The UK festival season 2026 has arrived. From breakthrough artists to established favourites, these are the acts we think should be on every festival-goer's must-see list this summer.
The UK festival season 2026 is finally here, and with it comes an overwhelming number of artists competing for a place in your schedule. We have taken some of our favourite artists (both biggest names and those rising stars too) that we think you should see across the board this year, and that will ensure you have the best time. Whether you're heading to Reading & Leeds, Latitude, Truck or Boardmasters, these are the performers we think deserve a spot on your must-see list.
Wet Leg Preforming Live | Image: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/601934306491853645/
The Breakout Acts
Alessi Rose
One of the most talked about artists coming up right now, that takes modern pop to a new sound. She has already worked her way up the festival lineup stages over the past couple of years, knowing she brought in the crowds. Having seen her live, she brings a fun and feminine energy to pop, that is perfect for the festival environment. In 2026, she is performing across festivals such as Latitude and Boardmasters and has already cemented her festival run this year, so you know exactly the energy needed. Similar to the likes of Olivia Rodrigo in her sound and production, and taking a unique tone also.
Taking on a more folk and acoustic sound on her discography, if you wanted a more chilled listen with your time. Perfect for an outdoor environment, with the folk genre matching the feeling of being outside and immersed in an experience of live music. Her soft tone on her recent song ,’Come Down’, still captivates people listening, as she understands how to match different production levels with her voice and blend well. It features in ‘Your Fault London’, a movie she stars in, so is one a wider audience will know well. You will be able to catch her at Victorious and Boardmasters.
Coming onto the scene fast with a dedicated fanbase, he is set to play at Victorious this year. His thematic link on his records are a more indie pop focused style, with an elevated background in songs such as ‘still be friends’, but can also be more slowed in ‘move, honey’, being versatile throughout. He commands with a strong stage presence, so audiences will for sure be dancing and hooked on his set. Definitely an artist to look out for.
A newer artist that I have personally discovered more recently, who will be at Truck this year, if you wanted to discover new talent to be on your Spotify playlist. And what better way then to see her at her best in a live environment. A rising indie pop artist who captures a catchy hook and melody in her work whilst also keeping the wit and honesty in her storytelling. Songs like ‘Bare Minimum’, evokes this where you can genuinely feel the refreshing energy and positive spirit in her sound. Has already done her own festival runs in the past, bringing such high energy to the stage. Perfect for dancing and hyping you up for a great energy at a festival which is always needed. If you are a fan of artists such as Taylor Swift and Nieve Ella, we would recommend.
Alessi Rose Preforming Live | Image: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/93449761013933197/
The Festival Favourites
Fontaines D.C
I am certain this band is on everyones’ radar if they are going to Reading/Leeds this upcoming year, as they are one of the biggest indie bands on the scene. Their song ‘Favourite’, cemented as a summer anthem already, they bring a feel good edge to their music and bring that to the live scene. The band work collectively well to experiment with their sound and expansive world creatively with albums such as ‘Romance’. Definitely forging their own path and a vibrant set to watch, that I am sure everyone will be at.
Returning to the pop girls we all know and love, Holly has become a rising star on everyone’s minds and hearts recently. She brings a classic softness to her voice, with deep and relatable lyricism at its’ core, counting the experience as a young woman navigating. There is also a strong production current alongside the softness, and she has solidified her space and individuality after performing at various festivals and opening for Taylor Swift and Sam Fender. Cruel World is her most recent album, prior to the recent EP that feels recent but also a sound that feels like its always been there. Your favourite artists’ favourite artist, who would be a great watch at Reading/Leeds.
A pop girl that has been taking over UK music and globally for a number of years, and has just furthered her talents with her newest album, ‘Florescence’. A journey through lyrical masterpieces and stories that connect, whilst tying in that fun pop production, being able to make the ballads also. ‘Kingmaker’ , featuring Julia Michaels, focuses on her feminine power through lyricism that she has done in the past records with ‘History Of Man’, but also songs such as ‘Questions’, that highlight her versatility in one record, as it comes across more upbeat. She is able to do a strong build through her songs, that translate well on stage. She also holds incredible stage presence, making her an entertaining and engaging watch at Reading/Leeds, and I am sure she will bring in a large crowd.
