As if today couldn’t get anymore exciting, while Team Source is writing its Lewes Psychedelic Festival Preview, The Great Escape do a 2026 line up drop, like a proverbial seagull all over our heads. It is no secret. As far as we are concerned TGE weekend is essentially the greatest time possible to be a resident of this wonderful city we call Brighton. What’s more we love the new Seagull logo.
The current line up is barely scratching surface of the sheer wealth of musical variety we will feast upon, but there is already plenty to be excited about.
Glastonbury emerging talent contest winners Westside Cowboy (main pic) were one of the undisputed champions of this year’s event. There were probably twice as many people in the queue outside the Paganini Ballroom as could possibly fit inside for their first show and we caught their beach show the next day. We witnessed a joyful explosion of musical talent in a packed tent played by a band who could not believe what was happening to them. We expect great things.
They will be joined by Kingfishr who are doing a showcase at the Dome and range of bands form all over the world. South Korean garage punks Wah Wah Wah with their Jesus Built My Hot Rod level thrash of Chihuahua look set to blow the roof off wherever they are playing, while Annie-Dog from Ireland will bring back the 90s breakbeat Trip Hop vibes, furious Welsh art rock from Morn, Canadians Meltt with their expansive dream pop and the warm Irish folk of Madra Salach.
The Brighton charge is led by the ever wonderful lo-fi 6 Music favourites Big Long Sun, the increasingly glamorous Slag and the warmth and grace of Ladylike.
If you fancy a trip up the big smoke you can catch the First Fifty acts playing a variety of shows across the city this weekend.
The Great Escape 2026
Various Venues – May 13th – 16th
Weekend Tickets available here
First Fifty London shows here
