The Great Escape has added over 100 new names to its 2026 edition, including Sassy 009, Girl In The Year Above, ARXX, PVA and more.
The “festival for new music” is returning to the South Coast from May 13 to 16 this year, with new and emerging talent set to fill up venues across the city for four nights – find any remaining tickets here.
This year marks its 20th anniversary edition, and previously announced names include The Lottery Winners, Villanelle and BIG WETT.
Peaches has already been announced as headlining this year’s spotlight show, The Kooks will be playing an anniversary show presented by NME, and former Spice Girl, Mel C, will be a keynote speaker – reflecting on her three decades in music.
Today (Tuesday March 31), over 100 new names have been added to the line-up, including Norwegian dream-pop artist Sassy 009 – who appeared on The Cover for NME at the end of 2025 – and Irish/Cornish indie outfit Girl in the Year Above.
The latter recently featured on the soundtrack to the new Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, and have won over fans in Cillian Murphy, Massive Attack and more.
Also joining the bill is D&B star Charlotte Plank, South London rapper Ceebo, US hyperpop artist Chase Icon, Swedish indie-pop band Girl Scout – who are currently on The Cover – alt-indie duo ARXX, and electronic trio PVA.
Other new names include London talents Lauren Duffus, Madmadmad, and Max Winter, as well as Cambridge shoegaze duo The Healing Power of Horses, Glasgow’s Kerr Mercer, Nottingham post-punks Do Nothing, Birmingham alt-indie duo Gans, and UK drag artist and pop provocateur Bimini. The latter will also be supporting Peaches’ Spotlight Show at The Brighton Dome Concert Hall on May 15.
Find an updated line-up poster above.
As well as adding new artists to the bill, today also sees organisers introduce TGE Wristband Rewards. These will come in partnership with a range of local businesses, and let festival-goers access exclusive perks, including discounts and special offers.
Participating venues include Shelter Hall, Helm Gallery, Stanley Road Department Store, Chilli Pickle, Beach Box Spa and Family Store, with more to be announced. Find out more here.
For the 2025 edition, English Teacher led the way on the line-up, alongside Skunk Anansie, Maruja and The Molotovs. That year’s spotlight show was headlined by Pete Doherty and Warmduscher.