“Could you forgive my ambition?”
Already a stacked lineup, Outbreak Fest announced the second wave of bands joining the lineup for the festival’s 15th anniversary, leading to what may well be the strongest Outbreak lineup to date.
With the likes of The Front Bottoms, Alexisonfire, and Basement already set to headline, flanked by a plethora of stellar talent, Outbreak 2026 was already set to be one for the history books, and many attendees (us included) were already elated with the selection. Names from across the globe plaster the lineuo, with each bringing something special to the celebrations, whether it’s the emotional screamo of February, or the old-school hardcore stylings of Hatebreeed, there was already plenty for fans of all subgenres. With that said, we knew that wouldn’t be all, and Outbreak quickly got to work in teasing additional artists who’d be joining the lineup.
With the announcement, we’re greeted by some familiar faces in the Outbreak circuit, along with some first-time attendees, for a handful of whom it will be their debut UK performance. Loathe stands amongst the crowd, one of the UK’s most beloved scene icons. Having recently announced their new album, A Stranger To You, they’re a clear must see, with fans finally being treated to new music after nearly six years of waiting. The ever iconic Joyce Manor also join the fray, bringing their iconic emo stylings to Manchester’s most popular industrial estate. Having just released one of their strongest releases to date in I Used To Go To This Bar, they’ll also undoubtedly be a smash hit amongst the softer crowd. Then there’s newcomers in I Promised The World, a band who had been requested time and time again, now finally making their debut UK performance. For many, their latest self-titled EP will be enough to draw you in, but for those who had been following the band since their days as Sinema, this set will be all the more special. A band who shot to stardom seemingly overnight, leaping from small bars to mainstages across the US, I Promised The World‘s effortless blend of 2000s post-hardcore and revival metalcore captures a little bit of something for everyone at Outbreak.
Of course, that’s far from everything though, with plenty more joining the lineup, including breakthrough grungegaze outfit Midrift, the fresh-faced emo outfit East Exchange, and experimental superstars Lip Critic. There really is something for everybody here, and if you weren’t already going, then you absolutely should be.
Outbreak Festival 2026 runs 26th – 28th June at Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester.
Tickets are available now via the Outbreak SeeTickets site.