The Great Escape, 13th-16th May 2026, multi-venue across Brighton

It’s heading towards that time of year again when the streets and venues of Brighton are packed with music from every genre. With over 450 artists and the music industry-led TGE conference, the festival is a huge draw every year, and the most recent names to be announced have undoubtedly enhanced the already glowing line-up.

Heading to Brighton this May, the latest additions include UK alt-indie six-piece Adult DVD, with Irish rock duo Dea Matrona bringing guitar-driven energy, while London’s soulful hip-hop artist Bella Barbe and Birmingham rapper-producer Tony Bontana add grime and rap firepower. Experimental math-rock duo Angine de Poitrine from Quebec and Australian post-punk four-piece dogworld push genre boundaries, alongside 90s alt-rock trio HEADSEND, melodic London five-piece Marsy and alt rock shoegaze London band benchwarmer. Meanwhile, London alt-indie outfit Dead Dads Club, led by ex-Palma Violet frontman Chilli Jesson, injects post-punk flair, R&B polymath Wesley Joseph adds smooth, genre-blending grooves, whilst rising Sunderland singer-songwriter Tom A. Smith brings his anthemic indie rock and sharp lyricism to the bill. Fans of indie innovation will also welcome New York trio Chanpan, Brooklyn alt-indie frontwoman Julia Cumming of Sunflower Bean, Halifax rock trio TheOrielles, Margate Afro synth-funk five-piece Pigeon, Cardiff post-punk/disco five-piece Why Horses?, and emotive indie folk singer-songwriter Heidi Curtis. London-based pop singer-songwriter Lauren Auder and Australian songwriter Matthew Ifield round out a line-up brimming with global talent, with many more acts still to be revealed.

The Great Escape is also partnering with NME to celebrate the festival’s 20th anniversary with a special spotlight show from locals The Kooks, who join previously announced spotlight acts Kingfishr and Peaches.

Check back in with us soon as we’re busy putting together our shortlist of must-see acts (and hoping they don’t clash!)

Tickets, full line and loads of handy info at greatescapefestival.com

Published 11th March 2026