The Independent kicks off its 2026 festival season announcing its exclusive news partnership with The Great Escape for a fourth year running. This year’s festival celebrates 20 years of The Great Escape, once again bringing the most exciting new music to Brighton’s best-loved venues from 13 May.
The Independent will present the festival’s official welcome party on Brighton beach on 13 May, with a live performance from alt-pop/rock artist Marlee. Marlee is an independent, self-producing artist, whose consistently individual work blends catchy pop melodies with rock-leaning intensity.
This year, The Independent will present the Spotlight Show featuring Peaches. The iconic electroclash artist and all-round provocateur will perform at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall on Friday 15 May, having released No Lube So Rude this February, her first album in over a decade. Supporting Peaches will be the recording artist and drag queen Bimini.
Steadfast in its commitment to championing grassroots music, the publication will also host The Independent Stage at Daltons, a matinee showcase stage to platform new artists, on Friday 15 May from 12pm to 4pm. The line-up so far includes Girl Tones, Slag and Twat Union, with more to be announced.
As well as presenting its eponymous stage, The Independent will bring its music-obsessed readers exclusive news and reviews from Brighton. The partnership continues The Independent’s proud tradition of supporting music and cultural initiatives, including multi-year relationships with major European festivals including Montreux Jazz Festival and Mighty Hoopla.
The Great Escape is set to add more than 100 new names to its phenomenal line-up tomorrow, representing a diverse array of hotly-tipped new talent from across the world.
The Independent’s Music Editor, Roisin O’Connor, says: “I’m overjoyed that The Independent has extended its partnership with The Great Escape festival, continuing our mutual work supporting new talent and celebrating our vital live music scene. This year I’m particularly excited that The Independent is hosting a spotlight performance at The Dome from the awesome, pioneering legend Peaches, with support from the thrilling Bimini. We’ll also be championing new artists as always with our matinee show at Daltons. See you there!”
Rory Bett, CEO of MAMA Festivals and VIP Nation Europe, says: “It’s fantastic to be continuing our partnership with The Independent, who share our passion for championing new music and emerging talent. Their involvement across the festival – from the Beach welcome party, the Peaches Spotlight show at Brighton Dome, to the new music showcase at Daltons – adds real depth to the programme. We’re delighted to be working together again to bring these moments to life at The Great Escape as we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year.”
The Great Escape will return to Brighton from 13-16 May 2026. Please see tickets for TGE 2026 here.
