The Great Escape - Summer Festival Guide

The Great Escape 2026 Full Schedule, New Artists & Stage Hosts Revealed

April 17, 2026 by Anna Hyams

Today The Great Escape, taking place from 13-16 May 2025 in Brighton, unveils its full festival schedule for this year’s edition, which can be accessed via the official The Great Escape mobile app. The Great Escape mobile app helps fans navigate the mammoth line-up of 450+ artists, build personalised schedules, and receive live on-site updates. It is available to download for free here.

Following the schedule announcement, The Great Escape also reveals its 2026 stage hosts including media partners Billboard UK, BBC Introducing, Clash, DIY, Dork, Kerrang!, NME, Notion, So Young, The Independent, The Line of Best,Ticketmaster New Music, live agencies ITB, ROAM, WME, management company Raw Power, and independent record labels Bella Union, Hospital Records, Rough Trade, Transgressive Records, Third Man Records, among many more.

The Great Escape also announces a further 43 artists joining the 2026 lineup, continuing its commitment to championing the most exciting new talent from across the globe. Among the latest additions are fast-rising neo-soul voice Nectar Woode, boundary-pushing experimental outfit Mandy, Indiana, and the electrifying Working Men’s Club, whose fusion of post-punk and electronic influences has earned widespread acclaim. They are joined by a diverse wave of emerging and established names including Gabriella Cilmi, Walt Disco, Lizzie Esau, Rafferty, and Oumy, alongside international artists such as La Plata, Tian Qiyi, showmore, and BANSHIMOKU, reflecting the festival’s broad and forward-thinking musical scope.

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 13 – 16th May in Brighton, England. Tickets for The Great Escape festival are on sale here

WEDNESDAY 13 MAY STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

For 2026, The Great Escape continues to expand into the Wednesday of the festival, once again delivering four full days of music programming. Opening the week, The Line of Best Fit will host a showcase at Green Door Store featuring Sword II, The Healing Power of Horses, Pollyfromthedirt, and PISS. Meanwhile, BBC Introducing Sussex and Surrey takes over Concorde 2 with performances from Winter Gardens, Gilska, Room Service, and Lemonsuckr. Over at Patterns Downstairs, Notion will present Boutique Feelings, Elín Hall, Sword II, Hemi Hemmingway, and The Itch, marking a strong start to the festival’s opening day.

THURSDAY 14 MAY STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

On Thursday, The Great Escape continues its city-wide celebration of new music with an eclectic programme of showcases across Brighton. This year’s Lead Country Partner New Zealand hosts two showcases at Patterns, and So Young takes over Chalk with performances from Sylvie’s Head, Little Grandad, Madra Salach, and Westside Cowboy, while Rough Trade hosts at Charles Street Tap featuring Twat Union, Max Winter, Pigeon, Sunday Mourners, and The Orielles. At Dust, Hard of Hearing presents a diverse lineup including Morn, Slag, Annie Dog, Salarymen, Ribbon Skirt, Bathing Suits, and IBSXJAUR, while Resident hosts at Green Door Store with Brother Wallace, Ain’t, Saint Claire, BED, PISS, and Unsafe Space Garden. Over at Patterns, Clash curates a two floor takeover featuring artists including Clothesline from Hell, Really Good Time, BIG WETT, SILVERWINGKILLER, TAIGA, alongside Archie, Tukki, AVA Joe, Cowboyy, and more. Elsewhere, BBC Radio 1 presenter Jodie Bryant hosts a showcase at Revenge featuring Lukas Oscar, Au/Ra, Sexy Tadhg, and Girl Group, alongside additional takeovers at the venue from One Fiinx. On the seafront, Ticketmaster New Music and WME present beachside lineups including Lime Garden, Lottery Winners, and The Haunted Youth. Further highlights include a 20 year anniversary celebration from Raw Power at The Old Market, plus showcases from ROAM at Komedia Basement and ITB at The Prince Albert, bringing yet more emerging talent to the heart of the city.

FRIDAY 15 MAY STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

As the weekend approaches, Friday sees The Great Escape ramp up across Brighton with another wave of standout showcases. Returning news partner The Independent hosts a TGE Spotlight Show at Daltons, with Peaches supported by Bimini at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall. A major highlight for 2026 sees NME join The Great Escape as a new media partner, bringing its renowned tastemaker energy to The Old Market. Known for spotlighting the next wave of breakthrough artists, NME’s debut showcase features a lineup including Any Young Mechanic, Chanpan, Girl Scout, and Mandy, Indiana, marking an exciting new addition to the festival’s 2026 programme. Nearby, Notion takes over Quarters with Arima Ederra, Raghd, The Orchestra (For Now), Sassy 009, and PVA. Along the seafront, Billboard UK curates a packed beach lineup featuring artists including Adult DVD, Madra Salach, and Keo, joined by The Team showcasing emerging names such as My First Time. Across the city, DIY brings Spacestation, Marsey, and Men An Tol to Horatio’s, while Transgressive Records and Third Man Records host standout bills at Chalk and Dust. Elsewhere, Wordplay heads to Patterns, while Earth and Ones to Watch take over Revenge. From the Royal Albert Hall’s curated showcase at Brighthelm Centre to Pure at The Hope & Ruin and Free Trade at The Prince Albert, Friday delivers a city-wide snapshot of the most exciting new music around.

