Ooh La! The Kooks to play Bristol Sounds 2026

A night of pure indie nostalgia is arriving in the city as The Kooks will headline Bristol Sounds on Tuesday 23 June 2026, marking the 20th anniversary of their legendary debut album Inside In/Inside Out. Tickets for The Kooks will go on general sale on Friday 31st October at bristolsounds.co.uk 

Following a string of sold-out shows at The Fleece earlier this year, the Brighton-born band will return to Bristol for what promises to be one of the standout gigs of the summer. Fans can expect all the classic hits celebrating two decades of sounds that defined an entire genre.

Originally released in 2006, Inside In / Inside Out launched The Kooks into the spotlight with unforgettable hits including Naïve, She Moves in Her Own Way, Ooh La, Sofa Song and You Don’t Love Me. The album, which sold over 2,000,000 copies worldwide, has had a recent renaissance due to its presence across social media, opening the band up to Gen-Z audiences.

As part of Bristol Sounds 2026, The Kooks will celebrate the album that soundtracked a generation, in what is set to be a highlight of the city’s summer music calendar. They join an already stellar line-up for the series, with two sold out shows for The Streets on Thursday 25 and Saturday 27 June. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) will also be taking to the stage on Friday 26 June with their pioneering synth-pop.

The Kooks released their seventh studio album, Never/Know, earlier this year, reaching the UK Top 5; their highest chart position since 2008. Upon hearing the album, 1883 said: “The Kooks have cemented themselves as a key part of the UK musical landscape.”

Bristol Sounds has firmly established itself as a highlight of the UK’s summer music scene, celebrated for its diverse lineup and unbeatable Harbourside location. Returning once more over the Glastonbury weekend, the 2026 edition is set to steal the limelight, delivering unmissable nights of live music in the heart of the city. With even more major acts and full lineups yet to be revealed, it’s already shaping up to be the ultimate choice for music fans wanting to keep the festival energy alive.

For all updates and announcements, follow Bristol Sounds on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.