The Great Escape has unveiled a massive wave of over 100 new artists joining the line-up for its 20th-anniversary edition in Brighton this May. Alongside the lineup expansion, the festival has announced its daily highlights and introduced a brand-new wristband rewards scheme for 2026 attendees.
Among the newly announced acts heading to the south coast are UK drag icon and pop provocateur Bimini, who is set to support Peaches’ Spotlight Show at The Brighton Dome Concert Hall on May 15th. Nottingham post-punk outfit Do Nothing, electronic trio PVA, and South London rapper Ceebo will also make a major impact across the four-day event.
The festival for new music officially kicks off the 2026 season from May 13th to 16th, taking over more than 35 walkable venues across Brighton. Tickets for The Great Escape 2026 are on sale now.
New for 2026 is the introduction of “TGE Wristband Rewards,” an initiative giving festival-goers even more to explore across the city. By partnering with local businesses, wristband holders can unlock exclusive perks, such as 10% off purchases or complimentary items with in-store spend.
Participating venues for the rewards scheme include Shelter Hall, Helm Gallery, Stanley Road Department Store, Chilli Pickle, Beach Box Spa, and Family Store, with more to be announced. Fans will be able to access full details on available rewards seamlessly through the official TGE app.
The latest lineup additions bring a globally diverse roster of emerging talent. Highlights include high-energy drum & bass-infused electronic pop from Charlotte Plank, US hyperpop artist Chase Icon, Brighton alt-indie duo ARXX, and Swedish indie-pop band Girl Scout.
With more than 450 up-and-coming artists scheduled to perform alongside the music industry-led TGE conference, The Great Escape continues its legacy as a premier springboard for rising artists.
Artists added in this announcement include:
- Arima Ederra
- ARXX
- Bella Kay
- Ben Ellis
- Bimini
- Ceebo
- Charlotte Plank
- Chase Icon
- Do Nothing
- Gans
- Girl in the Year Above
- Girl Scout
- Kerr Mercer
- Lauren Duffus
- Madmadmad
- Max Winter
- My First Time
- Nectar Woode
- PVA
- Sassy 009
- Sunday Mourners
- The Haunted Youth
- The Healing Power of Horses
- The Orchestra (For Now)
- The Skinner Brothers
- The Tullamarines
- Tom Rasmussen
- Tommy Barlow
- Tsatsamis
- Xanadu
- Y
Image credits:
In this article: The Great Escape Festival, Bimini Bon-Boulash, Do Nothing
Disclosures: TheFestivals is funded through advertising and sometimes earns a commission on purchases made through links on this website, including in this article: None
Add as a preferred source