Splendour Festival 2026

The next show in my 2026 Must See Show series heads out of London and up to Nottingham, where Splendour Festival returns to the stunning surroundings of Wollaton Park across the weekend of 18 and 19 July. Having attended last year's edition it stands as one of the best festival experiences I have had. With The Wombats and Snow Patrol headlining either side of the weekend and a supporting cast that spans decades and genres, this is one of the most well-rounded festival lineups of the summer.

The Wombats close out Saturday's Lake Stage having spent the better part of two decades cementing themselves as one of the most reliably brilliant live acts in British indie. Snow Patrol take the Sunday headline slot carrying a catalogue that needs no introduction, the kind of songs that have a habit of turning festival fields into something that feels genuinely communal. Both headliners are a statement of intent from a festival that, year after year, knows exactly what its audience wants.

The undercard more than holds its own. Primal Scream bring huge hits like 'Movin' On Up', 'Loaded' and 'Rocks' to Wollaton Park for the first time, while Craig David Presents TS5 returns to the site having already proven what his DJ set does to a crowd. Editors arrive off the back of their most leftfield album to date, a full-bodied thrust of electro-industrial rock that should translate powerfully in an open air setting. One of the country's most beloved newere indie outfits The K's bring the kind of raw, authentic indie energy that has made them a firm favourite on the live circuit. Whilsy The Flaming Lips, one of the most unpredictable and iconic forces in American alternative music, anchor the Sunday Parkside Stage with the promise of the spectacular audiovisual experience they have built their live reputation on.

Elsewhere across the weekend, Cast arrive fresh from supporting Oasis on their reunion tour, The Lathums bring their beautifully poetic guitar-driven songs, and Estelle adds more genuine star power. Neville Staple from The Specials carries the flag for a era of British music that still resonates deeply with festival crowds, while hometown favourites Divorce and MOBO-nominated alt blk era ensure Nottingham's own scene is represented on the biggest stages available to it. The Sugarhill Gang, Say She She, The Pigeon Detectives, EMF and The Futureheads round out a bill that genuinely offers something across every generation in attendance.

Beyond the music, Splendour delivers the full festival experience. Day Fever, the daytime disco conceived by Nottingham's own Vicky McClure, returns alongside the Beatles Dub Club, a Little Splendours children's area, silent disco, comedy, fairground rides and gourmet food and drink, all set within the beautiful historic parkland that gives this festival its particular character.

For ticket and further information head to the Splendour Festival Website