Anna Hyams

Anna has been a festival fanatic since her first ever outing to Download Festival back in 2001, she's got eclectic tastes and covers everything from metal to EDM and loves a chance to try out new festivals. Anna has covered a few European festivals like Snowbombing and Wacken Open Air, but mainly hits up her UK faves; Download, Bestival and Bloodstock!

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN ANNOUNCED AS THE FIRST HEADLINER FOR THE LONG ROAD FESTIVAL 2026

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MULTI-PLATINUM STAR BAILEY ZIMMERMAN ANNOUNCED AS THE FIRST HEADLINER FOR THE LONG ROAD FESTIVAL 2026 

AUGUST 27-30 2026; EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE, SATURDAY DAY TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

THE LONG ROAD RETURNS FOLLOWING ITS BIGGEST YEAR YET IN 2025 – WATCH THE RECAP HERE

(Download hi-res here)


LONDON, U.K. – (Dec 3, 2025) – The UK’s largest outdoor Country, Americana and Roots festival, The Long Road, returns for a seventh year to the scenic grounds of Stanford Hall, Leicestershire over the August 2026 Bank Holiday weekend (Aug. 27 – 30). Kicking off the lineup, multi-platinum, record-breaking star Bailey Zimmerman is confirmed as the Saturday night headliner, marking his first UK performance in more than two years, following his sold-out UK and European headline run in 2024.

Celebrated as a true tastemaker event, The Long Road spotlights artists at every stage in their career, from powerhouse veterans to rising stars. With stages inspired by the places that shape country music – from front porches and dive bars, to miles across the Interstate, to the big-break main stage.  The festival’s evolution sees 2026 welcoming Bailey Zimmerman, who sets the tone for the strongest line up yet with many more names to be announced. 

Festival co-founder Baylen Leonard shared of the announcement: “Bailey Zimmerman is one of the most exciting live artists to emerge recently and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to The Long Road.  With his trademark showmanship and immense singalong hits, his mainstage set is going to be one to remember. Bailey’s energy and TLR’s status as a must attend event for UK music fans is the perfect match!”

Beyond the music, festival-goers return to The Long Road year after year to soak up the Country lifestyle – U.S. inspired street food and American BBQ, craft beers, the Lucky Dice Classic Car & Bike show, line dancing, campfires, vintage funfair rides, the dog show and pooch parade, activities and games for families & kids, Country-oke, and more. 

Friday & Sunday headliners and much more across four days and over six stages to be announced.

After a record-breaking super early bird release, the festival has launched Family Tickets for two adults and up to three children, saving over £80. Group, Saturday and remaining Early Bird tickets are available now at: https://www.thelongroad.com/tickets  

“The array of artists on display at The Long Road demonstrates country music’s greatest strength: its variety.” – DIY

“The Long Road seems to be a shining beacon of hazy late summer, drenched in soulful wholesome vibes that are sure to put you at ease. It’s hard to put this festival in the context of festivals as a whole, because it feels as the tagline goes, like being ‘welcomed home’.” – Summer Festival Guide

“If you’re even half-curious about country, this is the weekend that will make you fall in love with it.” – Music News

“What sets The Long Road apart from other festivals is its warm, welcoming atmosphere. It feels like coming home—relaxed, fun, and safe” – Rock At Night

“The Long Road transports you to the States with its BBQ food, Kentucky bourbon masterclasses, a Honky-tonk bar, and an exciting line-up of country music stars.” – The Standard

“Phenomenal… The Long Road continues to cement its legacy as one of England’s premiere country music festivals” – Holler

“The Long Road delivers it all. It’s an authentic, immersive and welcoming family friendly experience” – Grazia

Official Site | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok

(Credit: Alexander Ward & Jade Vowles & Kezia Tan)

Scooter Announced For Download Festival 2026

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SCOOTER
GERMANY’S MOST SUCCESSFUL TECHNO ACT
BREAK BOUNDARIES WITH CONFIRMED PERFORMANCE AT DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2026

 TICKETS ON SALE NOW
www.downloadfestival.co.uk
 
 Wednesday 26 November 2025: Announced today for Download Festival 2026 are the one and only Scooter, Germany’s most successful techno act. After years of fans calling for Scooter to play, Download Festival have delivered. Scooter will be breaking boundaries and headlining the Avalanche Stage during this year’s festival, which will take place on 10-14 June 2026 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets on sale now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
 
Scooter will be joining an already stellar line-up, headlined by the holy trinity of Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park. Already announced are the likes of Electric Callboy, Pendulum, Cypress Hill, Trivium, Bad Omens, Halestorm, The All-American Rejects, BABYMETAL, Ice Nine Kills, Tom Morello, Bush, Feeder, Ash, The Pretty Reckless, Dogstar, and many more.
 
