The Independent is announced as the exclusive news partner of The Great Escape for the fourth consecutive year and will take part in FIRST FIFTY, the live launch of the 2026 festival, on Thursday, 13th November 2025.

FIRST FIFTY is a collection of eight carefully curated live music events, all centred around new music and taking place in East London this November.

The Independent’s music section takes pride in consistently platforming new voices and sounds, and will host one of the FIRST FIFTY events – a night of emerging talent at Folklore in Hoxton. The lineup will include performances from Scottish soul storyteller James Emmanuel, Dublin folk six-piece Madra Salach, and London neo-soul artist Ashaine White.

The Independent presents

James Emmanuel

Madra Salach

Ashaine White

Folklore

186 Hackney Road

E2 7QL

Tickets available here

18+

Each year, FIRST FIFTY acts as a launch for The Great Escape, The UK’s premier new music festival. The 2026 event runs 13th – 16th May in Brighton, England. Tickets for The Great Escape festival are on sale here.

The Independent’s Music Editor, Roisin O’Connor, says: “I’m so thrilled that The Independent is partnering with The Great Escape Festival for the fourth consecutive year, and that we are able to unveil such a brilliant lineup for our First Fifty show this November.

“Here at The Independent, we pride ourselves on our coverage of new and emerging artists, championing musicians we believe in from day one and introducing them to some new fans. The Great Escape share this ethos and have helped us curate a fantastic stage ahead of the main festival in 2026. See you there!”

Rory Bett, CEO of MAMA Festivals and VIP Nation Europe, comments: “We’re excited to continue our partnership with The Independent as our exclusive news partner for The Great Escape 2026. Its dedication to championing new music aligns perfectly with our mission to showcase the best emerging talent from around the world.”