808 STATE (DJ SET), CHICANE, DJ SPOONY, DJ LUCK & MC NEAT AND MORE JOIN FAITHLESS AND CRAIG DAVID AT BARTON LIVE OPEN-AIR SERIES, MANCHESTER 

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Barton Live has announced a wave of high-profile lineup additions to its debut four-day open-air music series at Barton Aerodrome, Manchester, which runs from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 July 2026. The new names strengthen an already standout programme that brings together some of the most influential figures in UK dance and electronic music alongside globally renowned headliners.

Saturday 4 July sees Craig David Presents TS5 elevated with a heavyweight garage and club lineup, featuring UK garage pioneers DJ Luck & MC Neat and Kiss FM mainstay DJ Spoony plus multi-genre master Patrick Nazemi. The additions underline this as a definitive celebration of UK garage and r&b past and present and complements the much loved Craig David’s signature blend of live vocals and DJing.

On Friday 3 July, iconic electronic act Faithless (Live) will now be joined by acid house pioneers 808 State who will deliver a showcase of their raw sounds with an exclusive DJ set alongside trance and progressive legend Chicane. 

Thursday 2 July is headlined by David Gray, whose Past & Present Tour is already nearing sell-out while Sunday 5 July’s Electric Heart festival features indie favourites including The Fratellis, Scouting For Girls, The Feeling, The Hoosiers, Toploader and Dodgy.

Located on Liverpool Road in Eccles, Barton Aerodrome will host four consecutive 5,000-capacity open-air shows that combine large-scale production with a welcoming and accessible outdoor setting. The site will feature bespoke staging, immersive sound and lighting and practical amenities including on-site parking and strong public transport links with early evening finishes designed to appeal to a broad audience.

Barton Live is conceived as a cohesive summer series rather than standalone events so offers audiences the opportunity to experience multiple genres and world-class performances across a single long weekend. 

Ticket prices vary by event. For more information, visit bartonlive.co.uk

Thursday 2 July
David Gray – Past & Present Tour (14+)

Support Acts TBA

Gates open: 18:00 |  Last entry: 20:00 | Event ends: 23:00

Friday 3 July
Faithless – Live (14+)

Chicane
808 State
Gates open: 17:00 | Last entry: 20:00 | Event ends: 23:00

Saturday 4 July
Craig David – Presents TS5 (14+)

DJ Luck & MC Neat 

DJ Spoony
Patrick Nazemi
Gates open: 16:00 | Last entry: 18:00 | Event ends: 22:30

Sunday 5 July
Electric Heart – Manchester Indie Festival (14+)
The Fratellis

Scouting For Girls

The Feeling

The Hoosiers

Toploader 

Dodgy

Gates open: 14:00 | Last entry: 17:00 | Event ends: 22:30

Ministry of Sound Marks 35th Anniversary with First Ibiza Show In A Decade

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Ministry of Sound returns to Ibiza for the first time in a decade this September with a one-off event at 528 Ibiza, marking the next chapter in its global 35th anniversary celebrations.

Taking place on 3rd September across both the venue’s open-air garden and indoor club space, the multi-room programme reflects the breadth of Ministry’s sound; from house pioneers and underground selectors to contemporary club talent.

The garden stage will feature legendary New Yorker Louie Vega, as well as new school house star Dan Shake, Radio 1 selector Benji B and Paisley Jensen. Inside, URGE Presents will host a deeper late-night programme from Robbie Doherty, Reelow, DiOSA and Basso. 

Set in the pine-covered Benimussa Hills above San Antonio, 528 Ibiza has become known for its intimate setting, immersive production and connection to Ibiza’s more natural, Balearic spirit. Combining outdoor spaces with an indoor club room, the venue offers a more close-knit alternative to the island’s larger-scale destinations.

Ministry of Sound Club Director, Matt Long notes ”Ibiza has always been an important part of Ministry of Sound’s history, so returning after ten years away to mark our 35th anniversary had to feel special. 528 represents a side of the island that has real character and authenticity; a unique open-air venue built. With our history at Pacha and Space, this is a show we’re approaching with real intent – the venue, the production and the lineup all reflect that.”

528 Brand & Marketing Director Michael Fensom says: “We are truly excited to welcome such an iconic brand as Ministry of Sound to 528 and to be part of their global 35th anniversary celebrations.  To have the brand come back to Ibiza after 10 years and to see it come alive throughout all the different spaces of 528 is going to be very special.  This is all set to be one of the highlights of the whole season and we look forward to celebrating together.”

Originally founded in London in 1991, Ministry of Sound has played a significant role in the development of global dance music culture through its club, record label and international events. This welcome White Isle return comes in the midst of ongoing 35-year celebrations, which include events around the world and follow on from a new KV2 sound system, multi-dimensional light installation and a fully redesigned dancefloor and DJ booth that was installed in The Box earlier in the year. 

