While Christmas trees are being decorated, savvy music fans are already planning their summer, as a wave of major festival announcements for 2026 hits the scene. With the iconic Glastonbury Festival taking a fallow year, the competition for tickets to other events has never been fiercer, with world-class artists already confirmed across the circuit.
Headliners set to dominate the season include The Cure, Florence & the Machine, Gorillaz, Lewis Capaldi, and Foo Fighters. In a major coup, Lily Allen will be delivering a UK festival exclusive performance in London. Whether you're seeking a British staycation or a sun-drenched European adventure, here is your definitive guide to the most exciting festivals of 2026.
Major UK Festivals Not To Miss
Victorious Festival has kicked off its announcements with a powerful lineup. Kicking off the weekend on Friday will be Richard Ashcroft, fresh from supporting Oasis. He will be followed by The Black Keys on Saturday and Kasabian bringing the event to a close on Sunday. The eclectic undercard features everything from Scissors Sisters and The Vaccines to the nostalgic pop of Vengaboys, alongside The Lottery Winners, Kate Nash, and Jessie J.
Fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. "Cracking line up. I don't want to wish the next 9 months away, but roll on August 26," wrote one excited fan on social media. Tickets are now on sale, with day passes starting from £76 and weekend tickets from £194.
In London, Mighty Hoopla promises an unmissable party in Brockwell Park on May 30 and 31. The festival has secured a UK festival exclusive from Lily Allen, who will perform her new album 'West End Girl' on the Saturday. She will be joined by boyband favourites JLS, Jessie J, and Horse Meat Disco. Sunday's headline slot goes to the Scissor Sisters, with performances from Perrie, Five, Alexandra Burke, and Trixie Mattel. Saturday is already sold out, but Sunday tickets remain available from £69.50.
The Isle of Wight Festival (June 18-21) boasts a truly stacked lineup. The bill is a who's who of past and present stars, including Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris, The Cure, Teddy Swims, The Kooks, Tom Grennan, and Rick Astley. With even more acts to be announced, tickets are available from £320.
Meanwhile, BST Hyde Park has announced its initial headliners for multiple weekends in June and July. The 2026 roster currently features Maroon 5, Pitbull, Garth Brooks, and Lewis Capaldi, with further announcements expected. Ticket prices vary and are available via AXS or Ticketmaster.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, Boomtown (August 12-16) is centred on colour, visuals, and fun. The 2026 lineup supports this ethos with acts like Kneecap, Scissor Sisters, Madness, Skrillex, and Shaggy. Weekend tickets start at £295.
European Festival Escapes for 2026
For music lovers willing to travel, Europe's festival scene is equally thrilling. Primavera Sound in Barcelona (June 3-6) offers a musically diverse feast. The weekend opens with Wet Leg, followed by days headlined by Doja Cat, The Cure, and Gorillaz. The bill also features Massive Attack, PinkPantheress, and Little Simz. Tickets start at £313.57 plus fees.
Madrid's Mad Cool festival (July 8-11) continues its reputation for stellar indie rock lineups. The event kicks off with Foo Fighters and Moby, followed by nights headlined by Florence & The Machine and Twenty One Pilots. The festival concludes with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Pulp. Tickets go on sale from November 17.
In Lisbon, Nos Alive (July 9-11) has secured a formidable roster. The action begins with Twenty One Pilots and Nick Cave, followed by Foo Fighters on Friday and Florence & The Machine on Saturday. The festival promises this is only the beginning. Tickets range from £74.23 for a day to £199 for the weekend.
Other notable European destinations include Belgium's Rock Werchter (July 1-5) with The Cure and Gorillaz, and Sweden's Way Out West (August 13-15) in Gothenburg, featuring The Cure, Gorillaz, and Lorde. Tickets for Rock Werchter are available from November 21, while Way Out West tickets start from £273.92.
Plan Your Festival Summer Now
With Glastonbury's absence creating a unique dynamic for the 2026 season, music fans are presented with a wealth of incredible alternatives both at home and abroad. From exclusive performances to legendary headliners, the competition for tickets is already heating up. The message is clear: now is the time to finalise your summer plans and secure your spot at next year's most anticipated musical celebrations.