Over the past 30 years, Scooter have become Germany’s most successful techno act and have achieved well-deserved cult status. Led by frontman H. P. Baxxter, the band have made music history, with over 30 million records sold, over 2.5 billion streams, and more than 1000 sold out shows worldwide, from Europe to Australia. And due to popular demand, Scooter will be playing Download Festival for the very first time in 2026.
 
With classics like ‘The Logical Song’, ‘Hyper Hyper’, ‘How Much Is The Fish?’ and newer anthems like ‘For Those About To Rave’, one thing is clear: Scooter are not nostalgia; they’re a phenomenon. After years of Download-goers requesting Scooter on the line-up, it is finally happening. With their iconic sounds and high-energy live shows, they are sure to go down a storm at Download XXIII.
 
Book tickets now: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.


Mumford & Sons to headline BST Hyde Park 2026

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American Express presents BST Hyde Park is delighted to welcome Mumford & Sons back to the Great Oak Stage on Saturday 4 July 2026 – ten years since their last legendary appearance.


For a band born in West London’s grassroots music scene, this is more than a show. It’s a homecoming. They will be joined by special guest The War On Drugs, with more artists to be revealed. Tickets on sale Thursday 4 December at 10am.

Mumford & Sons have travelled the world since 2008, headlining festivals, topping charts, and collaborating with icons like Dylan, Springsteen and Neil Young. But London has always been the band’s anchor, and Hyde Park remains one of their most cherished stages.

Their upcoming album Prizefighter, arriving 13 February, was created with Aaron Dessner at Long Pond Studio and features Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Chris Stapleton and Gigi Perez. It follows RUSHMERE, their 2025 UK No. 1 album that powered a sold-out global arena tour.

Mumford & Sons say: “Hyde Park is woven into our story, it’s where so many memories were made. Coming back a decade later, with all this new music, feels incredibly special. London is and always will be the band’s home. We can’t wait.”

The 2026 set will celebrate every corner of the band’s catalogue from early favourites and modern classics to brand-new songs performed for the first time. Expect one of the biggest sing-alongs Hyde Park will see all summer.

AEG Presents CEO Jim King says: “Their last Hyde Park show was a milestone for BST. Having them return at this moment in their career is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

The War on Drugs have steadily emerged as one of this century’s great rock and roll synthesists, removing the gaps between the underground and the mainstream, between the obtuse and the anthemic, making records that wrestle a fractured past into a unified and engrossing present. Led by Adam Granduciel, The New Yorker called them “the best American ‘rock’ band of this decade” in support of their album, A Deeper Understanding, for which they won the 2018 Grammy for Best Rock Album and were nominated for a BRIT Award for International Group of the Year. 2020 saw the release of LIVE DRUGS, followed by 2024’s LIVE DRUGS AGAIN,  featuring live interpretations of songs throughout their career, including off their 2014 breakthrough, Lost In The Dream. Co-produced by Granduciel and Shawn Everett, their fifth studio album, I Don’t Live Here Anymore, “chips away some of their hazier edges in favor of sharper melodies, broadening the borders of the meticulous yet joyously simple sound [Granduciel] has perfected” (Pitchfork, Best New Music). It landed on numerous 2021 best albums of the year lists and garnered a second GRAMMY Award nomination (Best Rock Song) and BRIT Award nomination. The band headlined Madison Square Garden in support of its release.

Previously announced 2026 BST Hyde Park headliners are country star Garth Brooks (Saturday 27 June), Pitbull on Friday 10 July, and Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi (Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July), with many more stars to be announced. More information can be found on www.bst-hydepark.com. 