LINE UP:

Garden (17:00 – 23:00)

Louis Vega

Dan Shake

Benji B

Paisley Jensen

Club – URGE Presents (23:00 – 04:00)

Robbie Doherty 

Reelow

DiOSA

Basso

Date: 3rd September

Address: 528 Ibiza, Carrer del Romaní, 18, 07820 Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears, Spain

Sign up for access to early bird tickets at www.ministryofsoundibiza.com

Pre Sale: Weds 13th May – 10:00 BST

General Sale: Thurs 14th May – 10:00 BST

Top 10 Download Festival Side Quests – 2026

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With Download Festival creeping up on us, the group chat is probably full of set clashes and rabid weather-watch to see if you need to pack wellies or suncream. Let’s face it, it’s probably both. Now I love that we have access to great festival apps these days, live set-times and easy maps… great stuff, excellent use of technology outside of cat videos to be honest.

The problem is: modern festivals are too connected for shenanigans. In the early noughties you could lose your mates for six glorious hours and call it character development. Some of my best stories are about the things we did when we lost everyone to the crowd, like that time our mate Jimmy was so stoned he just joined a queue for a bit so he could chat to people – and ended up being one of the lucky VIP area wristband holders that year… bastard.

Now, with everyone trackable on snap and pin-drops, you have to choose adventure. Reject life-long friendships and go be a silly hobbit for a while, for a treat. Here’s my list of stuff you could stumble into, if you choose…

  • 1. Find Five (the band) and commit to the bit: Somewhere at Download, the spirit of late-90s pop refuses to die. You’re lying if you say you don’t know the lyrics to at least one Five song, that shit is etched into your brain from the school disco and at a month out, you’ve still got time to relearn the choreography. Bonus points if you bring the shockwaves gel and hedgehog your hair in a classic Scott style.
  • 2. Get a tattoo from Old Sarum: The truly committed return home with merch that can’t be lost in a tent collapse. Fan faves: Download totem, the iconic Dog, classic barbed wire around the bicep, bees on your knees, or a beautifully questionable tramp stamp. They usually drop a flash sheet closer to the event, so keep your eyes peeled and your impulse control lower than usual. But like, keep it clean and out of the sun babes, we do not want Sepsis as a going home present.
  • 3. Learn rock sign language from the interpreters: Stage-side interpreters are doing elite-level multitasking: translating lyrics, capturing attitude, and somehow keeping time while the crowd turns into a washing machine. Watch them for five minutes and you’ll realise you’ve been underperforming with your hands your entire life. Bonus points if you learn a few signs and can still headbang without poking yourself in the eyeballs.

  • 4. Sky catapult:  There’s something very nostalgic about the screaming, and I always wonder what possesses people to want to do this. Some sort of ancestral longing to feel the force of the trebuchet? Oh well, a classic DL experience, but I caution you to pick whatever meal you eat beforehand wisely. There’s ‘festival memory’ and then there’s “someone filmed it and it’s on TikTok forever.”
  • 5. Join Swappie Fest and become a tiny-gift goblin: Swappie Fest has a famously wholesome Facebook group (500+ members and growing) and the vibe is pure crafty magic: I’ve seen bracelets, keyrings, crochet punky duck charms, sweets, stickers, handmade mini dreamcatchers… you name it. You’ve got enough time to join the fun if you want to be a trinket gifter, get on it!
  • 6. Investigate the mysterious Fourth Wing thing: Apparently there’s some kind of Fourth Wing activation (yes, that Fourth Wing—Rebecca Yarros). At the time of writing there’s only the promo post, meaning nobody knows what’s actually happening. If we can’t get real dragons, I don’t know if I’m emotionally prepared to care… but I know the BookTok girlies are not going to want to miss whatever this is.
  • 7. Do RockFit (or, if you’re unhinged, join the campsite runners): RockFit is a great way to feel like a functioning person before the day turns into pints and pit dust. There’s also the running-partner crowd—people who, for reasons beyond science, want to jog around the campsites in the morning. Meanwhile, the rest of us will be doing what nature intended: slithering out of the tent like a slug at sunrise and drinking whatever hideously warm liquid we find by the door, just to choke down an oat bar.
  • 8. Play Red Hat Round Up: Take a drink every time you see a Fred Durst red cap in the wild. Yes, it’s still everywhere. No, he doesn’t even wear a red cap himself anymore. Yes, I still wish he would. (Pace yourself. You’ve got a weekend to survive.)
  • 9. Dogstar Cosplay: Show up dressed as the Wyld Stallyns. Or better: go as Rufus. Or better still: get a whole group together and turn the mosh pit into the Bill & Ted history montage—Socrates, Freud, Joan of Arc, Genghis Khan, the lot. It’s educational.
  • 10. Hit K‑pop Emo Hunters at the silent disco: Over in the Ace of Spades, K‑pop Emo Hunters runs as a silent disco with two channels playing simultaneously: Emo and K‑pop. That means you’ll watch two completely different dance-floor narratives happening in the same physical space, enjoy the chaos and the musical whiplash and most importantly SEAL THE HONMOON.

