The Great Escape 2026 announces 100+ new artists

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Tuesday 31st March – Today The Great Escape has unveiled a fresh wave of 100+ artists joining this year’s line-up, bringing emerging talent from across the globe to Brighton for the festival’s 2026 20th anniversary edition. This year’s daily highlights have also been revealed, spotlighting the artists set to make a major impact across the four-day festival, alongside the introduction of new TGE Wristband Rewards, offering exclusive perks and discounts for attendees across participating Brighton venues

Heading to Brighton this May, the latest additions highlight a diverse roster. Among them are Los Angeles pop singer-songwriter Arima Ederra, Brighton alt-indie duo ARXX, and Orlando indie-pop talent Bella Kay, alongside Welsh songwriter Ben Ellis. UK drag artist and pop provocateur Bimini also joins the line-up, supporting Peaches’ Spotlight Show at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall on the 15th May. South London rapper Ceebo adds a dose of grime and hip-hop, while London’s Charlotte Plank brings high-energy drum & bass-infused electronic pop. US hyperpop artist Chase Icon also joins the bill, alongside Nottingham post-punk outfit Do Nothing and Birmingham alt-indie duo Gans.

Elsewhere, Irish/Cornish indie outfit Girl in the Year Above and Swedish indie-pop band Girl Scout showcase fresh indie sounds, while Cambridge shoegaze duo The Healing Power of Horses and Glasgow’s soulful singer-songwriter Kerr Mercer add further depth. North London talents Lauren Duffus and Madmadmad represent the capital’s thriving electronic scene, joined by London based indie artist Max Winter and Bristol post-punk newcomers My First Time. Soulful R&B comes courtesy of Nectar Woode, while electronic trio PVA and Norwegian dream-pop artist Sassy 009 continue the genre-spanning momentum.

The line-up also features Los Angeles post-punk band Sunday Mourners, Belgian indie rockers The Haunted Youth, and London’s progressive outfit The Orchestra (For Now), alongside indie rock favourites The Skinner Brothers and Australian four-piece The Tullamarines. Lancashire’s Tom Rasmussen brings art-pop flair, while Cambridge singer-songwriter Tommy Barlow offers a more introspective edge. London producer Tsatsamis adds confessional dance-pop to the mix, joined by genre-defying band Y.

The Orchestra (For Now) (pic Max Tollworthy)

New for 2026, The Great Escape introduces TGE Wristband Rewards, giving festivalgoers even more to explore across Brighton beyond the music. In partnership with a range of local businesses, wristband holders will be able to unlock exclusive perks throughout the festival, including discounts and special offers such as 10% off purchases or complimentary items with in-store spend. Participating venues include Shelter Hall, Helm Gallery, Stanley Road Department Store, Chilli Pickle, Beach Box Spa and Family Store, with more to be announced. Full details on all available rewards will be accessible via the official TGE app, offering fans a seamless way to make the most of their festival experience both on and off stage.

Synonymous with new music discovery and acting as a springboard for rising artists, The Great Escape is the festival for new music. Playing host to over 450 up-and-coming artists and hotly tipped talent across 35+ walkable venues, alongside the music industry-led TGE conference, the festival will kick off the 2026 season from 13th – 16th May in Brighton. Tickets for The Great Escape festival are on sale HERE.

ANNOUNCED TODAY BY GENRE:

GRIME, RAP & HIP-HOP
CEEBO | DIZ LYRIC | KEYAH/BLU | NORI | SUGABOO

PUNK, ROCK & METAL
BIG TRUCK | DÉÉFAIT | LONNIE GUNN | SPIKEMYHEART | THE CABS

AFROBEATS
SAVARA

DAILY HIGHLIGHTS (*indicates TGE Spotlight Show which requires additional ticket)

WEDNESDAY 14 MAY

THURSDAY 15 MAY

FRIDAY 16 MAY

SATURDAY 17 MAY

For The Great Escape Full lineup visit greatescapefestival.com.