The Great Escape has also revealed details for The Late Escape, its official after-hours programme spotlighting cutting-edge electronic and club talent across Brighton. This year’s series is led by Hospital Records, marking 30 years of one of the most influential and trusted names in drum & bass, in a special collaboration with b:electronic. Taking centre stage on Friday, the takeover celebrates Hospital Records’ legacy with some of the top names in drum and bass such as Etherwood, Hoax, Solah, and Stay-C The night also features a Room 2 hosted by Brighton institution Tru Thoughts, further anchoring the event in the city’s rich musical heritage. Running from 11:30PM to 4AM, The Late Escape spans key Brighton venues across the weekend, with stand-alone tickets on sale now and The Great Escape wristband holders granted access subject to capacity.

SATURDAY 16 MAY STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Bringing The Great Escape to a powerful close, Saturday delivers a final burst of bold new sounds across Brighton. On the seafront, Get In Her Ears hosts a high energy beach showcase featuring Jessie Mac, Steel., YAKKIE, The Baby Seals, and Problem Patterns, while Bella Union heads to Quarters with a lineup including Family Stereo, My Precious Bunny, LuxJury, Patche, and Congratulations. New for 2026, the festival introduces its New Press initiative, inviting emerging media platforms to host their own stages. Highlights include The New Age Magazine x Still Listening at Horatio’s, Crafting Room at Komedia, and Kinda Weird taking over Patterns, alongside further showcases from Negativeland at The Prince Albert and The Indie Scene at Water Bear. Sounds Australia will return to host all three stages at TGE’s beach site. Closing out the weekend in style, Dork returns to host the festival’s official closing party, promising a huge final send off with a special secret headliner still under wraps, bringing four days of new music discovery to an unforgettable finish.

Returning partners for 2026 include ACS, AWAL, Bandcamp, Downtown Music, PPL, PRS Foundation, PRS For Music, Qobuz, SESAC, The Orchard, Vevo, and Virgin Music, while Country and Trade partners include CIMA, M For Montreal, CNM, Zeitgeist, Music from Ireland, NOMEX, Creative Scotland, Showcase Cyrmu, Export Music Sweden, and Swiss Music Export.

FULL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE REVEALED

The full schedule for The Great Escape’s industry-leading conference is revealed today, featuring a host of newly announced sessions. Highlights include a keynote conversation between boundary-pushing artist Peaches and TRANS VOICES co-founder ILĀ, presented by The Independent, alongside new panels from PPL, PRS and AWAL. The programme also includes the return of speed networking sessions, offering delegates the opportunity to connect with global festival bookers, live agents, music supervisors and promoters. Taking place from Wednesday 15 – Friday 17 May, the conference will mark its 20th anniversary with its most ambitious and expansive edition to date.

Download Festival to Spotlight Next Generation of Headliners with Curated Stage at The Great Escape 2026

April 17, 2026 by Anna Hyams

Thursday 9 April 2026: Download Festival and Kerrang! Are set to make Brighton rock once again at The Great Escape 2026 next month, hosting a specially curated stage from Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 May. Packed with the wild and diverse performances fans have come to expect from the world’s greatest rock and metal festival, the stage will showcase TGE acts who are tipped for a bright future at Donington Park ahead of this summer’s DLXXIII.

Resident noisemakers set to appear throughout the week include Native James, Comastatic, Oversize, Frozemode, Eurotripp, Ally Nicholas, Heave Blood & Die, Mudrat and more between 6-10pm across three days of programming, which will bring Download face to face with Brighton fans at the festival for new music.

Kerrang! Presents The Download Stage at TGE sees the festival continuing to nurture new and alternative talent in rock music. Having been a pilgrimage for young rock and metal fans – many of whom went on to start bands and take the stage themselves – Download is, in its 23^rd year, supporting the next generation of headliners via The Great Escape’s unrivalled network of support for independent artists and grassroots venues.

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 13–16 May in Brighton, England.

DLXXIII will see Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park headline, joined by the likes of Halestorm, Architects, A Day To Remember, Cypress Hill, Trivium, Bad Omens,Electric Callboy, BABYMETAL, Ice Nine Kills, Pendulum, The Pretty Reckless, Black Veil Brides, Behemoth, Daughtry, Mastodon, The All-American Rejects, Feeder, Scooter, and many more legends from the worlds of rock, metal, and all that’s in between across five days and various stages. Final remaining Download 2026 tickets on sale now: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.