That should be more than enough official stuff to get you going, but remember – the best adventures are the ones you never prepare for, so keep your eyes and ears open for anything that sounds like it might be worth retelling over the next few decades of your life…

Bonus side quest: Don’t watch the World Cup—apparently Download wants nothing to do with it…

Eden Festival news!

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Not content with having 250+ artists across 10 stages at this year’s Eden Festival, including Julian Marley, Chali 2na (live band), Vieux Farka Touré, She Drew The Gun and Kai Reesu, a few wee extra surprises have just been added.

On Sunday afternoon, Scottish songwriting icon Dougie MacLean, as well as playing what will no doubt be a fantastic set later on Sunday, will also be performing as a guest with one of the festival’s regular and very much an Eden-goer favourite: Dumfries Community Choir!

Also, as our wee nation’s obviously expecting a win because it’s less a sport and more of a lifestyle, Eden are very happy to announce that they’ll be bringing the World Cup to Raehills valley by showing the Scotland vs Haiti match on 14 June at 02.00. It’s Scotland’s first World Cup fixture since 1998 and Eden will naturally be showing it in the finest festival-pub ever, Rabbies Tavern. Saltire’s and singing shall be in be in full flow. And hopefully a few goals.

Hannah Gould (festival director):

‘We are very excited to welcome everyone back to the Garden . This year we are super proud of our line up of Julian Marley, Chali 2na, plus Vieux Farka Touré, and super excited to be showing Scotland ‘s World cup game in the best pub in the world! If that’s not enough we even have a bank holiday on the Monday!

Eden is a festival for all ages and everyone is welcome.

We are a Community run event powered by volunteers and a lot of love. Please support you small independent festivals this summer.

See you all soon!’

‘Eden might not be the biggest festival, but it’s certainly the happiest. 5/5’ – Daily Record

‘Not many festivals can throw the party of the year, every year.

All that’s missing is a Disco ball for a moon’ – Sunday Mail

Introducing Lost Oasis: The Ultimate Summer Escape Coming to Central London

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This Summer 2026, the architectural boundary between the urban landscape and the natural world will dissolve in central London as Lost Oasis is unveiled. Nestled within the iconic grounds of St Martin-in-the-Fields, overlooking Trafalgar Square, this immersive urban sanctuary will turn the concrete heart of Central London into a lush, sprawling haven of greenery and high-end food, sport and entertainment. 

In collaboration with Cornwall’s iconic The Lost Gardens of Heligan, one of Britain’s best-loved and romantic gardens, in partnership with Blue Forest, Lost Oasis is an immersive experience designed by some of the world’s leading landscape designers.

Lost Oasis is a multisensory fusion of culture, flavour and energy – an immersive installation that goes beyond the traditional pop-up. A series of beautifully crafted timber structures, woven with vibrant planting, creates distinct spaces for socialising and discovery. In collaboration with Architectural Plants, the progressive West Sussex nursery known for showcasing the world’s most exciting plants, the experience becomes a lush tropical escape. Step inside to be surrounded by bold, exotic foliage, the scent of evergreen jasmine, towering palms and layers of ferns—an environment designed to awaken every sense and leave you newly plant-obsessed.

Inside the leafy setting, Lost Oasis will host an impressive programme running from June to August. A rotating line-up of top chefs including Nathan Outlaw, Simon Stallard, Jordan Bailey, Emily Scott, Adam Handling MBE and Sally Abé will lead a series of residencies in the kitchen, each presenting their own menus across the summer.

This is complemented by a schedule of major sporting screenings, including the FIFA World Cup, Wimbledon screenings and a special event for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, alongside live music provided by Sofar Sounds, live comedy and more. 

At the heart of the experience sits The Mud Maid Bar, the showpiece and striking focal point of  Lost Oasis, inspired by the signature artwork of The Lost Gardens of Heligan by sculptors Sue and Pete Hill. Nearby, the Cornish Orchard Cider Tree offers a playful and immersive twist, inviting guests to pour their own pint directly from a sculptural cider tree. Tucked beneath the Treehouse, The Whispering Bar provides a more intimate escape, dedicated to rosé, wine and strawberry-led serves. 

At its centre, a planted garden space with climbing greenery and pollinator-friendly installations will provide a more informal setting for day-to-evening use, from after-work drinks to ticketed events. The site is a living garden of climbing vines and flowers between Heligan installations featuring planters of mixed materials, living walls with green spaces and homes for pollinators throughout. Lost Oasis will be a casual retreat for after work wind downs with friends and a host for exclusive events. 


