Keo Set to Headline Billboard U.K. Stage at The Great Escape 2026

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Billboard U.K. Returns to Brighton for Exclusive Stage Takeover at The Great Escape 2026

For the second year running, Billboard U.K. is set to descend upon the coastal hub of Brighton to host a curated showcase at The Great Escape. Following the success of last year’s event, which featured a standout headline set from English Teacher, the 2026 edition promises another high-octane experience.

Scheduled to run from May 13–16, this year’s stage will be headlined by the surging rock outfit Keo. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the band, who recently secured a major label deal with Island Records and completed a sold-out headline tour across the U.K. and Ireland.

Keo first emerged from London’s vibrant post-lockdown live circuit, rapidly gaining momentum with the release of their Siren EP last summer. Since then, the group has become a fixture on the festival circuit, appearing at Reading & Leeds and ESNS, while also sharing the stage with Kings of Leon during their BST Hyde Park performance.

Thomas Smith, Editor of Billboard U.K., expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “The Great Escape has a storied reputation for elevating new voices, a mission that sits at the very heart of what we do at Billboard U.K. We are incredibly excited to return to Brighton this May and present a headline set from Keo—without doubt one of the most formidable and visceral acts in the current British scene.”

Recognized as a premier global platform for emerging talent, The Great Escape transforms Brighton’s independent venues into a sprawling musical discovery zone. Beyond the live performances, the four-day event serves as a critical industry gathering, featuring networking sessions and expert-led panels. Tickets and delegate passes are currently available via the official festival website.

Keo joins a massive roster of over 130 newly announced acts, including the genre-defying Peaches, who is slated for a high-profile Spotlight Show at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall on May 15.

The 2026 lineup also features an eclectic mix of rising stars, including: