Brighton Psych Festival 2026
From established favourites to artists beginning to make their mark, Brighton Psych Festival 2026 collated an eclectic lineup that brings something new to discover around every corner. Across the city, its 2026 edition brings together artists who span genre and sound to some of Brighton's most distinctive and stunning venues. From the grand surroundings of The Corn Exchange to the intimacy of Patterns, the festival moves effortlessly between indie, punk, electronic, experimental and everything in between.
Starting the day in Komedia with Brighton locals Slag, the band brings an unmistakable edge as their indie math-rock infusions ring out, accented by a fun and distinctly camp appeal. Polished and driven, their sound is matched by a stage presence that feels playful and completely assured. Slag bring plenty of character to their performance, proving that precision and personality can sit comfortably side by side.
Over at The Corn Exchange, Gwenno proves herself to be a natural storyteller, balancing moments of genuine political strength with a playful sense of the absurd. “Wales is not for sale” is a simple but powerful statement, yet she is just as comfortable leading the crowd into a chorus of meows after appearing in a cat mask. The lighter moments sit comfortably alongside the more serious themes, creating a set that feels both deeply rooted in identity and full of joy. It is this ability to make the personal and political feel warm, accessible and genuinely fun that makes Gwenno so captivating.
Downstairs at Patterns, Ellis·D admits, “all our hometown gigs always make us really nervous.” It’s a revealing moment from an artist who seems increasingly ready for the larger and larger crowds that await them. Dripping in sweat, Ellis and band shred their way through their high energy set packed full of unrelenting breakdowns and killer basslines, fired up and ready to kick the door in to that next level of their career. This is a band with all the ingredients of a future headliner. It feels like a privilege to catch them in such an intimate venue while they are still at this stage of their journey, and after a performance like this, it is hard not to feel excited about where they go next.
Canadian four-piece PISS arrive with a trigger warning, and their set does not shy away from the difficult themes of abuse and sexual assault that sit at its centre. Raw, intimate and deeply powerful, the performance is hard-hitting without ever feeling theatrical. Vocalist Taylor Zantingh gives an extraordinary amount of herself to the set, delivering each moment with an overwhelming vulnerability. By the end, many leave with tears in their eyes, visibly affected by what they have just witnessed. There is no sense of watching something manufactured for an audience reaction. Instead, the connection feels genuine, uncomfortable and deeply human.
Further down the promenade, Mary In The Junkyard take to the Concorde 2 stage. The London trio continue to grow into their sound, balancing sickly sweet, smooth vocals against sharp, angular melodies that give the set both light and bite. Their dream-rock sound draws the crowd in, while the emotional weight of their lyrics shines through above singable, disarming basslines. There is a real sense of a band finding their feet here, polishing their sound without losing the rawness that makes it so compelling. Sweet without becoming sappy and emotional without feeling overworked, Mary in the Junkyard have found a balance that feels entirely their own.
White Denim then arrived with one simple mission, "We came to rock!". Watching the band play off one another is a real highlight - intricate guitar lines, shifting rhythms and tight changes seem to bounce between them, each musician pushing the others further. The level of musicianship is remarkable, but what makes it such a pleasure to watch is that none of the technicality comes at the expense of energy. The whole set feels spontaneous and alive, with the band clearly having as much fun playing together as the crowd does watching them.
Brighton Psych Festival is ultimately a celebration of great live music in all its forms, bringing together established favourites and artists on the cusp of something bigger. It is a fun, unpredictable and genuinely enjoyable day of music, made all the better by a city that knows how to put on a good show.
Tickets for Brighton Psych Fest 2026 are on sale now.