Lost Oasis 2026 Calendar (10th June – 30th August)

Food & Drink

Cornish Orchards Kitchen (10th – 28th June): Cornish Orchards Cider presents the Cornish Orchards Kitchen, bringing together the South West’s leading culinary talent in one sensational menu – only available at Lost Oasis. The chefs featured are all Cornwall born and the best at their craft; Michelin starred Nathan Outlaw (one of the most celebrated and respected chefs in the UK, specialising in seafood and famous for his restaurants Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen and the newly opened Outlaw’s Bistro in Port Isaac in Cornwall), Simon Stallard (founder of The Hidden Hut in Cornwall, he champions sustainable, hyper-seasonal cooking that connects people to their surroundings), Jordan Bailey (The chef behind Aimsir, a prestigious Irish restaurant awarded two Michelin stars) and Emily Scott (an acclaimed chef celebrated for her food-focused, restaurant-based cuisine in Cornwall.) Plus, Portia Freeman will be creating an exclusive Cornish based cocktail that will be sold throughout the entire run of Lost Oasis.

Cheesewick In The City (10th June): Catch Chiswick’s favourite Cheese market in central London, where cheese lovers can explore a delicious array of the finest artisan cheeses from across the UK and beyond.

Adam Handling MBE Residency (29th – 26th July): We’re delighted to welcome Adam Handling MBE to Lost Oasis for his residency. Adam Handling MBE is a Michelin-starred British chef and leading zero-waste advocate. Founder of the Adam Handling Restaurant Group, he oversees a diverse portfolio of venues including The Frog (1 Michelin star), Ugly Butterfly (1 Michelin star), Loch & The Tyne, The Tartan Fox, Eve Bar, and his chocolate shop. A cookbook author and TV regular, Adam champions sustainability and modern British dining.

Sally Abé Residency (27th July – 9th August): Sally Abé also joins Lost Oasis this summer. Sally Abé is the chef-owner of Teal by Sally Abé, where she champions bold, flavour-driven modern British cooking. Formerly Head Chef at the Michelin-starred Harwood Arms, she retained its star and helped establish it as one of the UK’s leading gastropubs. Sally has also led kitchens at The Pem and The Bull in Charlbury and is a familiar face on Great British Menu, celebrating nostalgic British dishes with a refined twist.

The full August programme is to be announced.

Plus drinks & refreshments brought to Lost Oasis by: Casamigos Tequila, Chapel Down, Cloudy Bay, Cornish Orchard, DoubleDutch, Edinburgh Gin, Fever Tree, Gypsy Hill Brewing Co., Heineken, Ninetimes, Rosaluna, Rosemullion, Sipsmith, Taittinger, Whispering Angel and Brickell’s Ice Cream.

Sport

World Cup Party presented by Pukka Pies (17th/23rd/27th June): It’s Coming Home? Sit back and enjoy the best of the FIFA World Cup, taking in the England matches, hopefully at their best…  Special guest to be announced.

World Cup Semi-Final and Final Screenings (14th/15th/19th July): It’s Coming Home! Whether or not England get through, Lost Oasis is the perfect spot to catch the World Cup Finals.

Formula 1 British Grand Prix Team Takeover (2nd – 5th July): One of the iconic sporting events of the summer, we join the British Grand Prix with stadium style seating to watch on big screens. More details to be added.

Wimbledon Championship Finals (11th – 12th July): The quintessential British summer sporting season, the nail biting Wimbledon Championship finals will be shown on our screens, surrounded by lush greenery of Lost Oasis.

Music & ComedyComedy Festival (27th – 30th July): Kick back and laugh with incredible comedy nights with some of the UK’s best comedians across four days. Line-up to be announced.

Live Music with Sofar Sounds x Gipsy Hill Summer Series (Various Dates between 11th June – 6th August): Live music lands at Lost Oasis every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, join us for a series of intimate performances brought to you by Sofar Sounds x Gipsy Hill Brewing Co. This global community connects artists and audiences through unique, up-close experiences, providing the perfect soundtrack to your summer.

Plus, don’t miss the Sofar Sounds festival day on 25th July, featuring a diverse mix of genres set against a vibrant, nature-inspired backdrop, all paired with craft beer and great food.

Opening Times & Tickets

Throughout June and July, Lost Oasis will be open 7 days a week from 4pm-11pm Monday to Friday, 12pm-11pm on Saturdays, and 12pm-6pm on Sundays.

During the dates of Wimbledon, we will be open from 12pm-11pm and there will be live tennis screenings throughout the afternoon.

Lost Oasis will only be open to the public on certain nights whereby there isn’t a pre-bookable special event. Some of these are for the public, i.e. the Sofar Sounds x Gipsy Hill Summer Series or World Cup Activations and will be able to purchase tickets through partner sites or will be closed for private events.

