair for the first time. Elsewhere, get synchronised with soul legends the Temptations and the Four Tops, or lean into Kokoroko’s genre-splicing pursuit of a good time. HB
When? July 3-5 Where? Glynde Place, near Brighton Headliners: Ezra Collective, Loyle Carner, De La Soul Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Jalen Ngonda, Esperanza Spalding, Bill Frisell
A brand new addition to the 2026 calendar, Blackbird arrives in Cardiff with a line-up that’ll have plenty of modern rock fans in a chokehold. Curated by Alter Bridge and set against the dramatic backdrop of Cardiff Castle, the festival’s inaugural edition will see the US heavyweights headline a stacked one-day event in the Welsh capital. They’re joined by local(ish) heroes Skindred, British rock staples Bush, and fast-rising Welsh names Florence Black and Cardinal Black, who are all set to bring the noise to these uniquely medieval festival grounds. For anyone looking to witness truly brilliant rock music in a genuinely special setting, Blackbird’s first outing already feels like a fantastic new arrival. MH
When? June 27 Where? Cardiff Castle Headliners: Alter Bridge Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Skindred, Florence Black, Cardinal Black, Bush
Smaller in scale this year — a deliberate, defiant response to Digbeth’s rapid gentrification and the rising costs bearing down on independent culture — Supersonic 2026 loses nothing in ambition or spirit. A worldwide exclusive from Microplastics, the new live project uniting 96 Back, aya and Jennifer Walton, headlines a programme as adventurous as ever. ØXN’s Lynchian doom-folk, Leeds duo Guttersnipe’s feral queer-punk, DJ Haram’s incendiary club electronics, and Michigan’s volatile Prostitute complete a bill that rewards the genuinely curious. This is independent culture at its most tenacious; a community refusing, loudly and joyfully, to be priced out of existence. JP
Camp, chaos and unapologetic pop maximalism will once again take over Brockwell Park when Mighty Hoopla returns for another two-day sugar rush. This year, Lily Allen headlines with a UK festival exclusive performance of comeback album ‘West End Girl’ in full, while Scissor Sisters bring their glam-pop wonder to Sunday’s bill. As ever, the supporting cast is absurdly stacked too, with Jessie J, Five, JLS, Alexandra Burke, Estelle, Tulisa and Horse Meat Disco all on hand to keep the serotonin levels sky high. Equal parts throwback heaven and celebration of all things queer and beyond, there are few festivals better equipped to deliver pure joy than this one. MH
When? May 30-31 Where? Brockwell Park, London Headliners: Lily Allen, Scissor Sisters Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Jessie J, Estelle, Horse Meat Disco
Field Day returns to its newish home, Brockwell Park, with a lineup that earns every superlative thrown at it. Floating Points, one of electronic music’s most restlessly brilliant minds, delivers a headline live set. Elsewhere, RAM Records’ co-founder and jungle legend Andy C brings a world-exclusive performance alongside Honey Dijon and Joy Orbison. Spanning house, techno, jungle, and UKG, Field Day’s lineup pulsates energy, with must-see sets from Interplanetary Criminal, Eliza Rose, and Ewan McVicar going B2B with Special Request. Rising stars Silva Bumpa and Patrick Mason complete a bill that is, from first act to last, absolutely, unashamedly stacked. JP
When? May 23 Where? Brockwell Park, London Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Interplanetary Criminal, Eliza Rose, Ewan McVicar B2B Special Request
Few festivals do community quite like 2000trees, and 2026’s line-up showcases the perfect balance between cult heroes, scene veterans and tomorrow’s breakout names. Returning to Upcote Farm this July, at the top sit three artists with endless pop-punk and emo anthems between them: Alkaline Trio, Funeral For A Friend and Neck Deep. Elsewhere, you’ll find the adrenaline-pumping punk tunes of PUP and Bad Nerves, glorious throwbacks courtesy of Glassjaw and The Bronx, and the grin-inducing chaos commonly delivered by the likes of House Of Protection and High Vis. Throw in the usual forest-stage discoveries, campsite mayhem and that famously warm Trees atmosphere, and it’s hard to imagine anything other than another triumph for one of the UK’s best-loved independent festivals. MH
When? July 8-11 Where? Upcote Farm, Cheltenham Headliners: Alkaline Trio, Funeral For A Friend, Neck Deep Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: PUP, Bad Nerves, High Vis
Few festivals do spectacle quite like BST Hyde Park, and 2026 is no exception. Country royalty Garth Brooks makes his first UK appearance in nearly 30 years, bringing Nashville to the Great Oak Stage in style. Mumford & Sons return a decade on from their first headline slot, fresh from acclaimed new album ‘Prizefighter’, with The War On Drugs in tow. Maroon 5 and OneRepublic team up for a pop-packed Friday, Pitbull brings Mr Worldwide's inimitable, irresistible party energy, and Lewis Capaldi — playing his biggest UK festival headline shows to date — closes out the run across two sold-out enormous nights. JP
When? June 27-July 12 Where? Hyde Park, London Headliners: Garth Brooks, Mumford & Sons, Maroon 5, Pitbull, Lewis Capaldi Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: The War on Drugs, Kesha, Jacob Alon
Boasting a mix of big names and special one-offs, this year’s Wilderness line-up adds a fresh layer of intrigue to a fest that’s made a name for itself as a retreat from the real world. With spaces dedicated to mindfulness and nature, it also offers an opportunity to get loose with Scissor Sisters, Carl Cox and The Last Dinner Party among the headliners. Annie Lennox, meanwhile, will curate the Sisters bill, hand-picking performers and playing a set herself while helping to raise funds for The Circle, which supports women and girls confronting gender-based violence. HB
When? July 30-August 2 Where? Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire Headliners: Scissor Sisters, Carl Cox, The Last Dinner Party, Annie Lennox Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Bleach 9:3, Saint Etienne, Soulwax