For 45 years Kerrang! has been at the forefront of alternative music, first with the biggest-selling weekly rock magazine, and now with a global music platform that reaches millions of people a month. Rock, metal, hardcore, punk, emo, grunge, thrash, and everything in between, Kerrang! has been there for all of it, and continues to proudly fly the flag for the best new artists on the planet.

The Great Escape adds 100+ more artists to its 20th Anniversary line-up

April 8, 2026March 31, 2026 by Anna Hyams

oday 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.

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 13 – 16th May in Brighton, England. Tickets for The Great Escape festival are on sale here

THE GREAT ESCAPE 2026 LINE UP SO FAR (A-Z)

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DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL UNVEILS THREE-DAY STAGE AT THE GREAT ESCAPE 2025

May 6, 2025April 23, 2025 by Anna Hyams

THE GREAT ESCAPE ANNOUNCES FULL 2025 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

May 6, 2025April 16, 2025 by Anna Hyams

Today The Great Escape, taking place from 14-17 May 2025 in Brighton, unveils its full festival schedule for this year’s edition, which can be accessed via the official The Great Escape mobile app. The Great Escape mobile app helps fans navigate the mammoth line-up of 450+ artists and allows festival and conference-goers to build their own personal schedule. It also offers live updates on site and is available to download for free here.

Additionally, The Great Escape announces its 2025 stage hosts including media partners BBC Introducing, Billboard UK, Clash, DIY, Dork, Notion, So Young, The Independent, Ticketmaster New Music, Upset, renowned brands including Download Festival, live agencies WME, ATC Live and independent record labels FatCat Records, Moshi Moshi, Nice Swan Records, Bella Union, PIAS, and many more.

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 2025 season from 14 – 17 May in Brighton, England. Tickets for The Great Escape festival start from £81.24 and are on sale here.

WEDNESDAY 14 MAY STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

For 2025, The Great Escape is expanding into the Wednesday of the festival and will feature four full days of music programming for the first time ever. To kick off the festivities, Platform B will once again be hosting The Great Escape’s special Opening Party on Wednesday 14 May at Jubilee Square including performances from Congratulations, SLAG, Goodbye, Bea Maher, asiedu, and REA.

Over at the Paganini Ballroom, BBC Introducing Sussex and Surrey will present performances from Lonnie Gunn, Frances Mistry, Bones Ate Arfa, and CURRLS, hosted by Melita, whilst Brighton based record label FatCat Records will showcase new artists including Water Machine, Heavy Lungs, Abdomen, TRAAMS, and Holiday Ghosts at Patterns, and fellow independent label Nice Swan Records will welcome Mount Palomar, Westside Cowboy, Stringrays, Fuzz Lightyear and Jagged Baptist Club to The Hope and Ruin.

Additionally, Wednesday will see renowned singer-songwriter and co-frontman of The Libertines Peter Doherty perform alongside eccentric post-punk six-piece Warmduscher, Welsh indie-punks Trampolene, Real Farmer, GANS, Vona Vella, Junior Brother, and Evan Williams, as part of a very special showcase from Strap Originals, Doherty’s own independent record label, to celebrate the arrival of Doherty’s new album Felt Better Alive. With a curated line-up of hotly tipped new artists, this separately ticketed show will take place at The Deep End as part of a The Great Escape Brighton Beach takeover.

THURSDAY 15 MAY STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

On Thursday 15 May, The Great Escape continues its city-wide celebration of new music with a further eclectic lineup of showcases across Brighton. At the Paganini Ballroom, BBC 6 Music and BBC Introducing are returning to the festival to present a hotly tipped selection of upcoming talent hosted by Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq and Emily Pilbeam, including Westside Cowboy, Holybones, The None, and Brighton’s very own Welly. So Young will take over Charles Street Tap with performances from Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Westside Cowboy, Rabbit Foot, Men An Tol, and Green Star. At Komedia, agency ATC Live will bring together a dynamic mix of new artists featuring Debby Friday, Adult DVD, Tyler Ballgame, Total Tommy, Woody, and Joshua Idehen.

Players hosts The Great Escape Presents, spotlighting genre-defying acts like Angry Blackmen, namesbliss, Demae, Kabeaushe, and She Her Her Hers, while iconic venue the Royal Albert Hall’s stage at Revenge will showcase corto.alto, Sirens Of Lesbos, Oreglo, and Common Goldfish. Over at Deep End, Ticketmaster New Music offers a jam-packed lineup including The K’s, Chloe Slater, Brògeal, Sunday (1994), Nxdia, Laurie Wright, and Florence Road. UTA’s industry showcase at The Arch will feature RUBII, Clara La San, Tough Cookie, Maleigh Zan, and Punchbag, while independent label Moshi Moshi return to Matinee Revenge with Nadeem Din Gabisi, Chinese American Bear, and Alice Costelloe.