All public events are ticketed and will cost £10 ex fees, which includes a drink voucher. This offers guaranteed entry before 8pm and access to the special activities that night, whether that be the Cornish Orchard Cider Tree or tastings etc… and of course, our very special food offerings so we strongly suggest booking in advance.

Throughout August, Lost Oasis will be open 6 days a week (Monday-Saturday) for lunch (12pm-3pm) & dinner (5pm-11pm) and Sunday for lunch (12pm-5pm) with live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

Tom Grafton, The SHS Collective founder, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Lost Oasis to London for the first time this summer. It’s been a long time in the making and excited to finally deliver a highly elevated and curated space for London to enjoy.

At its core, Lost Oasis is about creating a beautiful outdoor space people love spending time in over the summer whilst transporting them somewhere new and magical.

We are very lucky to have some amazing partners joining us from some of the UK’s leading chefs to leading talent across music and comedy so awaiting at the Oasis is delicious food, drinks and a great atmosphere. We’re looking forward to opening in June, seeing it come to life and welcoming all.”

Sir Tim Smit, The Lost Gardens of Heligan co-founder, said: “Opportunities to get truly lost in London come rarely and so we are proud to welcome you to the Lost Oasis, a lush and verdant sanctuary in the heart of the city, inspired by The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

“The Lost Oasis is not only a vibrant and exciting events space and social hub but will also connect people with the natural world and showcase the essence of what makes Heligan so special.“

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Shambala Line-Up: 80 new names including Paranoid London, CERN and Zack Polanski

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Fresh from its landmark transition to become the UK’s first employee-owned festival, Shambala Festival has shared a significant new wave of programming for its 2026 edition, featuring over 80 new artists including Paranoid London, Luke Vibert, K-Lone and Om Unit, plus blockbuster speakers such as Zack Polanski and a UK exclusive from world-leading laboratory, Cern Festival Programme & Big Bang Collective.

The newly announced artists blend festival stalwarts with emerging underground talent, global roots voices and cutting-edge names from the worlds of dance and electronic music. They join an already expansive music billing – featuring the likes of Bob Vylan, Goat, BCUC, Los Bitchos, Hollie Cook, The Selecter and Orchestra Baobab.

Stylistically diverse new additions include acid house heroes Paranoid London, acclaimed Welsh harpist Catrin Finch, London up-and-comer Summer Pearl, Egyptian-Australian multi-instrumentalist Joseph Tawadros, UK-Ghanaian duo Mina & Bryte, Birmingham’s “post-apocalyptic party band” Diddy Sweg, and vintage-tinged festival favourites Electric Swing Circus. 

A renowned late-night haunt, Shambala’s Enchanted Woods are set to rumble with DJ sets from genre-defying collective Ishmael Ensemble, afro-latin bass DJ Cal Jader, K-LONE (Wisdom Teeth), techno pioneer Luke Vibert and Bristol-based electronic legend Om Unit.

The 2026 edition also places a spotlight on co-curation and community, featuring a Decolonise Festival takeover with Bona Rays and steel. at the Rebel Soul venue, as well as the Ladies Bathroom Songwriters Takeover at the Hertz So Good youth-led venue. 

Other ones to watch include Drag Syndrome – an internationally acclaimed drag collective, featuring fierce and brilliant artists with Down syndrome – and Vespa Cougourdon Ourchestra, who promise a wild, anarchic and intoxicating show – complete with homemade gourd instruments.

True to Shambala’s radical roots, its 2026 Talks & Speakers offering is designed to fire up hearts, minds and spirits – with much of this year’s programme taking a close look at the current political landscape through a decidedly hopeful lens. Transition movement co-founder Rob Hopkins explores How To Fall in Love With the Future, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski hosts a live edition of his Bold Politics podcast.

Other highlights include a call to resistance from Led by Donkeys, who return after a packed-out talk in 2025, and a provocative look at sustainable eating in Deer Oh Deer Now What? – which picks up where the meat-free festival’s recent audience debate about introducing wild venison left off. 

In a major coup for 2026, the CERN Festival Programme and the Big Bang Collective also arrive at Shambala for a UK festival exclusive. This residency from the world-leading laboratory brings of-the-moment science and tech topics to the heart of the festival with four sessions across the weekend. 

Following last year’s sell-out show, tickets for 2026 are moving fast. Tier 1 and 2 tickets are now completely sold out across Adult, Elders and Young Adult ticket types, with limited Tier 3 Adult, Young Adult and Green Traveller tickets remaining.

To widen accessibility, Shambala has recently introduced new payment plans, allowing fans to secure tickets for an initial payment of under £30, with the remaining balance spread across weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments until the summer. 

With its genre-defying line-up, commitment to inspiring positive change and deep-rooted community, 2026 is shaping up to be another unforgettable chapter in Shambala’s story.