Tickets:

Amex presale begins – Thursday 27 November – 10am GMT

Artist presale begins –  Monday 1 December – 10am GMT

AXS presale begins – Wednesday 3 December – 10am GMT

General on sale – Thursday 4 December – 10am GMT

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark

BST Hyde Park announce Maroon 5 as 2026 headline act

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American Express presents BST Hyde Park announces their next major headliner for 2026; global sensations Maroon 5 make their Hyde Park debut on Friday 3 July 2026. Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday 12 November. Visit www.bst-hydepark.com.

Over the past three decades, Maroon 5 have become one of the defining pop bands of their generation, fronted by charismatic lead singer Adam Levine. Their breakthrough came with 2002’s Songs About Jane, which took off when “This Love” hit the Top 5 in 2004, followed by hits like “She Will Be Loved” and “Sunday Morning.” The band’s follow-up album It Won’t Be Soon Before Long went multi-platinum, propelled by the chart-topping “Makes Me Wonder.” Over the years, they have collaborated with major names including Christina Aguilera on the globally adored 2011 number one “Moves Like Jagger,” as well as Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Kendrick Lamar, Future and many more.

Their hit-filled run includes the albums Overexposed (2012), V (2014), Red Pill Blues (2017), and JORDI (2021), producing global smashes such as “One More Night,” “Sugar,” “Girls Like You” and “Memories.” Alongside huge headline tours and collaborations, they delivered one of their most high-profile moments when they headlined the Super Bowl LIII halftime show in 2019. More than two decades on with 135 million records sold, Maroon 5 remain chart regulars, continuing to evolve their sound through R&B, pop and hip-hop influences while maintaining their status as one of modern pop’s biggest bands.

Joining them are former collaborators, the GRAMMY® nominated OneRepublic. Since their debut, the band has amassed over 5 billion Spotify streams. Their 2007 debut album Dreaming Out Loud featured the 20-million-selling single “Apologize”, a global smash that earned them a GRAMMY® nomination. This was followed by 2009’s Waking Up, with hits including “All the Right Moves,” “Secrets” and “Good Life.” In 2013, they released the platinum-certified Native, which spawned the global No. 1 single “Counting Stars.” Later albums include Oh My My (2016) and Human (2021). Their 2022 hit “I Ain’t Worried,” from Top Gun: Maverick, surpassed 3 billion streams, and in 2024 they released “I Don’t Wanna Wait” with David Guetta, alongside “Nobody (from Kaiju No.8)” and “Invincible (from Kaiju No.8).”

Their sixth album Artificial Paradise arrived with standout tracks “Hurt” and “Sink or Swim,” followed by a deluxe edition featuring collaborations with Jelly Roll and acoustic versions of their hits. Additional releases included “Chasing Paradise” with Kygo, “Tell Me” with Ikky and Karan Aujla, and a reimagined version of The Supermen Lovers’ classic “Starlight,” titled “Starlight (The Fame).” Most recently, the band released “Beautiful Colors (from Kaiju No.8)” as the ending theme for the second season of the anime series. OneRepublic will tour the UK and Europe from September through November, before heading to Australia in February 2026.

Previously announced as headliners for 2026 are Garth Brooks (Saturday 27 June), Pitbull (Friday 10 July) and Lewis Capaldi (Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July), with many more acts to be announced.

Tickets:

Amex presale begins – Friday 7 November, 2025

Artist presale begins – Monday 10 November, 2025

General on sale – Wednesday 12 November, 2025

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark 

BLOODSTOCK detail new tickets & infrastructure changes

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Guess who just dropped ticket news? BLOODSTOCK, that’s who. And BLOODSTOCK’s not stopping there – your post-festival feedback has sparked some exciting infrastructure upgrades for 2026. Plus new merch is on the way, and for the easiest camping experience ever, you can now snag a pre-pitched tent. Read on…

First – mark your calendar and set your alarm, all tickets detailed below will go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 29th October at the official ticket store. Don’t hang about if you’re keen, because all tickets are available in limited quantities! 


Following a recent site meeting, BLOODSTOCK can confirm that the KYRR CAMPSITE will return in 2026! So, if you’d thought your chances of snagging a weekend ticket for BLOODSTOCK were high and dry, think again! As before, it’s important to note that Kyrr will be a quiet campsite, and buying a Kyrr ticket means you can only camp in the Kyrr campsite.

