The Great Escape has announced the first wave of acts confirmed for its 2027 festival, alongside the complete line-up for its annual FIRST FIFTY live launch. Returning to East London on Thursday 12 November 2026, the launch event will host 20 emerging artists across seven independent venues, offering a first look at the rising talent set to perform in Brighton next spring.
Curated in partnership with leading UK music platforms, the intimate launch night spans indie, punk, electronic, alternative, and hip-hop. At Oslo, Ticketmaster New Music hosts Belfast indie-fusion outfit Esmeralda Road, alongside Xanadu, Pack of Animals, and Jordan Joy. Over at Moth Club, DIY Neu Nights presents electro-acoustic trio Compost Compost Compost, trip-hop act Dumbhead, and alt-rockers Die Twice.
The Shacklewell Arms hosts a So Young-curated showcase featuring Irish indie artist State of Grace, Spanish Horses, and Angelface, while Dork takes over Sebright Arms with Leeds electronic noise-pop group Bathing Suits, Parisian post-punk band chest., and singer-songwriter Shrink. Meanwhile, Clash presents alt-rock trio Half Star, Tesni, and Casual Smart at Folklore.
Rounding out the launch showcases, BBC Introducing brings genre-blurring rapper simon a., J Casa, and Chiderah to Paper Dress Vintage, while Ones to Watch hosts Nashville singer-songwriter Aubory Bugg, Gianna, and Abbie Gordon at The Victoria.
Serving as the UK's premier festival for new music discovery, The Great Escape 2027 will take place from 12 to 15 May 2027 across more than 35 venues in Brighton, bringing together over 450 up-and-coming artists and industry professionals for its annual festival and conference.
Tickets for individual FIRST FIFTY shows start at £7.50, with festival passes for The Great Escape 2027 on sale now via the official festival website.
