2025 has been a fantastic year for music, packed full of huge festival line-ups, record-breaking artists, and more! But as the year comes to an end, we're thinking about what artists are going to fly the flag high in the live music scene in 2026!
After garnering significant media attention, releasing new acclaimed records and generating rapidly-growing fanbases, these artists are definitely ones to keep on your radar.
We predict that the artists here have what it takes to make it BIG - Irish noise-rockers Just Mustard, punkers The Pill, Manchester's The Guest List, guitar-driven Florence Road, atmospheric Pastel, surfer-disco Lime Garden, danceable Good Health Good Wealth, invigorating Picture Parlour, fiery M60, indie darlings The Kairos, and exciting The Covasettes.
Be sure to catch them before they become mega-stars!
Just Mustard
Ireland's bright noise-rock outfit
Hailing from Dundalk, Ireland, Just Mustard are one of the most exciting names in noise-rock.
The band fuses elements of shoegaze, drone and industrial soundscapes to create a powerful, cinematic sound that is distinctly their own. Coupled with Katie Ball's ethereal vocals, their sound has the ability to take listeners to somewhere far away, somewhere dreamlike.
Their self-produced debut, 2018's offering Wednesday, was nominated for a Mercury Prize, and since then, Just Mustard have climbed to new heights, having secured a slot supporting post-punk legends The Cure, being just one of their achievements.
Be sure to go and see one of Ireland's most exciting new bands!
📆 Just Mustard Dates:
- Tuesday 21st April 2026: Just Mustard - The Grove, Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Tuesday 28th April 2026: Just Mustard - Chalk, Brighton
Also performing at:
- Thursday 23rd - Sunday 26th July 2026: Latitude Festival - Henham Park, Southwold
The Pill
High-octane punk from the Isle of Wight
All the way from the Isle of Wight, The Pill are one of the most exciting names in British punk.
Formed in 2019 by Lottie Massey (vocals, bass) and Lily Hutchings (guitar, vocals), the pair started almost as a prank, creating a fake band online, before their raw sound and ironic humour took on a life of its own.
Think biting lyrics and furious guitar riffs from a duo gaining attention for their unfiltered attitude.
See you in the pit!
📆 The Pill Date:
- Wednesday 28th January 2026: The Pill - The Face Bar, Reading
The Guest List
Manchester's rising stars
Formed in 2021, The Guest List are an indie-rock quintet from Manchester.
Drawing inspiration from their home city's rich music heritage as well as alternative rock influences, The Guest List have caught attention in Manchester and beyond since their 2022 self-titled EP, with their gritty and raw tracks interpolated with anthemic choruses.
Expect to see them as regulars on the festival circuit!
📆 The Guest List Date:
- Thursday 16th April 2026: The Guest List - The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent
Also performing at:
- Saturday 28th March 2026: Ritual Union - Strange Brew, Bristol
- Saturday 23rd May 2026: NEIGHBOURHOOD WEEKENDER 2026 - Victoria Park, Warrington
Florence Road
Warm, guitar-driven sound
Emerging indie outfit Florence Road have a distinctly British honesty in their heartfelt lyricism.
By being able to blend relatability with intimacy, the band have been growing in listeners as fans are refreshed by their sound, which is infused with jangly guitars and touches of folk influences.
The duality of vulnerability and confidence has proven a successful formula for Florence Road, who continue to impress as they establish their career.
Be a part of their journey!
📆 Florence Road Date:
- Friday 15th May 2026: Florence Road - Newcastle University SU
Also performing at:
- Thursday 23rd - Sunday 26th July 2026: Latitude Festival - Henham Park, Southwold
Pastel
Atmospheric blend of shoegaze and indie-rock
Hazy guitars meet a psychedelic edge with Pastel!
The band, fronted by cousins Jack and James Yates, have secured themselves a loyal and rapidly-growing listener base after their support slot for Liam Gallagher at his monumental Knebworth shows. Early EP releases quickly made an impact, earning No. 1 and No. 2 spots on the Official Vinyl Singles Chart and marking them out as one of the most exciting newcomers in the UK indie landscape.
If you're a fan of moody shoegaze with an edgy, gritty indie-rock energy, Pastel may be a new favourite!
📆 Pastel Date:
- Sunday 15th March 2026: PASTEL - The Bodega, Nottingham
Lime Garden
Disco-infused surfer indie rock
Formed in 2017, Lime Garden bring chilled out surfer-indie vibes with a disco-tinged twist, perfect for singing along and dancing!
The band describe their sound as “wonk-pop”, a term that nods to their pop sensibilities while acknowledging the wonky, off-kilter angles in their writing and arrangements. Featuring layered guitar textures and reflective lyricism, Lime Garden are an eclectic, exciting voice in the UK indie scene.
Their buzzing live reputation has been solidified by their support slots alongside punk juggernauts IDLES and witty post-punkers Yard Act, giving them a springboard to expand their rapidly growing fanbase.