Adult Kyrr tickets (full weekend inc camping Thu-Sun) will be £210 (+ fees). There will also be a child Kyrr ticket available priced £69 (+ fees), for children aged 4-11 years old. Under 4’s go free. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 years or over. The Kyrr campsite will be available from Wednesday if you have also bought a Wednesday early arrival ticket (available separately in the ticket store)!

Note: if you buy a Kyrr ticket and arrive by car, in 2026 you will park in the main public car park and can fast track by crossing the road at the traffic lights from the main car park straight into the Kyrr campsite to collect your Kyrr wristband. If you buy a Kyrr ticket and are coming by coach, you will need to collect your Kyrr wristband from the main entrance box office (next door to the coach drop off point).



Sisters (of Mercy?) photo:@LimSangPhotography

CAMPERVANS! BLOODSTOCK heard your prayers, and a handful of extra campervan tickets (priced £130 + fees, without power) will also go on sale at 9am, Wednesday 29th October. They’re going to go fast, so be ready.

DAY TICKETS! If you can’t make it for the full event or perhaps you haven’t been before and want to do just a day to see what it’s like, pick your favourite day and grab a day ticket! These do not include camping or access to the campsites.

Adult day tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are priced £99 (+fees). You have access to the main arena from 10am – 2am on the day your ticket is for.

Child day tickets Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are priced £59 (+ fees) and are for children aged 4-11 years old. Under 4s go free. They also have access to the main arena from 10am – 2am on the day the ticket is for. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 years or over at all times.

With the main stage open especially for 2026 on Thursday too, you can also buy tickets just for Thursday! Thursday tickets give access to the main arena from 4pm – 2am. Adult Thursday day tickets are priced £59 (+ fees), child Thursday tix are £39 (+ fees, aged 4-11). 

PARKING! Coming by car? Day parking on Thursday costs £15 (+ fees) and covers 3pm – 3am. Day parking Friday, Saturday, or Sunday costs £20 (+ fees) and covers 9am – 3am. Full weekend parking costs £30 (+ fees). Note, these are advance booking prices, parking purchased on the gate on the day will be £5 more expensive. To pre-book parking, go to the official ticket store.

SITE CHANGES! As always, BLOODSTOCK is By The Fans, For The Fans. Festival HQ have read all your post event feedback, held some meetings, walked around the site, and can now confirm two major site changes for 2026. 
Due to the popularity of the Sophie Lancaster stage and the increased production that bands are now bringing in, BLOODSTOCK is increasing the size of the Big Top! The stage will remain enclosed rather than open air, but will be noticeably larger in 2026. 

The EMP stage is on the move! This stage will return in 2026, but at a new location in the main arena, meaning it’ll no longer compete with the thundering flow of metalheads from the main stage & neighbouring sound. BLOODSTOCK can therefore also significantly increase the viewing space, so both fans and bands have a better experience!



PRE-PITCHED TENTS! Tangerine Fields and BLOODSTOCK are inviting metal fans to go greener next summer by booking pre-pitched tents in the ASGARD campsite – a simple switch that slashes single-use tent waste and makes arrival effortless. Just turn up to a ready-to-go tent, and when the festival’s over, Tangerine Fields packs it all away! No hauling gear, no missing poles, no packing down. Bonus: any sleeping bags left behind are donated to charities, keeping gear in use and out of landfill. With tents stored close to the festival, transport miles and emissions are also cut.  Reusing complements recycling and takes sustainability one step further. Interested?

Book through Tangerine Fields, bring your festival ticket, and enjoy a greener, hassle-free BLOODSTOCK!

HOT NEW MERCH! Get ready, because some brand new items are set to launch in the official merch store on Halloween, 31st October! Maybe you’re getting ahead on your Christmas shopping?

Look out for an uber cool black-on-black design which you’ll be able to get on a tote bag, flat cap, hoodie, apron, and glass Christmas bauble! While you’re waiting, the Halloween t-shirt is on sale now, this year’s oh-so-stylish Christmas jumper is now available, and have you seen the battle jacket yet?  Shop here.
DID WE MENTION TIXEL YET? If you’ve missed out on your preferred ticket type, all hope is not lost, because if you sign up to official resale partner Tixel, you might still be able to snap up your preferred ticket type. Simply set an alert for notification if your tickets of choice become available, or pre-authorise your card in advance, so no need for constant checking back. Tixel also allows you to safely re-sell tickets to a new home if plans have changed. You can sell ALL ticket types, including installment plan purchases.

