The Great Escape is gearing up for its milestone 20th anniversary in 2026, and the anticipation is building as a fresh wave of talent joins the bill. Set to take over Brighton, England, from May 14 to 17, the legendary showcase has just unveiled a massive expansion of its lineup, featuring chart-topping breakout Bella Kay alongside Bimini, PVA, and Charlotte Plank.
On Tuesday (March 31), organizers bolstered the roster with more than 100 new additions. Among those confirmed to perform across the seaside city are Arxx, Ben Ellis, Chase Icon, Do Nothing Gans, Girl Scout, and Madmadmad. The eclectic mix also includes Max Winter, My First Time, Sassy 009, The Skinner Brothers, and Tsatsamis, ensuring the festival remains the ultimate destination for discovering the next generation of musical pioneers.
Bella Kay Leads the Charge
Bella Kay’s scheduled appearance marks a significant moment for the artist, serving as her debut live performance in the U.K. following a meteoric rise. Her viral sensation, “iloveitiloveitiloveit,” recently soared to No. 2 on the U.K. Official Singles Chart and made a powerful impact on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 18. Other notable names joining the festivities include the ethereal Nectar Woode, Ben Willis, and the atmospheric Haunted Youth.
These newcomers join an already prestigious list of announced acts, including indie veterans The Kooks and the iconic Peaches. For the second consecutive year, Billboard U.K. will curate its own dedicated stage at the Deep End venue on the Brighton seafront. Rising indie-rock outfit KEO is set to headline the Billboard stage on May 15, following in the footsteps of 2025 headliners and Mercury Prize winners, English Teacher.
Since its inception, The Great Escape has served as a launchpad for some of the biggest names in global music. The festival’s storied history includes early-career sets from icons such as Adele, Dua Lipa, Stormzy, Lewis Capaldi, and Fontaines D.C., cementing its reputation as the premiere platform for emerging stars.
