Dot To Dot Festival 2026 has just announced a massive wave of over 130 new acts, bringing an incredible array of local talent and breakthrough artists to Bristol and Nottingham this May. The multi-venue metropolitan festival will take place in Bristol on Saturday, 23rd May, before heading to Nottingham on Sunday, 24th May.
Championing grassroots music, the latest announcement heavily features artists from in and around both host cities. These new local additions will perform alongside previously confirmed buzzworthy acts like Lambrini Girls, Fcukers, Ratboys, NewDad, and Mandy, Indiana across the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Following last year’s completely sold-out Bristol event, organisers have confirmed that the 2026 instalment is already the fastest-selling edition in the festival’s history. Tickets for both the Bristol and Nottingham dates are on sale now, priced at just £35 plus booking fees, and are available via alttickets.com.
Dot To Dot Festival booker Ben Ryles expressed his excitement about the line-up: “We’re thrilled to once again support the local scenes in Bristol and Nottingham. They are a vital part of the musical culture of these cities, and to shine a light on these incredible acts is something we’re continuously proud of.”
Ryles also noted the festival’s history of hosting future stars like Idles, Hard Life, London Grammar, and Jake Bugg before they went on to play much larger venues. “Grassroots venues and artists are at the centre of Dot To Dot’s ethos, and we can’t wait to see these artists thrive,” he added.
The festival takes over dozens of beloved grassroots and mid-sized venues across both cities. Confirmed stages for Bristol so far include the O2 Academy (Main and Room 2), Electric Bristol (Main and Room 2), Rough Trade, Thekla (Cargo Hold, Top Deck, Dockside), The Fleece, Strange Brew, The Louisiana, The Island, The Croft, Mr Wolf’s (including a Street Stage), Zed Alley, and The Shakespeare Tavern.
In Nottingham, venues hosting the action include Rock City and Rock City Beta, Black Cherry Lounge, Rescue Rooms, Red Rooms, Acoustic Rooms, Bodega and Bodega Bar, Stealth, The Palais, Rough Trade, Metronome, The Grove, The Chapel (The Angel), The Old Bus Depot, Jam Café, 31K, and The Carousel.
With its long-standing emphasis on showcasing the hottest new talent, Dot To Dot has an impressive track record. Previous editions have hosted early performances from global superstars such as The 1975, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Wolf Alice, Lewis Capaldi, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Yard Act, and Wunderhorse.
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