Bringing together huge artists from across generations for one raucous summer party, Isle Of Wight looks ready to deliver another smash. While its three headliners may be worlds apart from a musical perspective, there’s one thing that undoubtedly unites Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure, and that’s hits. Promising some of the most heartwarming singalongs of the season, the rest of the line-up is packed with familiar favourites and newer names alike, from Wet Leg, The Last Dinner Party and Teddy Swims to Sex Pistols, Two Door Cinema Club and Tom Grennan. No matter what sets you manage to catch across the weekend, after this one, you’re guaranteed to be crossing the Solent with a warmer heart, a smile on your face and countless unforgettable memories. MH
When? June 18-21 Where? Seaclose Park, Newport Headliners: Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris, The Cure Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Wet Leg, The Last Dinner Party, Sex Pistols ft. Frank Carter
Few festivals curate a line-up with as much care, enthusiasm and precision as End Of The Road, and its 20th anniversary edition already feels characteristically special. Returning to Larmer Tree Gardens this September, the Dorset weekender is led by Pulp, CMAT and Mac DeMarco, with a secret fourth Woods Stage headliner still waiting in the wings. Beneath them sits a typically adventurous mix of indie royalty, leftfield legends and future cult favourites, including Super Furry Animals, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Lucinda Williams, Fat Dog, Caroline and Just Mustard. A festival that feels intelligent without ever tipping into smugness, with countless offerings beyond music including comedy, film screenings, workshops and art galleries, End Of The Road remains the place to close the season in truly idiosyncratic style. MH
When? September 3-6 Where? Larmer Tree Gardens, near Blandford, Dorset Headliners: Pulp, CMAT, Mac DeMarco Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Super Furry Animals, Just Mustard, caroline
Creamfields hits its 20th anniversary at Daresbury in style, with a bill that reads like a who’s who of dance music’s greatest names. Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, Disclosure, and Underworld headline four days of relentless dancefloor heat across Bank Holiday weekend, with Carl Cox, Martin Garrix, Becky Hill, and Armand van Helden among the 250-plus artists completing one of the most stacked lineups in the festival’s history. With whispers of secret sets still to be revealed, the one certainty is that 80,000 ravers descending on the site will not be going home disappointed. Twenty years in and Creamfields is still setting the standard for dance music in the UK. JP
When? August 27-30 Where? Daresbury, Cheshire Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Carl Cox, Martin Garrix, Becky Hill
New for 2026, State Fayre has the makings of a major event in the Americana sphere. Even with Neil Young pulling the plug on his headline performance, there’s plenty to see here, from Kings of Leon and Alanis Morissette to a rejuvenated Black Crowes. Elvis Costello, meanwhile, will deliver his set of early days hits in tandem with the Impostors and guitarist Charlie Sexton, while former V Festival-goers will feel right at home as the proceedings get underway on that iconic fest’s former site at Hylands Park in Chelmsford. HB
When? June 26-28 Where? Hylands Park, Chelmsford Headliners: Kings of Leon, Alanis Morissette, The Lumineers Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Alanis Morissette, Elvis Costello, Skunk Anansie
TRNSMT’s 2026 return to Glasgow Green is shaping up to be another huge city-centre blowout. With Lewis Capaldi set for a homecoming headline slot, he’s joined at the top of the bill by Richard Ashcroft and Kasabian. Elsewhere on the line-up you can find everything from Wolf Alice and Two Door Cinema Club to Loyle Carner and Sonny Fodera, while Scottish favourites The Snuts, The Fratellis and punk-folk outfit Brògeal are keeping the local spirit front and centre. Fostering an atmosphere that encourages you to leave all your worries at the gate when you enter, TRNSMT is once again the place to be for those glorious sun-soaked singalongs. MH
When? June 19-21 Where? Glasgow Green Headliners: Richard Ashcroft, Kasabian, Lewis Capaldi Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Wolf Alice, The Snuts, Jacob Alon
Bearded Theory’s May bank holiday bonanza takes a trip back to the ‘90s, with alt-rock legends Pixies, Garbage, and Skunk Anansie headlining. Beyond that, there are sets from Everything Everything, The Horrors, The Twilight Sad, Kae Tempest, Fat Dog, Peter Hook and the Light, and CMAT. A UK Festival Awards Line-up of the Year winner that has spent well over 15 years proving that independent festivals can punch every single bit as hard as anyone, this is the ideal, unmissable way to get the festival season started. Loud, joyfully brilliant, and completely without pretension, Bearded Theory is exactly what every festival should be. JP
When? May 20-24 Where? Catton Park, Derbyshire Headliners: Pixies, Garbage, Skunk Anansie Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Bad Nerves, Los Bitchos, Sprints
The UK’s leading fest for fans of all things extreme, Bloodstock’s 25th anniversary splurge will close with a headline set (and let’s be honest, probably fire) from Judas Priest, a band that the whole event likely wouldn’t exist without. Flying the flag for the modern greats are Friday bill-toppers Lamb of God, while there will be all sorts of gnarly noises spread across its four days, with hardcore greats Life of Agony and Biohazard windmilling into 200 Stab Wounds’ grimy death-metal and Castle Rat’s escapist fantastical doom-metal. HB
When? August 6-9 Where? Catton Park, Derbyshire Headliners: Saxon, Lamb of God, Slaughter to Prevail, Judas Priest Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Judas Priest, Life of Agony, Castle Rat
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