Click through to https://tixel.com/uk/bloodstock-tickets for more information on how it works. 

BLOODSTOCK 2026 is delighted to present RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, the headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT. You’ll also be able to see SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, THROWN INTO EXILE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, TRIVAX, MANTIS DEFEATS JAGUAR, BLOOD COUNTESS, GURT, OUTERGODS, FLAYED DISCIPLE, NOISEPICKER, ACID THRONE, and ALUNAH.

BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable. With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

BLOODSTOCK ADDS TESTAMENT AND THROWN INTO EXILE FOR 2025

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Have you recovered from the last BLOODSTOCK announcement yet? Well hold onto your battle jacket, because your cries of delight over that news can only be matched by today’s reveal.

BLOODSTOCK can now confirm that 2026’s stellar line-up will be further enriched by Bay Area thrash icons TESTAMENT, who have been ripping the UK a new one this month already. With more than 40 years of excellence and influence under their belt, miss their set on the Ronnie James Dio main stage before BLACK LABEL SOCIETY on Sunday at your peril. While you wait, they’ve just dropped their brand new album, Para Bellum, only yesterday via Nuclear Blast – check out its first single ‘Infanticide A.I.’ here.

TESTAMENT will be joined by their thrash pals from further down the Californian coastline, LA based THROWN INTO EXILE. If you aren’t familiar with them yet, get your ears around clobbering new single ‘Eternal Nothingness’ here and if it makes you want more, grab their last EP, Passageways, too. They’re currently shredding across the US with the Cavalera brothers and Fear Factory.
You’re welcome, thrash fans!
If you missed the news earlier this week, standard weekend tickets for 2026 are now SOLD OUT. However, all hope is not lost, because if you sign up to official resale partner Tixel, you might still be able to snap up your preferred ticket type. Simply set an alert for notification if your tickets of choice become available, or pre-authorise your card in advance, so no need for constant checking back. Tixel also allows you to safely re-sell tickets to a new home if plans have changed. You can sell ALL ticket types, including installment plan purchases.

Click through to https://tixel.com/uk/bloodstock-tickets for more information on how it works. 

Stay tuned for more info to come soon on day tickets and last year’s new Kyrr campsite. 

If you’ve already snapped up your tickets, Wednesday early access is also available in some campsites for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience. For early access or to pre-book parking, go to the official  ticket store. 

BLOODSTOCK 2026 is delighted to present RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, the headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT.

You’ll also be able to see SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, THROWN INTO EXILE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, TRIVAX, MANTIS DEFEATS JAGUAR, BLOOD COUNTESS, GURT, OUTERGODS, FLAYED DISCIPLE, NOISEPICKER, ACID THRONE, and ALUNAH.

BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable. With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.
BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

Wychwood – KAISER CHIEFS ANNOUNCED AS FIRST HEADLINER FOR 20TH EDITION

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Wychwood Festival has revealed the first huge name for its 2026 edition, with chart-topping indie icons Kaiser Chiefs confirmed to headline the Saturday night on 30th May.

Having just celebrated its biggest ever year in 2025 at Cheltenham Racecourse, Wychwood continues to cement its place as the festival to usher in the summer season in spectacular style. Each year, thousands come together in Gloucestershire for three days of music, comedy, family fun and discovery, and 2026 promises to raise the bar once again as the festival celebrates its extra special 20th edition in style.

Headlining the main stage next summer under the scenic Prestbury Hills, Kaiser Chiefs will bring their celebrated catalogue of indie anthems – including ‘I Predict a Riot’, ‘Ruby’, ‘Everyday I Love You Less and Less’ and ‘Never Miss a Beat’ – to Cheltenham Racecourse. Known for frontman Ricky Wilson’s boundless charm and the band’s formidable live reputation, having toured with the likes of U2, Foo Fighters and Green Day, the Leeds band are the perfect choice to crown another unforgettable Wychwood Festival weekend.