The Great Escape Presents will also head to the Old Market for a diverse bill including Donny Benét, The Bug Club, TV Death, and Hello Mary. Patterns will see a full venue takeover from Clash, with upstairs performances by Up : Y, Franek Warzywa & Młody Budda, REDD., Curtisy, Disgusting Sisters, Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie, Loshh, Saina, and Jessy Blakemore, while downstairs the night continues until the early hours with Mount Palamar, Canblaster, Black Fondu, JD Cliffe, Grace Gachot, Chloe Qisha, Betty, Sex Mask, and Maya Delilah.

FRIDAY 16 MAY STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

As the weekend approaches, Friday 16 May brings another wave of standout showcases across the city, with a vibrant mix of breakthrough artists and established names lighting up Brighton’s best venues. LOUD LDN and TNAM.UK will join forces at Daltons for an exciting night featuring charlieeeee, Just For Fun, DellaXOZ, and SLAG. Over at the Old Market, The Independent will host a headline performance from legendary British rock band Skunk Anansie, offering a rare chance to see the iconic group in an intimate setting. The Arch will be taken over by Notion, presenting a cutting-edge blend of R&B, pop, and electronic with performances from Jordan Adetunji, Nia Smith, Akemi Fox, and Tay Jordan, alongside late-night sets from sim0ne, Mechatok (LIVE), Meyy, and Mina Galán.

Deep End will host newly announced media partner Billboard UK’s curated bill including headliners English Teacher, RabbitFoot, Daffo, Courting, My First Time, Westside Cowboy, and Polly Money. Meanwhile at the Paganini Ballroom BBC Radio 1Xtra will present an array of fresh talent including Hulton, Lola Moxom, and Billy Khan with host Angelle Joseph. At Revenge, Earth will bring together a genre-defying lineup with Getdown Services, Ruthven, Olive Jones, and Quiet Light, and tastemaker platform Pigeons and Planes will shine a spotlight on some of the most talked-about names in new music, including Arz, Kaicrewsade, Swank Mami, and Koteri.

AWAL’s showcase at Komedia will present a selection of its diverse roster, with James Marriott, Keo, Luvcat, Miss Kaninna, and Orlando all taking to the stage. DIY Magazine will bring their signature energy to Hortaio’s with a lineup featuring WELLY, Total Tommy, Mandrake Handshake, Ideal Living, and Paige Kennedy, whilst powerhouse label Transgressive returns to Chalk with an unmissable night featuring The Moonlandingz, HotWax, Miso Extra, The New Eves, and Greg Freeman, plus DJ Huw Stephens closing out Friday with a dose of raw energy and alternative brilliance.

SATURDAY 17 MAY STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Bringing the festival to a thrilling close, Saturday 17 May rounds off The Great Escape 2025 with a final burst of bold new sounds. Over at Daltons, Global Local will present a genre-blending lineup featuring She’s Got Brass, Headmix, and Town of Cats. At Chalk, Brighton’s own CLT DRP will take the reins for a full venue takeover, performing alongside a fierce and unapologetic lineup that includes debasement, LIONSTORM, and The Darklings, promising a night of high-intensity live music and experimental punk.

The festival’s flagship Closing Party will be held at The Deep End, where Dork offers an unmissable send-off featuring a special 45-minute set from genre-bending provocateur LYNKS, alongside Piri & Tommy, and Kabeaushe, with more surprise guests to be revealed. Jubilee Square will once again come alive thanks to the MNX Stage, showcasing a forward-thinking lineup of future stars including Blue Lab Beats, Orla Rae, Dred, Hatter, Lori Asha, and REA. Additionally, acclaimed label Bella Union will host a stage at The Arch featuring Divide + Dissolve, Goddess and Cubzoa, and Kamran Kaur, bringing this year’s expanded four-day celebration of new music to an unforgettable finish.

The Great Escape’s official after-hours programme The Late Escape will run throughout the duration of the festival, spotlighting cutting-edge electronic and club talent. Running from 11:30pm to 4am across key Brighton venues, the line-up includes euphoric sets from Sim0ne, Mechatok, Meyy, Badger, IRAH, Mina Galán, Pretty Girl (DJ) and SWIM, with special guests still to be announced. Stand-alone tickets are on sale now, with TGE wristband holders granted access subject to capacity. Additionally, the legendary rock festival Download Festival will host a stage at Volks from Thursday 15 May until Saturday 17 May, featuring performances from artists including Luna Kills, Bruise Control, Twenty One Children, Mouth Culture, Artio, Wayside, Zetra, Karen Dió, JAYLER, Letters Sent Home, Last Train, Angel Number, LOWEN, Defences, BEX, James and the Cold Gun, and VOWER.

FULL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE REVEALED

The full schedule is also now available for The Great Escape’s industry-leading music conference. Joining a packed programme, newly announced sessions include The Money Trench podcast, with Mark Sutherland in conversation with Romain Vivien, Global Head of Music and President Europe at Believe and Alice McLean, Head of Label & Artist Solutions at Believe UK, as they discuss the company’s success developing artists and how to work independently in 2025.

