Each May, the seaside city of Brighton becomes the global meeting point for the next wave of music discovery as The Great Escape Festival returns, bringing together hundreds of emerging artists, industry delegates and music fans from around the world. The 2026 edition promises another packed programme of live showcases and conference events, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as one of the most important platforms for discovering new talent on the international stage.
Running across multiple venues throughout Brighton, The Great Escape is renowned for spotlighting artists just before they break globally. Across three days, delegates and audiences will have the chance to experience hundreds of performances spanning genres and continents, alongside a conference programme exploring the evolving music industry through panels, talks and keynote sessions.
One of the headline speakers for the 2026 conference is Melanie C. Best known globally as a member of the Spice Girls and for her acclaimed solo career, Melanie C will deliver a keynote conversation reflecting on her decades in the music industry, offering insights into longevity, reinvention and the changing landscape of pop and live performance.
Delegate passes for the conference are currently available, providing access to the full conference schedule as well as networking opportunities with industry professionals from across the global music ecosystem. For artists, managers, labels and media alike, the conference has become a vital space to exchange ideas and discover the next generation of talent.
Also newly announced is a special Spotlight Show from The Kooks, who will perform an exclusive headline set in Brighton on 13 May as part of the festival’s wider programme. The Brighton-formed indie favourites will return to their hometown to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Great Escape, with the Spotlight Shows offering larger standalone performances alongside the hundreds of emerging artist showcases happening across the city. The presale kicks off on the 10th March – join the TGE mailing list to access the presale.
As in previous years, Australia will once again be strongly represented across the festival’s showcase programme. Among the first wave of announced artists flying the flag for Australia are Any Young Mechanic, Bean Magazine, Big Wett, Darcie Haven, Georgia Knight, Jamacia Moana, Joan & The Giants, Mudrat, Ngaiire, Salarymen, Sleepazoid, Teenage Joans and Way Dynamic.
For Australian artists, The Great Escape has long been an important gateway into international markets. With industry delegates, booking agents and media all in attendance, the festival offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with new audiences and industry partners while showcasing the diversity of Australia’s contemporary music scene.
Taking place as Europe begins to shake off winter, the festival also marks one of the first major moments of the northern hemisphere’s festival season. With longer days, milder temperatures and Brighton’s lively seaside atmosphere, it’s a brilliant way to welcome the start of the warmer months while discovering some of the most exciting new music from around the world.
Having attended in recent years, it’s a festival we’ve always been proud to support here at the AU review. The combination of international discovery, a strong Australian presence and Brighton’s unique coastal setting makes it one of the most enjoyable industry gatherings on the calendar — and we can’t wait to get back down there again in 2026.
The Great Escape Festival 2026 takes place in Brighton from 13–16 May 2026. Delegate passes and further programme details are available now via the festival website.
Header image of Big Wett. All photos by Bruce Baker
