Pop
Bloc Party, Courtney Barnett and Yard Act lead BBC Radio 6 Music Festival lineup
The lineup for the 2026 edition of the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival has been unveiled.
Bloc Party, Courtney Barnett, Yard Act and The Horrors are among the major names set to perform at this year’s BBC Radio 6 Music Festival, which will take place across independent venues in Greater Manchester from March 25 to 28.
The 2026 edition of the festival will spotlight grassroots spaces throughout the region, with events hosted at iconic venues including Band on the Wall and YES. New additions for this year include the Eccles Town Hall Ballroom, alongside partnership events with local promoters FaT OuT and Homobloc.
Across the four‑day programme, fans will be able to catch performances from Jacob Alon, Kelly Lee Owens (DJ set), Lynks, Mandy, Indiana, SILVERWINGKILLER, Sorry, Tiberius b, Wesley Joseph and Yard Act. The festival will also feature DJ sets from Beth Ditto and Nick Grimshaw, Emily Pilbeam and Nathan Shepherd, Lambrini Girls, and Steve Lamacq as part of an Indie Forever club night.
Homobloc’s collaboration will bring DJ sets from The Knife’s Olof Dreijer, Aiden Francis and Fig, while FaT OuT’s partnership event will include performances from Lauren Auder, Naima Bock and R.AGGS.
Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, said the move to independent venues reflects the festival’s commitment to supporting the foundations of the UK’s live music scene.
She explained: “Independent grassroots venues are vital to the UK’s music ecosystem and at 6 Music, we’re proud to support what they do. So, it makes sense for the next evolution of the 6 Music Festival to take place in these special spaces, collaborating with new partners and celebrating Manchester’s incredible music legacy, as well as the next generation of artists.”
Nick Grimshaw, who will DJ at the event, added: “So excited to be back at the 6 Music Festival in Manchester. Bringing a whole host of excellent artists and showcasing them at grassroots venues – these independent spaces are increasingly under threat but are vital for culture and a space where artists are given the freedom to take risks, grow, and truly flourish. I can’t wait!”
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham welcomed the festival’s focus on local venues, saying: “Greater Manchester’s music scene has always been driven by its grassroots venues and independent spirit. They’re vital to nurturing new talent and keeping our cultural life vibrant.”