Two big advocates for the music community within Westminster – Alex Sobel MP and Anneliese Midgley MP – will review the recent debates and discuss how the music industry can ensure its voice is heard within Parliament. And finally, Red Bull Records presents ‘Tapped In: The Power of Short-Form Content for Artists on the Rise’ – an insightful discussion with leading marketing experts diving into the strategies behind short-form content and the pivotal role it plays in helping artists break through the noise.

They join an incredible line-up of speakers including Skunk Anansie’s Skin, Rizzle Kicks’ Jordan Stephens and Cocteau Twins’ Simon Raymonde.

The Great Escape announces final FIRST FIFTY acts for 2025

November 15, 2024November 13, 2024 by Anna Hyams

THE GREAT ESCAPE 2025
14-17 MAY 2025, BRIGHTON

TICKETS ON SALE NOW
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Today, the UK’s leading new music festival, The Great Escape, reveals a further 26 artists to complete the FIRST FIFTY artists performing at the festival. Featuring a selection of the most promising new music from across the globe, the FIRST FIFTY is one of the year’s most exciting tip lists for emerging talent.

Many of the artists will be performing in the FIRST FIFTY live launch this evening, with gigs hosted across eight East London venues to kickstart the run-up to the 2025 festival. Highlights are set to include Brighton based rapper RUBII at Oslo, Luvcat taking to the stage at MOTH Club, Chloe Slater heading to Sebright Arms and The Orchestra (For Now) taking over Paper Dress Vintage.

Today’s new wave of acts includes raw and rising Welsh pop-rock singer-songwriter CATTY, Mercury Prize-nominated jazz group corto.alto, eclectic Worldbeat group Sirens Of Lesbos, anti-establishment, genre-defying rap singer-songwriter Miss Kaninna, Indigenous Australian alt singer-songwriter Tia Gostelow, Viennese indie band Laundromat Chicks and rock, reggae and hip-hop inspired South Summit.

From the world of jazz, the new names also include four-piece London group Oreglo and Mongolian singer-songwriter Enji, while emerging songwriter Daffo and rousing Faroese-Nordic artist Eivør are flying the flag for folk. Nods to indie-rock come from Canadian rockers Nap Eyes and indie-grime genre-blender JD Cliffe, while a selection of bedroom-pop artists including Australian singer-songwriter Nick Ward and dreamy electro-pop act Clara Kimera also join the line-up.

The FIRST FIFTY is completed by buzzy Chicago rapper Kaicrewsade, indie-pop TikTok stars Zimmer90, grunge-soul singer Ashaine White, London-based harpist Marysia Osu, electrifying brother-sister duo PUNCHBAG, wistful soul-inspired singer-songwriter Nectar Woode, Japanese dance-pop act Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie, promising New Zealand group NO CIGAR, tender Irish singer Ellie O’Neill and Dutch five piece The Klittens.

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 2025 season from 14 – 17th May in Brighton, England. Tickets for The Great Escape festival start from £81.24 and are on sale here.

With several thousands of music fans from across the country and globe descending on the Brighton seaside for The Great Escape every May, fans are urged to book their accommodation early. Festival dates at recommended hotels are available for booking now via The Great Escape website here.

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100 Artists added to The Great Escape lineup 2024

February 21, 2024February 2, 2024 by Anna Hyams

Thursday 1^st February 2024 – The Great Escape today announces 100 new artists set to play at this year’s festival in Brighton, featuring a monumental and dynamic selection of some of the most promising new acts from across the globe and a breadth of genres including pop, electronic, punk, R&B, folk, rap and soul.

Welcoming some of the most exciting new acts to Brighton this May, the latest line-up additions feature sibling hyper-pop duo Frost Children, buzzy American indie-sleaze act The Dare, NYC electronic trio Fcukers, finger-picking blues and roots guitarist Muireann Bradley, Korean post-rockers Jambinai, Melbourne indie-pop trio Tamara & The Dreams and many more

In addition, The Great Escape has also revealed details of 2024’s first TGE Presents show, in partnership with Ticketmaster New Music. The free entry show will take place on 22 February and is the first in a series of monthly gigs set to be held at London’s Old Blue Last in the lead up to the festival. London art-rock six-piece Flat Party will headline the event, with support from gritty punk-tinted five-piece Saloon Dion and gothic shoegaze quintet Velvetine.

Alongside the festival, The Great Escape also hosts the UK’s leading music business conference, which is undergoing a transformation this year as a brand new network of music industry collaborators coming on board to shape its programming with the very best in cutting-edge knowledge and expert speakers. Look out for an exciting announcement on the conference coming soon.

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 2024 season from 15 – 18th May 2024 in Brighton, England. Tickets for The Great Escape festival start from £89.25 and are on sale here.

