Rock N Roll Circus has officially leveled up. The UK’s most theatrical live music event has confirmed a major expansion for 2026, transforming its Sheffield and Norwich editions into full four-day festivals. To mark the occasion, a heavyweight wave of new headliners has been announced, including The Kooks, James, Milburn, and Miles Kane, buy tickets below.
Known for its signature Big Top arenas that blend world-class indie-rock with immersive circus spectacles—featuring aerialists and fire performers—the festival is doubling down on its "city takeover" concept for the August 2026 run.
Sheffield: A Milestone Opening Night
At South Yorkshire's Don Valley Bowl, the festival now kicks off on Thursday, 27 August. The opening night features a nostalgia-fueled billing: The Kooks will perform their seminal debut album Inside In / Inside Out in its entirety to celebrate its 20th anniversary. They are joined by local legends Milburn, also marking two decades of their debut Well, Well, Well, and indie mainstay Miles Kane.
The new date bolsters a weekend that already features The Streets, Wunderhorse, and a closing set from Richard Ashcroft.
Norwich: James Leads the Charge
In Norfolk, the festival expands to run from Thursday, 20 August to Sunday, 23 August at Earlham Park. The newly added opening Thursday will be headlined by the legendary James, whose four-decade career has produced anthems like "Sit Down" and "Laid." They are supported by indie giants Razorlight and the rapidly rising Merseyside outfit The K’s.
The Norwich lineup is equally stacked, featuring Madness, The Vaccines, and The Streets across the remaining days.
"Expanding into four full days is a huge moment for us," says Festival Director Ali O’Reilly. "Both cities have embraced what we’re creating, and 2026 is about taking that energy to the next level."
Tickets for the new dates in both Sheffield and Norwich go on general sale Friday, 6 March at 10 am, with a presale beginning on Wednesday, 4 March.
