BBC 6 Music Festival 2026 to take place at independent venues in Manchester as line-up confirmed

Posted On February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

BBC 6 Music Festival have confirmed its line-up for 2026, which will take place across independent venues in Manchester.

The annual festival has called Manchester its home since 2023, but rather than taking place at the O2 Victoria Warehouse in 2026, it will instead celebrate independent venues in the city.

The line-up for 2026 includes Bloc Party, Courtney Barnett, The Horrors, Jacob Alon, Kelly Lee Owens (DJ set), Lynks, SILVERWINGKILLER, Sorry, Tiberius b, Wesley Joseph, Yard Act, and Mandy, Indiana, who will all be returning to grassroots venues.

The four-day event will begin with TTSSFU, Pyncher, and Ellen Beth Adbi at Band on the Wall as part of a BBC Introducing show on March 25th.

Then, on March 26th, Kelly Lee Owens (DJ set) and Wesley Joseph will take to the stage at Band on the Wall while Mandy, Indiana and SILVERWINGKILLER perform at YES.

On March 27th, Bloc Party, who have an arena tour planned with Interpol at the end of 2026, will join forces with The Horrors for a night at Band on the Wall with Yard Act and Sorry playing at YES.

Lastly, on March 28th, Courtney Barnett, who is set to release her new album Creature of Habit on March 27th, 2026, will perform at Band on the Wall alongside Jacob Alon at Band on the Wall. On the same night, YES will welcome Lynks and Tiberious B.

Samantha Moy, head of BBC Radio 6 Music, says of the 2026 edition of the festival: “Independent grassroot 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.” 

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has also celebrated the decision to move the festival to independent venues, stating, “Greater Manchester’s music scene has always been driven by its grassroots venues and independent spirit.”

Burnham added, “They’re vital to nurturing new talent and keeping our cultural life vibrant. It’s fantastic to see the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival celebrating those spaces and shining a spotlight on the creativity that continues to flourish right across our city region.”