ALT / INDIE

The Great Escape has historically championed indie and alternative music and 2024 is set to see the festival continue to support the genre’s upcoming artists with Melbourne indie-pop trio Tamara & The Dreams, Chicago indie-rockers Bnny, American indie-sleaze star The Dare, the unpredictably slick Glaswegian band The Big Day and energetic Hamburg pop-rocker Brockhoff all added to the line-up. They will also be joined by Manchester late-night trio Nightbus and eclectic indie-rock quartet The Belair Lip Bombs.

Art-rock offerings come in the form of London six-piece Flat Party and noise-driven Man/Woman/Chainsaw, while shoegaze fans can get a lo-fi fix thanks to alt-rock soloist Cruel Sister, gothic quintet Velvetine, East London grungegaze duo Good Neighbours and Amsterdam-based post-punk band Marathon. Electronically-infused artist Rachael Lavelle, raw-edged Nashville native Mali Velasquez, Scottish five piece Brògeal and Aussie four-piece Platonic Sex add a folk spin to the line-up, while frenetic post-punk energy will be provided courtesy of buzzy melodic band Radio Free Alice, alt-rockers Saloon Dion, visual artist Kaeto, LA-based glam-rock brothers Faux Real and Canadian four-piece Winona Forever.

Other new indie additions include The Shambolics, The Clause, The Life, Fold Paper, Gut Health, Soft Launch, The Crooks, The Sheratons, Bel, Colour TV, Soft Loft, Humane The Moon and Kayla Grace.

FOLK / AMERICANA / COUNTRY

Festival-goers can also expect to catch an array of exciting talent plucked from the worlds of folk, Americana and country including contemporary singer-songwriter Elinborg, Canadian folk darling St Arnaud, blues and roots finger-picking guitar star Muireann Bradley, Irish songwriter Anna Mieke, Canadian songwriter and baritone ukulele player Desiree Dawson and soulful Scottish serenader Lizzie Reid. Fans who like their folk more full-bodied won’t miss out either, as the line-up also features Irish folk-rock band Kingfishr, three-piece contemporary ensemble Amble and mystical indie-folk duo Moira & Claire.

ELECTRONIC / GRIME / RAP / HIP-HOP

The Great Escape 2024 is also looking forward to welcoming an array of electronic artists to its stages as jazz-fuelled producer Michael Diamond, classically trained producer and vocalist KIIMI, Belgian electro-pop master Bolis Pupul and British-Burmese pop singer and DJ Lucy Tun all join the line-up. The new announcement also features warped NYC trio Fcukers, intense and immersive electro-noise band YARD, Bristol-based producer and vocalist t l k and Irish electronic artist Coex. For fans of rap and grime, TGE 2024 will also play host to a selection of some of the genre’s finest new acts and today’s announcement sees sharp and energetic wordsmith Chowerman added to the line-up.

JAZZ / R&B / SOUL

Flying the flag for jazz, soul and R&B at the festival, fans can look forward to catching emotional and energetic Kuzi Cee with his afro-beats and hip-hop-inspired sounds, modern soul storyteller Caleb Kunle, intimate jazz and folk singer Hohnen Ford, blues, jazz and indie-fusion artist Ruby J, multi-disciplinary act Romy Nova and comforting alt-R&B songwriter Forest Claudette. They will also be accompanied by Landel, Jackie Moonbather and SHVVN.

POP / DANCE

Pop and dance music fans will also be treated to an enticing selection of some of the brightest new artists on the scene, including confessional pop-rock star Leah Kate, genre-bending emo bedroom pop artist SafeSp8ce, Paul Institute alum Fabiana Palladino and luscious noir-pop duo Vox Rea. They will be joined by self-produced silky-pop songwriter Alessi Rose, immersive multi-instrumentalist Uly, bedroom-born alt-pop artist Tom Lark, Australian singer-songwriter and producer Go-Jo, Canadian indie-pop powerhouse Begonia, breakthrough alt-pop artist DellaXOZ,infectious R&B-infused ASHY, Latin-inspired electro-pop artist Angélica Garcia, singer-songwriter Tyler Lewis, gripping genre-hopper Mackenzy Mackay and melancholic pop songwriter Maggie Andrew.

Elsewhere, fans of social media can look forward to raucous hyper-pop from ‘hyper-online’ sibling duo Frost Children, sad queer pop anthems courtesy of American artist and TikToker MAD TSAI and a performance from Brighton’s own TikTok sensation Alfie Jukes.

PUNK / ROCK / METAL

This year TGE will also play host to a huge selection of artists plucked from the punk, rock and metal genres. Traditional rock’n’roll fans can strap in for a heady dose of guitar-driven rhythms Australian four-piece Southern River Band, five-piece glam-punks Johnny Hunter and warped rockers Full Flower Moon Band. On the more experimental end of the spectrum, Brixton-based trio Alien Chicks will be offering up dynamic power-punk while Dublin’s Really Good Time will deliver a set filled with convulsive crunk-rock, Switzerland’s Bound By Endogamy will serve up their innovative industrial brand of punk and Australia’s Zheani will bring her boundary-breaking ‘fairy-trap’.

