Our must-see artists at Outbreak Festival 2026
Discover the must-see artists at Outbreak Festival, from High Vis and La Dispute to Snail Mail and Glare.
Outbreak Festival has built a reputation as one of the most exciting events in alternative music here in the UK, bringing together hardcore, punk, shoegaze, indie, emo, and experimental artists from around the world. While the festival’s headliners naturally attract plenty of attention, some of the most memorable performances often come from artists further down the lineup.
If you’re heading to Outbreak this year, here are some must-see acts that deserve a place on your schedule.
High Vis
Few bands have experienced the rise that High Vis have enjoyed over the past few years. Blending hardcore roots with post-punk, Britpop, and alternative rock influences, the London outfit have created a sound that feels both nostalgic and completely fresh.
Their live shows are packed with energy, balancing massive singalong choruses with the intensity of their hardcore background. Whether you’re already a fan or discovering them for the first time, High Vis are guaranteed to deliver one of the festival’s standout sets.
Sunnbrella
For those looking to escape the heavier side of the lineup for a while, Sunnbrella offers a dreamlike blend of shoegaze, indie rock, and electronic textures. The project has built a loyal following thanks to its atmospheric soundscapes and emotionally charged songwriting. I have previously seen them supporting beach fossils back in 2024 so it’ll be good to see them a couple of years on.
Expect lush guitars, hypnotic melodies, and a set that provides a different kind of intensity.
Tummyache
Tummyache continues to establish herself as one of the UK’s most intriguing alternative artists. Combining grunge, punk, noise rock, and deeply personal songwriting, her music feels raw, honest, and impossible to ignore.
Live, Tummyache delivers performances full of emotion and unpredictability. Her ability to move between vulnerability and explosive energy makes her one of the most compelling artists on the lineup and a perfect fit for Outbreak’s diverse musical landscape.
Thistle
One of the most exciting newer names on the bill, Thistle have quickly become a band to watch within the UK alternative scene. Their sound pulls from shoegaze, post-hardcore, and emo influences, creating huge walls of sound while maintaining an emotional core.
For fans who enjoy the intersection between heaviness and melody, Thistle’s set could easily become one of the weekend’s hidden gems.
Snail Mail
Led by singer-songwriter Lindsey Jordan, Snail Mail has become one of indie rock’s most respected and influential acts. Known for sharp songwriting, memorable guitar work, and emotionally honest lyrics, the project has earned widespread critical acclaim while building a dedicated fanbase.
Their appearance at Outbreak highlights the festival’s increasingly broad musical scope. Whether performing fan favourites or newer material, Snail Mail brings a level of songwriting craftsmanship that should not be missed.
La Dispute
For many attendees, La Dispute will be one of the most anticipated performances of the entire weekend. The Michigan post-hardcore band have spent nearly two decades building a reputation for emotionally devastating songs and unforgettable live shows.
Their combination of spoken-word vocals, intricate instrumentation, and deeply personal storytelling creates a concert experience unlike almost any other. Expect passionate crowd reactions, emotional singalongs, and one of the most powerful sets of the festival.
Glare
Texas shoegaze outfit Glare have become one of the most talked-about bands within the genre’s new wave. Combining crushing guitars, dreamy vocals, and huge atmospheres, they sit comfortably between shoegaze, alternative rock, and post-hardcore. Another band I have had the pleasure of seeing prior to their festival as I caught their set at Burn It Down Festival 2025.
Their growing popularity has made them a favourite among younger alternative music fans, and Outbreak provides the perfect stage for them to showcase why they’re generating so much excitement. If you’re looking for massive riffs and immersive soundscapes, Glare should be high on your list.
A festival built on discovery
What makes Outbreak special isn’t just its headline acts, it’s the opportunity to discover artists pushing alternative music forward in new and exciting ways. From the hardcore-meets-post-punk energy of High Vis to the emotional intensity of La Dispute, the dreamy atmospheres of Sunnbrella and Glare, and the indie brilliance of Snail Mail, this year’s lineup offers something for every type of alternative music fan.
If you’re planning your weekend, make sure these artists are firmly on your must-see list.