Valley Fest drops first wave of legend-dairy 2026 lineup

Valley Fest has announced the first wave of artists for its 2026 edition, taking place from Thursday 30 July - Sunday 2 August overlooking Chew Valley Lake. The line-up reflects the festival’s commitment to combining music, food, wellness and family-friendly programming in a stunning West Country setting.

Image: Valley Fest

Headlining Friday night is Big Special, the Midlands duo known for their burning live energy and fusion of punk, spoken word and industrial soul. Saturday features a double-bill led by Friendly Fires, whose Mercury-nominated debut brought euphoric indie-electro to the mainstream, with The Herbaliser (full band) delivering their genre-blending mix of jazz, hip-hop and funk. Sunday closes with Cast, the Britpop mainstays whose anthemic sound helped define the ‘90s guitar era.

Also confirmed in the first announcement are standout acts including cult-folk favourite Beans on Toast, the ever-theatrical Oh My God! It’s The Church and high-octane-sequined-cladded party band Doreen Doreen. Fisherman’s Friends will bring their Cornish sea shanties to the lakeside stage, while The Beatles Dub Club return with horn section in tow for a reimagined celebration of Liverpool’s finest. Channel One Sound System will also be performing, bringing big energy to the fields with an unmissable DJ and MC set. 

The line-up spans genres and generations, with additional artists including The Bluetones, THE BEAT FEATURING RANKING JNR, Renegade Brass Band, Henge, House Gospel Choir, Subzero & MC Weejii, Channel One Sound System, K.O.G, Gardna, INJA MC, Fleetwood Bac, Paper Dragon and more.

Food remains central to Valley Fest’s identity, with the 2026 culinary programme curated by award-winning chef, Toby Gritten. Guests can expect a full menu of talks, demonstrations, feasts, with more details to drop next month. Joining the culinary programme is chef and restaurateur Josh Eggleton, known for his championing of South West produce and sustainable food systems. Eggleton will appear alongside Simon Dyer and the Fire Jockeys, Peter Sanchez, Martin Anderson (Out of the Ashes) and others. Eggleton’s Pony Bus - a mobile food education unit - will also be on hand, offering hands-on workshops and sessions designed to engage children and adults in the story behind their food.

A key feature of Valley Fest’s after-dark experience is its series of curated takeovers, returning for 2026 with some of the UK’s most respected crews. Save Our Scene (SOS) brings its grassroots energy and commitment to nightlife culture alongside the acclaimed Scotland Yard Sound System, while Slip Back In Time and Shimmy Discotheque deliver feel-good nostalgia through rave classics and disco decadence. Retrospective of House brings deep cuts and timeless anthems to the late-night line-up and the ever-popular silent disco will also return, running each night until late.

Wellbeing offerings include hot tubs, lakeside yoga, ice baths, sauna sessions, breathwork and massage - providing both recovery and ritual.The full wellness programme will be announced shortly, with a line-up of leaders to guide Valley Festers on a relaxing journey throughout the weekend. 

Elsewhere, the bumper family programme will be enhanced by returning partners Upfest, with live art, graffiti workshops led by Inkie, and interactive installations for children. Messy play, craft sessions and workshops will run throughout the day across dedicated kids’ spaces. With 250 kids tickets already given away for free - the full programme of activities will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Smiley Spaces Comedy programming for 2026 brings a mix of established names and rising talent, delivering a range of sharp observational stand-up, surreal storytelling and high-energy performance. Eleanor Tiernan, a regular on BBC’s Live at the Apollo and Have I Got News for You, brings her deadpan delivery and wry wit. Harriet Dyer, founder of the award-winning Barking Tales and a stand-out on the UK alternative circuit, offers her trademark blend of chaotic charm and candid storytelling.

Markus Birdman, one of the UK’s most experienced live comics and a Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, joins the line-up alongside Michael Fabbri, whose cerebral comedy has earned him national radio credits and multiple UK tours. Luke Honnoraty, a favourite on the South West comedy scene, brings his relatable, quick-fire humour, while Sally-Anne Hayward, known for her appearances on BBC Radio 4 and her sharp, observational style, rounds out the first wave of confirmed acts.

Festival founder Luke Hasell said: "Valley Fest has always been more than a music festival. It’s a gathering rooted in the land, in community and in joy. We’re proud to be welcoming such a dynamic mix of artists, chefs, collectives and families back to the farm again this summer - and we’re only just getting started."

With the second wave of programme announcements still to come, festival fans can look forward to the full line-up of chefs, family activities and wellbeing launching in the coming weeks. Tickets are on sale now via valleyfest.co.uk, with weekend tickets starting from £190 plus booking fee. A range of accommodation options are available including standard camping, luxury glamping and Airstream packages. Day and combination tickets are also on sale.