Representing the Faroe Islands’ burgeoning rock scene, queer vegan punks Joe & The Shitboys have also joined the line-up alongside flower-punk supergroup Aggrasoppar. Additionally, rock revellers can catch rising alt-rock star Aziya, buzzy Nashville trio Arrows in Action, heavy alt-rockers Holy Wars, fierce female duo Dirty Blonde, metal maestros Unpeople, Korean post-rockers Jambinai, Bristol punks iDestroy and teen trio House of Women.

The Great Escape add 150 more artists to lineup for 2016

November 18, 2018February 24, 2016 by Ella Guthrie

The Great Escape, the festival for new music, is returning 19 – 21 May 2016 to transform Brighton into a mecca for emerging talent with an unparalleled showcase of international and local acts. For over a decade, The Great Escape has produced diverse line-ups flecked with the stars and sounds of the future, establishing this 3-day festival as the ultimate destination of discovery for music-lovers.

The Great Escape has just announced 150 new bands and its final Spotlight show featuring gutsy grime MC Stormzy who celebrated his highest-charted single ‘Shut Up’ last Christmas which instigated more pandemonium and rewinds than ever before. Best known for his mic-chomping and often politically-driven lyrics, Stormzy is very much at the forefront of the latest resurgence of his genre. He will be joined by Newham rapper J Hus, hip-hop collective WSTRN who made waves with ‘IN2’, and fierce R&B trio M.O described as “the only girl group you need to worry about”.

Also joining the line-up is Brighton four-piece Black Honey blending girl-band pop with blurry shoegazing guitars, alongside indie-pop assembly Highasakite who will fly that Norwegian flag high with lead singer Ingrid’s enchanting melodies and serene soundscapes. Packing a whole lot of attitude is bitter post-punk Leeds collective Eagulls, whilst providing a dose of disco inferno are South London brothers Formation who merge funk, northern soul and liquid grooves.

And if that wasn't enough, fresh from his comeback, noughties smooth crooner Craig David is back with a bang with his exciting new DJ project TS5. Influenced by his Miami penthouse sessions, expect a hair-raising mix of old school anthems, garage, bashment and glossy vocals. Collaborating with grime heavyweight and humorous internet personality Big Narstie, “When The Bassline Drops” is David’s highest charting single since 2007.

Visit the Great Escape festival's website for a full line-up and for tickets.

Example joins The Great Escape lineup

November 18, 2018March 18, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

The rapper, whose fifth studio album will be released in June this year, first performed at The Great Escape to a packed crowd in a tiny 200-capacity venue in 2008; Not long after came the release of ‘Wont go Quietly’ which rapidly climbed to the top of the UK charts and established Example as an artist internationally recognised for his signature sound, mixing hip-hop, electro and rave.

Example said of his performance: “A lot has changed for me since I performed at The Great Escape in 2008 in a pub to about 30 people! I played there again in 2011 so it’s a real honour to return a 3rd time and play on the festival’s biggest stage. It's been an amazing journey – playing all the past hits and loads from the unreleased album 5, I will ensure this is a show to remember!”

Kat Morris, Festival Director, added “It is really great to be welcoming Example back to The Great Escape – from playing at one of our venues with a capacity of 200, to touring internationally and achieving two Number 1 Singles, to this year performing at our biggest venue with a capacity of almost 2000, it just goes to show the incredible trajectory of TGE artists go on to take after performing at the festival.”

Today’s addition completes the line-up for The Great Escape 2014’s trio of Dome Shows*, which already see WILD BEASTSand KELIS, supported by ELLA EYRE, performing on Friday and Saturday night respectively. Other artists confirmed to perform at TGE14 include, JON HOPKINS, CHLÖE HOWL, GEORGE EZRA, JIMI GOODWIN, CHARLI XCX, ALBERT HAMMOND, JR,ROYAL BLOOD, JOEL COMPASS, RATKING, HOZIER, AUGUSTINES, DRY THE RIVER, MNEK, EAST INDIA YOUTH andKIESZA with more to be announced very soon…

150 artists join The Great Escape 2014 lineup

November 18, 2018February 25, 2014 by Summer Festival Guide

Devoted to delivering a line-up that justifies the festival's reputation as a mecca for emerging talent and future sounds, today's additions include 2013 Mercury Prize nominee JON HOPKINS, London's R&B phenomenon JOEL COMPASS and Strokes' guitarist gone soloALBERT HAMMOND, JR. Left field rap collective RATKING and resoundingly soulful HOZIER also join the bill, along with indie Brooklyn trio AUGUSTINES and folk outfit DRY THE RIVER.

Aiming to truly represent the full spectrum of emerging talent in contemporary music, BBC Sound of 2014 nominated GEORGE EZRA will perform; Elsewhere, JIMI GOODWIN, frontman of Doves, who has been musically mutating for over 15 years, will take to one of the festival’s stages. Behind-the-scenes songwriter/producer MNEK, whose debut single is due this spring, electronica craftsman EAST INDIA YOUTH and Canada’s KIESZA, currently tearing up the electro-pop dance scene, also join the line-up today.