📆 Performing at:
- Saturday 16th May 2026: Get Together 2026 - Various Sheffield Venues
Good Health Good Wealth
Effortlessly danceable
London-based indie duo Good Health Good Wealth have been making a name for themselves as fresh new faces.
Their groove-heavy beats are paired perfectly with very tongue-in-cheek lyrics, drawing comparisons to The Streets with their influences of house, RnB and alternative pop.
Their tunes are conversational and concerning the chaos of everyday life, spanning from lager-soaked parties to burnout, making them relatable and a distinctive force in UK alternative.
Get to know!
📆 Good Health Good Wealth Dates:
- Sunday 22nd March 2026: Good Health Good Wealth - Yellow Arch Studios, Sheffield
- Wednesday 25th March 2026: Good Health Good Wealth - Think Tank, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Supporting Big Special:
- Friday 13th February 2026: Big Special - The Adrian Flux Waterfront, Norwich
- Sunday 15th February 2026: Big Special - Digital, Newcastle
- Friday 27th February 2026: Big Special - Roundhouse, London
Also performing at:
- Thursday 21st - Sunday 24th May 2026: Bearded Theory - Catton Hall, Walton-on-Trent
Picture Parlour
Glam-rock swagger meets indie sensibilities
Fronted by the charismatic Katherine Parlour, Picture Parlour are an invigorating rock band, known for their glam-rock swagger that meets indie sensibilities.
Creating music that sounds timeless yet fresh, the band explore bold, cinematic soundscapes with gritty guitars and soaring vocals. On stage, they deliver performances full of fire, charisma and theatrical edge. Their live shows have earned praise across the UK, from packed club rooms to major festival slots, where their commanding presence and emotionally charged songwriting leave a lasting impression. Rooted in passion, ambition and a love for big, expressive rock music, Picture Parlour continue to build momentum as they carve out a bold place in the UK’s alternative scene.
Be sure to catch them in these intimate venues before they blow up!
📆 Picture Parlour Dates:
- Thursday 16th April 2026: Picture Parlour - The Bodega, Nottingham
- Monday 20th April 2026: Picture Parlour - Rough Trade Bristol
- Tuesday 21st April 2026: Picture Parlour - Oslo, London
- Wednesday 22nd April 2026: Picture Parlour - Green Door Store, Brighton
M60
Manchester indie rock compared to Courteeners and Arctic Monkeys
Paying homage to their home city of Manchester by including the trademark Northern energy in their music, M60 are an indie-rock quartet with equal parts grit and melody.
Their arena-worthy choruses have drawn comparisons to cornerstones of the British indie scene, such as Courteeners and Arctic Monkeys. This, coupled with their working-class honesty, makes them a promising young band.
Get your tickets below!
📆 M60 Dates:
- Friday 10th April 2026: M60 - Foundry, Sheffield
- Thursday 16th April 2026: M60 - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
- Friday 17th April 2026: M60 - Oslo, London
- Saturday 18th April 2026: M60 - Thekla, Bristol
- Friday 24th April 2026: M60 - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
- Saturday 2nd May 2026: M60 - The Grove, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The Kairos
Unstoppable rock band from Liverpool
Unapologetic confidence underlines The Kairos, one of Liverpool's most talked-about upcoming bands.
Tracks such as “Money Mind” and “Thick of It” showcase their raw power: gritty guitars, punchy vocals and a driving rhythm section that feels built for packed venues and sweaty indie nights. Live, The Kairos are nothing short of electric. Their shows pulse with adrenaline, charisma and a real connection with fans, embodying the no-nonsense energy that has long defined Liverpool’s rock heritage.
Check them out!
📆 The Kairos Dates:
- Friday 17th April 2026: THE KAIROS - The Bodega, Nottingham
- Friday 24th April 2026: THE KAIROS - Northumbria University Reds Bar, Newcastle
Supporting Richard Ashcroft:
- Friday 24th July 2026: HERITAGE LIVE FESTIVALS 2026 - Richard Ashcroft - Englefield House, Berkshire
The Covasettes
Manchester quartet delivering driving guitar hooks
The Covasettes are an indie-rock four-piece from Manchester, known for their driving guitar hooks and energy.
The Covasettes’ time spent living together allowed them to hone in on their signature indie sound comprising frontman Chris Buxton’s heartfelt lyrics and melody, guitarist Matt Hewlett’s infectious riffs, drummer Matt Buckley’s rock-inspired grooves and bassist/producer Jamie McIntyre’s pop production sensibilities. They are known for powerful live performances and have gained national radio play on BBC Radio 1 and supported major acts, building a significant following since their 2017 debut single, "This Feeling.
See them in action!
📆 The Covasettes Dates:
- Thursday 12th February 2026: The Covasettes - The Grove, Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Sunday 15th February 2026: The Covasettes - The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent
- Saturday 21st February 2026: The Covasettes - Crookes Social Club, Sheffield
- Wednesday 25th February 2026: The Covasettes - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
- Thursday 26th February 2026: The Covasettes - The Bunkhouse, Swansea