For tickets, full line-up details and information, visit: https://www.shambalafestival.org/buy-tickets/ 

Yardworks Festival marks milestone 10th anniversary at SWG3

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Yardworks Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary this weekend with its most ambitious edition to date, transforming SWG3 into a dynamic, large-scale canvas across Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May. Welcoming 4500 visitors across the two-day event, the festival brought together 120 artists from across the globe alongside local pioneers and emerging talent for a packed programme of live painting, installations, workshops and music.

Now firmly established as one of Europe’s leading festivals of graffiti and urban art, Yardworks continued to build on its grassroots origins with an expanded focus on participation and community engagement. Across the site, artists worked in real time to create large-scale murals, while audiences engaged with an enhanced programme of drop-in workshops, talks and interactive installations designed to open up the practice of street art to all ages and experience levels.

This year’s line-up reflected the global reach of the festival, with internationally recognised names including PEACHZZ, .EPOD, ZURIK and WILLIAN joined by artists such as ESKAE and HOACS  from the USA, Nexus and Strapper from Australia and more from across Europe reflecting the depth and global reach of the scene. Scottish talent remained central to the programme, with artists including KMG & Pizzaboy and further UK names like Katie Scott, Aroe, Tech Moon and Tizer. 

Beyond the murals, the 2026 edition saw significant growth in its interactive programme. The Family Zone returned across both days with hands-on activities including spray can upcycling, T-shirt design and collaborative painting walls, while workshops for both young people and adults offered opportunities to develop new skills. Doodle-a-thon once again brought visitors together in a collective creative effort, building on previous large-scale public works.

New for 2026, Yardworks expanded beyond its core site, with satellite activity including the transformation of pillars at the Kingston Bridge as part of the ongoing GRID placemaking programme, alongside continued live painting at the Clyde Walkway legal wall. An extended talks and industry programme further explored the role of street art in culture, identity and regeneration, reinforcing the festival’s position within wider creative discourse.

A key highlight of the weekend was the introduction of the Street Arts Prize, a new initiative supporting emerging Scotland-based artists. The £1,000 award, established to celebrate underrepresented voices within the street art community, was presented live at the festival, with the winner also receiving the opportunity to create new work as part of the Yardworks programme. The prize reflects an ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and widening access within the scene.

Andrew Leitch, creator of the Street Arts Prize, said: “The loss of my partner in 2024 taught me that life is indeed too short and that we need to celebrate it whilst we are still alive. I wanted a living legacy to give back therefore I have committed £5,000 to support 5x£1,000 prizes for Street Art in Scotland over the next 5 years.

“This inaugural Street Art Prize will celebrate Scottish artists whose work brings something fresh, personal, and powerful to the street art and graffiti scene and allow for more voices to be heard and seen through their art.

“Why did I do this? Because sometimes you just have to do what your heart tells you.”

Prize winner Katie, also known as KMG, an Edinburgh-based street artist with over two decades of experience working across Scotland and internationally, said: “I’m thrilled to have won the street arts prize. I’ve been creating work on the streets of Scotland for over two decades and so it feels very special to have this work recognised and acknowledged with this prize. At a time when working as a visual artist in Scotland is incredibly precarious, this prize is a much valued contribution to the stability of my own creative practice and will support me in continuing to afford to develop my work as a single mother working in an increasingly difficult social, political and economical landscape.”

Visitors also enjoyed a wide selection of street food and on-site bars throughout the weekend, with indoor and outdoor spaces offering opportunities to experience the festival at a relaxed pace. As in previous years, the event remained fully accessible and family-friendly, reinforcing its inclusive ethos.

The completed murals will remain open to the public for viewing from 10am to 4pm for the next 2 weeks, Monday to Friday, with tours and workshops available for school and community groups via prior booking.

With its scale, ambition and continued commitment to community and creativity, Yardworks Festival 2026 marks a significant milestone in its evolution, reinforcing its reputation as a key fixture in the international street art calendar.


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Sankeys Manchester Announces Seasonal Closing Party and September Reopening

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After a standout run to start the year, iconic Manchester club Sankeys has confirmed details of its seasonal closing party alongside plans to reopen later this year following a short summer break.

The Sidney Street venue will host its seasonal closing party on Saturday 27 June to mark the end of a successful first run since reopening. The night will serve as a final send-off before the club temporarily closes its doors for the summer period.

Reflecting on the season, Wilf Gregory, Club Partner of Sankeys, says, “We have truly been blown away by the love and support in our first season of reopening and it’s been an honour to bring back such a well loved brand as Sankeys to Manchester. That being said, we will be taking a break this summer to fine tune the venue and sound ready for our winter season.”

