This weekend, Terminal V takes over the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh for the very last time, closing a chapter that began in 2017 and grew into one of the UK’s most significant electronic music festivals.
The occasion carries real weight. Since launching, Terminal V has welcomed over a quarter of a million fans and risen to rank number one in Scotland, number five in the UK, and 34th in the world at the DJ Mag Awards. Co-Festival Director Derek Martin said: “Edinburgh is where Terminal V grew up. Over the last nine years we’ve built something here that’s bigger than just a festival, from the ground up. This final edition is about celebrating that properly, with the biggest production we’ve ever done and a line-up that reflects everything the festival stands for before we move to a new site in 2027.”
The decision to leave Edinburgh follows a difficult set of operational pressures. As announced in March, policing and associated deployment costs have grown to represent a significant proportion of overall delivery costs at the site, ultimately making the move unavoidable.
The 2026 edition features six fully reimagined stages, backed by a £1 million site investment that includes a brand new site-wide sound system in collaboration with d&b audiotechnik. It’s the most powerful and refined production Terminal V has staged to date, with every stage completely redesigned for this send-off edition.
The line-up spans the full breadth of techno and house. Heavyweight names include 999999999, Anetha, Ben Hemsley, Mall Grab, Patrick Topping and Sara Landry, alongside back-to-back pairings like Clouds x Tommy Holohan and SIM0NE x SPFDJ. Robert Hood, the Detroit techno godfather who headlined the 2024 edition and was one of the first artists announced for this year, returns alongside industrial force Klangkuenstler, DJ Gigola x Øtta and Pegassi.
Terminal V 2026 site map
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Getting there and on-site logistics
Gates open at 12pm across both days, with music running through to 11pm. Organisers recommend arriving between 12pm and 2pm to avoid the busiest queues. The easiest way to reach the site is via the official shuttle service (with Lothian Buses), running regularly from the city centre throughout the day and into the evening. There is no re-entry once you’re inside, so make sure you have everything you need before heading through the gates.
The site runs cashless payments throughout, with food, bars, and facilities spread across the grounds. Lockers are available for those planning a full day (or both days), and Platinum upgrades offer fast-track entry, viewing platforms, and dedicated spaces for those looking to level things up.
With more than 100 artists across six stages, clashes are inevitable. It’s worth going in with a rough plan, but leaving room to wander. Set times are packed, and some of the best moments at Terminal V tend to happen unexpectedly. Welfare teams, medical staff, and free water stations are available across the site throughout the weekend.
The final chapter
For nearly a decade, Terminal V has shaped Edinburgh’s electronic music landscape and built a community that returns year after year. This weekend is the last time it happens here. While organisers have confirmed a new site will be announced for 2027, alongside a global tour of international shows to mark a decade of Terminal V, the Royal Highland Centre closes its doors on Sunday night for the final time as the festival’s home.
Last remaining tickets are available here.
Image credits:
In this article: Terminal V, Royal Highland Showground, Edinburgh, 999999999, Anetha, Ben Hemsley, Mall Grab, Patrick Topping, Sara Landry, SPFDJ, Robert Hood, Klangkuenstler, Lothian Buses, d&b audiotechnik, DJ Magazine. Generated by Wikidata Schema Link Builder.
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