Kaiser Chiefs’ Ricky Wilson said: “Really looking forward to playing Wychwood next summer. Any festival that puts us top of the bill must have excellent taste so it bodes well. The summer is when we thrive, we are good at festivals and if you haven’t seen us before it’s a strong recommend. If you have seen us before then we hope to see you”

Today’s announcement follows a landmark 2025 edition that drew record-breaking crowds and unforgettable performances from Doves, James, Shed Seven and many more. With its friendly atmosphere, breathtaking setting and a track record for perfectly pairing legendary acts with exciting emerging talent, Wychwood is a true gem in the UK’s festival calendar.

In a move that reinforces Wychwood’s commitment to accessibility and community spirit, 2026 will see unbeatable value in weekend ticket prices. The full weekend experience is already proving more popular than ever before, with a record-setting 50% of weekend camping tickets sold already. With so much on offer for all ages, under-10s continue to go free, ensuring the event remains an inclusive experience for all.

Festival Director Graeme Merifield said: “After such an incredible milestone year in 2025, we wanted to come back with something really special and a first for Wychwood. Announcing Kaiser Chiefs as our Saturday headliner for 2026 feels exactly that. They’re a band that knows how to unite a crowd and bring pure joy to a festival field so I know this will be a moment to remember. I can’t wait for us to reveal more names soon, and welcome everyone to the racecourse at the start of next summer – I predict the 20th edition will be another fun-filled record-breaking year together!”

Renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and expert curation across the weekend, Wychwood continues to grow and evolve while staying true to its roots as one of the UK’s most loved boutique festival weekends.

The 20th edition of Wychwood Festival takes place 29th–31st May 2026 at Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire. Sign up now for Priority Tickets, available 10am Thursday 16th October, before the General Tickets go on sale at 10am Friday 17th October: www.wychwoodfestival.com/buy-tickets

BLOODSTOCK REVEAL BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, & MORE BANDS FOR 2026

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With Halloween around the corner, BLOODSTOCK has some early treats to share, by way of some fiendishly good bands to announce! No tricks here. Hot on the heels of the recent reveal of special guests BODY COUNT, today BLOODSTOCK can tell you another 10 bands who’ll be treading the boards at Catton Park next summer, and if you’re quick, you might just manage to snap up the last of the standard weekend tickets before the box office goblin swoops in with the giant sold out stamp. 

Striding onto the Ronnie James Dio main stage on Sunday, will be the mighty BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. Led by the inimitable, master storyteller Zakk Wylde, do they need any more introduction? Warm up your necks in advance headbangers, you’ll need it. Not ones to be intimidated by that hefty gut punch, Friday sees prime deathcore dealers FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY join the bill. 

The Sophie Lancaster stage is no slouch either. Thursday welcomes back Birmingham’s previous Metal 2 The Masses winners, boisterous lads MANTIS DEFEATS JAGUAR. Friday confirms sanguine-soaked black metal squad BLOOD COUNTESS and party sludge noiseniks GURT, both poised to enter the realms of BLOODSTOCK lore.

Keeping the metal heavy on Saturday, bear witness to the bleak sounds of blackened death & grind alchemists OUTERGODS. If you thought Sunday was a good day for a rest after all that, you thought wrong, because abrasive doom/punk/blues fans NOISEPICKER, stoner doomsters ALUNAH, death/thrash beasts FLAYED DISCIPLE, and Norwich doom trio ACID THRONE are fully committed to ensuring you round up your best metal weekender ever in blistering style!

There’s no time like the present to get your tickets ordered and start getting excited – head to the ticket store now and be part of history at BLOODSTOCK’s silver anniversary! Wednesday early access is also available in some campsites for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience. Day tickets will go on sale at a later date.
BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 is delighted to present RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, the headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT.

You’ll also be able to see SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, and TRIVAX.

With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

Pitbull to headline BST Hyde Park plus special guest Kesha

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American Express presents BST Hyde Park is thrilled to announce that its latest headliner for 2026 will be Mr Worldwide himself, Pitbull. He will be joined by Kesha and many more acts still to be revealed.

The star will take to the Great Oak Stage on Friday 10 July 2026. Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday 8 October. Visit www.bst-hydepark.com.

The international superstar has sold more than 25 million studio albums and has more than 60 million monthly listeners on streaming platforms. He has worked with everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Christina Aguilera to Usher.