Sankeys will return with a reopening party on Saturday 26 September, kicking off a carefully curated programme and a renewed focus on its signature underground club experience. The pause will allow the team to further refine the venue and enhance its sound system ahead of the next chapter, with more bookings that reflect Sankeys’s original ethos but through a contemporary lens, and always with the music front and centre. 

Since relaunching, Sankey’s has re-established itself as a key fixture in Manchester nightlife, bolstered by a 6am licence and the return of its iconic in-house brand, The Redlight. The club has welcomed a mix of established and emerging artists such as Felix Da Housecat, Maya Jane Coles, Solardo, Stacey Pullen, Steve Lawler, Nick Curly, Josh Butler, Heidi, Lauren Lo Sung, Priku, Reboot, Seb Zito, Tania Vulcano and more with regulars like Pirate Copy, Idris Dee, Kellie Allen, Luca 606 and Krysko anchoring the true Sankeys sound.

For further information and tickets head to https://sankeysofficial.com/

Address: Sidney Street, Manchester – M1 7HB

Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall – Shirley Manson announced as guest curator for 2027

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Following the monumental success of the 2026 concert series curated by Robert Smith, Teenage Cancer Trust is proud to announce that Shirley Manson will take the helm as guest curator for the shows at the Royal Albert Hall from 15-21 March 2027.

To mark the announcement, a video has been released of Garbage’s extraordinary performance of The Cure’s ‘Lovesong’ at their 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust show.

Shirley Manson is the second guest curator of the legendary week-long Royal Albert Hall fundraising concert series, which was launched and curated by Teenage Cancer Trust Honorary Patron Sir Roger Daltrey from 2000 to 2025. 
For the 2026 events, as well as lining up an unbeatable Night Of Comedy, Robert Smith called up headliners Wolf Alice, Elbow, Manic Street Preachers, My Bloody Valentine, Mogwai and Garbage themselves, raising £1.4 million so far for the charity, providing vital support for young people with cancer across the UK.

Shirley Manson, who delivered a standout performance including classics such as ‘I’m Only Happy When It Rains’ and ‘Stupid Girl’, said: “To follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Roger Daltrey and most beloved Robert Smith by being invited to curate next year’s run of shows is one of the greatest honours that has ever been bestowed upon me. I consider it an immense privilege to continue helping raise funds and awareness for our all too often forgotten teenagers in the UK who are living with cancer and the struggle that this entails. I hope to curate a fine week of entertainment, calling upon some of my favourite artists to join the cause. I am so looking forward to seeing it all come together at the Royal Albert Hall next year and I hope to see you there.”

Robert Smith said: “Having played a few Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall shows with The Cure, it was a real honour to curate the series in 2026, bringing together so many of my favourite artists to perform for such a great cause. The response and support from the audience, in the hall itself and all around the world, was really incredible. Garbage were one of the highlights of a stellar week, and I am very sure Shirley, with her great energy, commitment and values, will do a fantastic job in 2027.” 

Roger Daltrey said: “To have a female musician with a great reputation for quality work is something that’s been at the top of my wishlist going forward. I will always be there for her if she needs any help with anything.”

Rob Ballantine, Promoter, SJM Concerts, said:
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Robert Smith for working so hard and making our job as promoters so much easier this year. His vision resulted in one of the most memorable weeks in the history of these shows. We are equally grateful to Shirley for agreeing to curate 2027; we are already bowled over by her energy and enthusiasm, and the planning is already well underway for another landmark year.”

Jane Ashton, Head of Music & Entertainment at Teenage Cancer Trust said: “We are delighted to welcome Shirley as our curator for 2027.“Cancer kills more teenagers and young adults in the UK than any other disease, yet cancer care wasn’t made for young people. Shirley’s passion for our cause was electrifying to see during this year’s shows and we can’t wait to see who she invites to play next year.”

Jules Worrall, Interim Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to Robert Smith for the 2026 shows – together we have raised a phenomenal amount which will be truly life-changing for young people with cancer. And Garbage’s performance was a stand-out moment of the shows this year, so it’s incredibly exciting that Shirley Manson is taking up the baton of curating for 2027. Shirley spoke so emotionally at this year’s shows about how important teenagers are for the future of the country and the importance of supporting them – and we couldn’t agree more. We’re delighted to have her energy and passion on board.”

Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall was funded in 2000 by the charity’s Honorary Patron, Sir Roger Daltrey, and has raised over £36 million to date.


About Teenage Cancer Trust at The Royal Albert Hall

2026 marks the 24th year of Teenage Cancer Trust’s phenomenally successful flagship events at the Royal Albert Hall, which were started by the charity’s Honorary Patron and lead-singer of The Who, Sir Roger Daltrey. Some of the biggest names in entertainment have now raised more than £36 million for Teenage Cancer Trust which helps to fund specialist nurses, hospital units and support services right across the UK that help get young people through some unimaginably hard times.