Safe to say very few individuals would be missing out on Tucker’s set at Reading/Leeds this year, but just a reminder to definitely see him rock out on stage. Stepping into a more country and folk inspired sound with his newest song, ‘High Hopes 3000’, he brings high energy in production whilst keeping that core lyricism that still is vulnerable. In the past, there has been a slight edge to his bedroom pop, creating confessional lyricism throughout his work that stands out to his listeners, and connects them; being strong on his songwriting abilities. This is seen through songs such as ‘Oh, Gemini’, and also through upbeat hits like ‘Look At That Woman’. His energy on stage is electric and keeps the crowd jamming all night. Perfect for a festival set.
Fontaines D.C Preforming Live | Image: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/943856034422806632/
Alternative Sounds
CMAT
Definitely an artist most people would notably have seen in their spaces for the song, ‘Take A Sexy Picture Of Me’, or from a lot of their already iconic live performances at these festivals such as Glastonbury. Not afraid to command the stage, and already a fan favourite at these events. Or maybe from Olivia Rodrigo covering, ‘When A Good Man Cries’, at her Live Lounge performance. Taking a unique sound, that takes emotional vulnerability contrasted with humour, to encapsulate the human emotion well with meaningful lyricism. Speaking on more prevalent issues throughout her latest album and on stage, giving something important to the music scene and those larger stages, set to perform at Truck festival soon.
A hip-hop artist who is making waves and has been cemented in this industry for a while, but still has the power to reach new audiences. With his latest album, ‘Hopefully!’, there is such an original sound, having a languid style of rapping, not missing the clever lyricism. Taking the vulnerability from hiphop and rap to the scene, to connect to listeners more deeply but also authentically. His production is more chilled but infuses well with the style and voice blend. He will be an amazing watch live to immerse in different genres if you are at Boardmasters.
One of the most exciting bands on the lineups this year, performing at Latitude, Reading and Leeds and Tramlines, which I am sure audiences will go to watch immediately. Pertaining to the rock scene, these women are absolute rockstars at their game, solidifying their talents already. Their elevated production and instrumental matches the genre well, but becoming more modern in tone. Full of catchy melodies, it will certainly be elevated live and bring a vibrant stage presence to these festivals.
A band hitting all the festival spots this summer: Truck, Victorious, Boardmasters and Tramlines, showing their likeness to those audiences, and a band you cannot miss. An indie rock band at their core, but also stepping into the more acoustic side of production, being able to build instrumental sounds. There is vulnerability and rawness in their lyricism that coincides with the strong and emotional driven tone of voice, that is needed to elevate a louder sound. Noticeable in songs like , ‘Cariad’, they have an isolated production that feels as if you are in the studio session with them. The ability to refrain from going too heavy in the production, makes it feel like it sounds just the same in a live performance, showcasing their talents. As a rock band, there’s no denying they will get those crowds hyped, and definitely a favourite to look out for.
Last but certainly not least, is this alternative rock band who continue to build on the scene and gaining critical acclaim for albums such as ‘Moisturizer’ and going on tours with Harry Styles and Foo Fighters, reaching a wide demographic. They take that rock and pop combination, to create their own sound with a highly unique voice blend, that works well. With witty lyricism, they have an incredible soun to witness live, that goes along with a strong stage presence. I am sure you know them from songs such as ‘Chaise Longue’, that brought something new onto the music scene, and they have a lot more to come. They will be at Latitude and Tramlines, and a highly recommended watch.
Loyle Carner Preforming at Glastonbury | Image: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/675680750384717038/
Festival season is as much about discovery as it is seeing your favourite headline acts. Whether you're queueing for the main stage or wandering into a smaller tent between sets, some of the best performances often come from artists you weren't planning to see. Consider this your soundtrack to the UK festival season 2026.
