The Great Escape Festival has become one of the most exciting fixtures in the UK music calendar, bringing fresh sounds and new talent to the vibrant seaside city of Brighton. Each year, hundreds of emerging artists from across the globe take over more than thirty walkable venues, as well as a lively pop up site on Brighton Beach, creating a buzzing atmosphere for music lovers and industry alike.

With around 450 acts performing, the festival offers a unique chance to discover your next favourite artist in intimate settings before they move on to headline major stages around the world. Alongside the performances, The Great Escape also hosts a respected music industry conference, where professionals gather for panels, debates, keynote talks and plenty of networking opportunities. This year, the festival runs from 13th to 16th May in Brighton, with tickets available to buy now here.

Beyond the official programme, the city comes alive with The Alternative Escape, spotlight shows, secret gigs and late night club events, alongside spontaneous collaborations that keep the energy going well into the early hours. Whether you are a fan eager for new music or part of the industry looking for the next big thing, this is a weekend in Brighton that continues to stand out.

This year’s spotlight performances add an extra layer of excitement, with a trio of standout acts set to draw major attention and bring a different flavour to the festival programme.

The Kooks bring their signature indie sound and a catalogue of well loved tracks, offering a nostalgic yet fresh live experience. Known for defining moments in the mid 2000s indie scene, their set is likely to balance classic hits with newer material, making it a must see for long time fans and newcomers alike.

Irish group Kingfishr are gaining rapid momentum, blending folk influences with modern indie sensibilities and emotive songwriting. Their rise has been fuelled by strong live performances and a growing fanbase, and their appearance here feels like a timely moment to catch them before they move on to even bigger stages.

Meanwhile, Peaches promises a bold and unpredictable performance, known for her boundary pushing style and electrifying stage presence. With a reputation for high energy shows that challenge expectations, her set is set to offer something completely different, adding an edge to the festival’s diverse line up.

Together, these artists highlight the festival’s mix of established names and rising talent, reinforcing its reputation as a place where different sounds and generations of music come together.