Since 2000 audiences at Teenage Cancer Trust’s annual gigs have witnessed some extraordinary, once in a lifetime shows, from Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn performing together for the first time ever in 2013, Sir Paul McCartney in 2012, plus the likes of Oasis, Muse, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Ed Sheeran, Florence + The Machine, Rudimental and many more.

There have been many legendary moments. Sir Paul McCartney was joined on stage in 2012 for the Beatles’ ‘Get Back’ by Sir Roger Daltrey, Ronnie Wood and Paul Weller – marking a Beatle, Rolling Stone and The Who joining forces.
Muse played in 2008, their only show in the UK that year apart from two sold out Wembley Stadiums. They called it, “one of the best gigs of our lives.” The Cure played a three-hour set on two consecutive nights in 2014, bringing the house down with 45 songs.

Some of the brightest lights in comedy have lit up the stage too, with an annual evening featuring the likes of Mo Gilligan, Kevin Bridges, Miranda Hart, Kerry Godliman, John Bishop, Frankie Boyle, Noel Fielding, Jon Richardson, Russell Howard, James Corden, Joel Dommett and many more. In 2026, the lineup featured Maisie Adam, Bridget Christie, Jack Dee, Andy Hamilton, Dom Joly, Miles Jupp, Athena Kugblenu, Stewart Lee and Dara Ó Briain.

In 2024 a special show was staged as an ovation for Sir Roger Daltrey’s years of service, with turns by the likes of Paul Weller, Kelly Jones, Eddie Vedder and Robert Plant. About Teenage Cancer Trust Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity providing specialised nursing care and support for young people with cancer. The charity funds specialist nurses, youth workers and hospital units within the NHS, and is there for anyone diagnosed with cancer aged 13-24, and their loved ones too.  

Teenage Cancer Trust is a registered charity: 1062559 (England & Wales), SC039757 (Scotland).

The Damned – announce Final Damnation 50 UK Tour

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Half a century after igniting the fuse of the British punk explosion, The Damned announce a celebratory UK tour. 

Following a triumphant 50th Anniversary show at the OVO Arena Wembley in April and a forthcoming global run that will include the Sydney Opera House and a massive North American return, they step back on British soil in November and December 2026 for ‘Final Damnation 50’. 

The first UK punk band to ever release a single, an album and tour the US, it is also a chance to catch the legendary line-up of Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies, Paul Gray, and Monty Oxymoron. 

Rat Scabies – “Half a century on and who’d have thought we would still be upright and breathing? We never thought we’d make it this far and neither did you! But here we are, a finely tuned engine. The Damned still has the power and finesse to excite, entertain and accelerate into our 50th year.”

Captain Sensible – “With 50 years of catalogue to choose from, only the best songs from our chequered history will be performed, and with the passion and commitment all good music lovers deserve. You know we won’t disappoint.”

The Damned have been revelling in their own and punk’s 50th anniversary, marking half a century since the great explosion of 1976 and the return of Rat Scabies on drums. At the OVO Arena Wembley gig on April 11th, they treated their faithful to 25 songs over 3 sets, reflecting their definitive influence on punk, goth and psychedelia. 

Earlier this year, they released an acclaimed covers album, Not Like Everybody Else, featuring tracks that the late, great founding member Brian James loved and that helped shape the band.

And to ensure maximum fun, The Damned are bringing Australian punk pioneers, The Saints ’73-’78 along as special guests. Led by founding members – guitarist Ed Kuepper and drummer Ivor Hay – the line-up features an all-star cast including Mick Harvey (The Birthday Party/The Bad Seeds) and Jim White (Dirty Three), alongside Mark Arm (Mudhoney) on vocals. Together, they will be performing the raw, groundbreaking material from The Saints‘ first three fabled albums ((I’m) Stranded, Eternally Yours, and Prehistoric Sounds), marking 50 years since their own explosive debut.

  • Who: The Damned (Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies, Paul Gray, Monty Oxymoron).
  • Special Guests: The Saints ’73-’78 (Ed Kuepper, Mick Harvey, Jim White, Mark Arm).
  • What: ‘Final Damnation 50’ UK Tour (50th Anniversary Celebration).
  • When: 25 November – 05 December 2026.
  • Where: Brighton, London, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Derby, Birmingham.
  • Ticket Link: aegp.uk/the-damned 
  • General Sale: Friday 1 May 2026 @ 10:00am BST
  • Link: https://www.officialdamned.com/

UK TOUR DATES 2026

  • Wed 25 Nov, Brighton, Dome
  • Fri 27 Nov, London, British Airways ARC
  • Sat 28 Nov, Bristol, Beacon
  • Mon 30 Nov, Manchester, Academy
  • Tue 01 Dec, Newcastle, O2 City Hall
  • Wed 02 Dec, Derby, Vaillant Live
  • Sat 05 Dec, Birmingham, O2 Academy