The Great Escape
13 May 2026 - 16 May 2026
The Great Escape Festival 2026 lights up Brighton, England from 13 – 16 May 2026, transforming the seaside city into the UK’s biggest new-music takeover. Across three sun-splashed days and late nights, more than 450 artists from around the world will perform in 30+ venues — from seafront clubs and historic theatres to hidden basement bars and beach pop-ups — creating a buzzing showcase of discovery right by the sea.
Since its debut in 2006, The Great Escape has become the industry’s essential tastemaker festival, where future headliners cut their teeth and crowds roam between gigs with a pint and a plan. It’s part city-crawl, part summer party — you might watch a breakout indie band in a tiny pub at noon, catch an avant-pop act on the pier at sunset, then close out the night with a surprise DJ set on the beach. The atmosphere is electric: Brighton’s lanes hum with live music, food stalls, and the kind of optimism that only comes from hearing something brand new for the first time.
The festival’s legacy of alumni is legendary. Past editions have hosted early performances from artists who went on to dominate global stages — think Adele, Stormzy, Foals, Arctic Monkeys, Lewis Capaldi, MØ, Sam Fender, Wolf Alice, Fontaines D.C., Little Simz, and Celeste. In recent years, crowds were treated to 2025 standouts like Rachel Chinouriri, English Teacher, Tom Rasmussen, Venbee, The Last Dinner Party, NewDad, and Deadletter, proving that The Great Escape continues to be where tomorrow’s headliners are found first.
Beyond the gigs, the TGE Conference brings together music-industry insiders for panels, workshops and networking sessions that shape the next wave of talent and innovation. Add pop-up record stores, film screenings, and beach-front hangouts, and it’s easy to see why The Great Escape remains the UK’s most influential showcase festival. Affordable accommodation and direct trains from London make it effortless to join the pilgrimage — just pack comfortable shoes, an open mind, and get ready to discover your next favourite artist by the sea.
The Great Escape 2025 Lineup
Lineup to be announced soon:
The Great Escape 2025 Tickets
Accommodation
The city of Brighton offers a wide range of accommodation options. Book your stay for The Great Escape Festival using the map below or visit booking.com
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