With mega hits including ‘Don’t Stop the Party’, ‘Timber’, ‘Hotel Room Service’, ‘Time of Our Lives’, ‘Give Me Everything’, ‘Fireball’ and ‘Get On The Floor’ the Grammy Award winner has secured his place as not only one of the pre-eminent figures in Latin music and hip hop but as one of the biggest names in the pop world.

Pitbull’s 15-date sold-out ‘Party After Dark’ European tour in June, including two shows at the O2 arena, really took off! Thousands of bald cap adorning fans gathered at arenas across the globe.

The Times gave a 4-star review for the show at the O2, while Metro gave 4.5, writing: “I expected a good time, but nothing could’ve prepared me for the pandemonium I witnessed.”

Rolling Stone UK described Pitbull’s show as “the only cult I’d ever want to join”.

The shows resulted in a viral explosion of fans proudly wearing bald caps and dubbing themselves “The Bald E’s” in honor of the artist’s signature look and larger-than-life persona. The fan movement has taken social media by storm, celebrating Pitbull’s iconic image with humor, creativity and unity.

A true pop icon and electrifying live performer, Kesha burst onto the scene with her record-breaking debut single TiK ToK, which became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. She quickly followed it with global anthems like We R Who We R and Die Young, cementing her place as one of the defining pop voices of the 2010s. Alongside her own hits, she also topped charts worldwide with the Pitbull collaboration Timber, and first came to prominence after featuring on Flo Rida’s No.1 smash Right Round.

Across her career she has sold millions of records, clocked billions of streams and earned a Grammy nomination, all while evolving her sound from euphoric pop to raw, emotional ballads and genre-spanning experiments. This summer, Kesha returned with her acclaimed new album (…), hailed by The Guardian as “a smart, funny return to her hedonistic hot-mess persona” and by NME as “a classic combo of sass, sex and spirituality.” Kesha herself described it as “the first album I’ve made where I felt truly free” – a powerful new chapter from one of pop’s most distinctive and enduring voices.

Jim King, CEO of AEG Presents UK: “We’re proud that over the years, BST Hyde Park has welcomed artists from every corner of the musical spectrum, but there’s truly no one quite like Mr. Worldwide. Pitbull’s energy is unmatched, and his ability to unite audiences across generations is something special. BST Hyde Park is about joy, connection, and unforgettable nights, and with Pitbull, we know he will deliver all of that and more.”

Previously announced as headliners for 2026 are Garth Brooks (Saturday 27 June) and Lewis Capaldi (Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July), with many more stars to be announced.

Pitbull has also been announced as a headliner for the inaugural American Express presents Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Friday 3 July, joined by Kesha and more acts to be announced. Visit roundhayfestival.com.

Tickets:

Amex presale begins – Friday 3 October, 10am

Artist presale begins – Monday 6 October, 10am

BST presale begins – Monday 6 October, 10am

General on sale – Wednesday 8 October, 10am

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark

BLOODSTOCK ANNOUNCE BODY COUNT FOR 2026

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It’s happening. After years of fans requesting it, BODY COUNT are finally set to tear up BLOODSTOCK in August 2026.  The Grammy-winning crew led by Ice-T will make their long-overdue debut as special guests on the Ronnie James Dio main stage on the festival’s final day, Sunday 9th August, playing directly before headliner JUDAS PRIEST.

No strangers to controversy or crushing riffs, BODY COUNT have been a rallying cry for raw, unapologetic heavy music since the early ‘90s. Born from Ice-T and guitarist Ernie C’s vision to fuse street grit with blistering metal, the band has built a reputation for leveling every stage they set foot on. With a Grammy win for Best Metal Performance (for ‘Bum-Rush’ off their Carnivore album) under their belt, they’re louder, harder, and more relevant than ever. 

Festival director Vicky Hungerford comments, “After 10 years of trying we FINALLY get Body Count to Bloodstock!!! This is going to be one of the most memorable shows the festival has ever seen and how timely it’s going to be a part of our 25th anniversary celebration!” 

Tickets are flying fast – snap yours up now at the ticket store and be part of history at BLOODSTOCK’s silver anniversary! Wednesday early access is also available in some campsites for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience. Day tickets will go on sale at a later date.

BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable. With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!

BODY COUNT join an already heavy-hitting lineup including RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, the headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT.

You’ll also be able to see SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, and TRIVAX. Many more bands are still to be announced!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.