Critically acclaimed four piece WILD BEASTS*, who yesterday released their highly anticipated fourth studio album ‘Present Tense’, with support from the uncompromising THESE NEW PURITANS*and enigmatic alt-pop ensemble ADULT JAZZ* are confirmed to play Friday night’s Brighton Dome show. The Great Escape are also delighted to announce WAR CHILD, the organisation that protects children living in the world's most dangerous warzones, as lead charity partner for 2014. Together, TGE and War Child will host this musical triptych with £1.00 of every ticket to this show sold donated to War Child.

Jim Benner, Deputy Director of Music & Entertainment, of War Child said: “War Child believe in the power of music which helps us engage people in the vital work that we do, and has raised the money to help children whose lives have been torn apart by war. That belief in the unique power of music is why we are proud to be associated with The Great Escape Festival – a brilliant showcase for the best emerging musical talent from around the world.”

Kat Morris, Festival Director, added, “We’re truly thrilled The Great Escape and War Child will be working together at this year’s event. The incredible, worldwide outreach work that War Child does is indispensable and hopefully, with The Great Escape’s support, we can help to amplify their message.’

The full list of artists added to the TGE14 line-up today:

A PLASTIC ROSE / ADULT JAZZ* / AFTERPARTEES / AGES AND AGES / AISHA ORAZBAYEVA / ALBERT HAMMOND, JR. / ALEC BENJAMIN / ALL WE ARE / ANGEL AT MY TABLE / ANNA MEREDITH / ÁSGEIR / AUGUSTINES / AZEKEL / BARBAROSSA / BAT AND BALL / BEAR HANDS / BEATY HEART / BEST FRIENDS / BIG SIXES / BIG UPS / BLESSA / BLOODY KNEES / BOKKA / BOY JUMPS SHIP / BRAWLERS / BRIDIE JACKSON AND THE ARBOUR / BRYCE HACKFORD / CASUAL SEX / CATS ON TREES / CHAMPS / CHEERLEADER / COASTS / DEATH AT SEA / DEATHCRUSH / DRY THE RIVER / EAST INDIA YOUTH / EAVES / ELECTRIC EYE / ELLI INGRAM / EMILIE NICHOLAS / EVA STONE / EYEDRESS / FAMY / FÉ / FICKLE FRIENDS / FRANK HAMILTON / FRENCH FOR RABBITS / GALLERY CIRCUS / GAMBLES / GENERATE / GEORGE BARNETT / GEORGE EZRA / GIRL BAND / GLASS OWLS / GNARWOLVES / GO WOLF / GORGON CITY / GRAND ANALOG / GΔRTMΔLEN / HARLEIGHBLU / HAWK HOUSE / HERO FISHER / HEY ROSETTA! / HOZIER / HUDSON TAYLOR / JAMES BAY / JAMIE ISAAC / JAWS / JIMI GOODWIN / JOEL BAKER / JOEL COMPASS / JON HOPKINS / KAN WAKAN / KIESZA / KIT / KYAN / LAKE STREET DIVE / LAURA WELSH / LAZYTALK / LE VASCO / LET THE MACHINES DO THE WORK / LITTLE MATADOR / LIZZO / LOUIS AGUILAR AND THE CROCODILE TEARS / LOVE ZOMBIES / LYGER / LYLA FOY / MIGHTY OAKS / MILKY CHANCE / MIREL WAGNER / MIRROR SIGNAL / MNEK / MOODOÏD / NEØV / NOTHING BUT THIEVES / OLIVER COATES / ONLY RIVALS / PABLO NOUVELLE / PATTEN / PHANTOGRAM / PHORIA / PORT ISLA / PS I LOVE YOU / PUP / RAE MORRIS / RAH RAH / RALEIGH RITCHIE / RATKING / REBEKA / RM HUBBERT / RYAN VAIL / SAM FENDER / SAY LOU LOU / SEA CHANGE / SEAN MCGOWAN / SHINY DARKLY / SIVU / SOLIDS / SOUTHERN / SPRING KING / STONEFIELD / SUN GLITTERS / SUVI / SYD ARTHUR / TAYMIR / TELEGRAM / TENNIS / THE BOHICAS / THE CLAMEENS / THE DISTRICTS / THE DUMPLINGS / THE JOHN STEEL SINGERS / THE NEIGHBOURHOOD / THE NEW TIGERS / THE PEOPLE THE POET / THE TROUBLE WITH TEMPLETON / THESE NEW PURITANS* / THOMAS AZIER / TIGERTOWN / TRISTESSE CONTEMPORAINE / TRUST / UNKNWN / VON HERTZEN BROTHERS / WE WERE EVERGREEN / WEED / WILD BEASTS* / WILD CUB / WONDER VILLAINS / YEARS AND YEARS