By Sophie Stradling, Head of Photography
As spring settles over the city, Dot To Dot festival returns to Bristol on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th of May 2026. Boasting a genre-defiant lineup, the festival is set to sprawl across a range of exciting and intimate venues, encouraging you to explore the city and its emerging talent.
Leading the abundant line-up of over 60 names already announced are Lambrini Girls, Fcukers, NewDad, Ratboy and Mandy, Indiana.
After a year of high-intensity sell out performances, Lambrini Girls are ready to storm the festival with their exciting and intriguing sound. Combining political commentary and magnetic composition, the Brighton-based duo introduce something new and magnificent to Bristol.
Their debut album ‘Who Let The Dogs Out’ which was released at the start of 2025 offers an uncompromising display of attitude, urgency and brilliance in its feral mix of punk and noise rock. Expect distorted basslines, high-intensity crowd engagement, and riot grrrl energy.
Electronic duo Fcukers, who just opened for Tame Impala across the ‘Deadbeat Tour’, conjure sonic euphoria with their exhilarating sound that blends 90s/00s house music, big beat and indie rock.
NewDad, a Galway-formed trio, pull the listener through a journey of immersive and intense soundscapes, particularly with their debut album ‘Madra’. Expect a dreamy yet anger-fuelled performance that encourages you to get lost in melancholia.
Other exciting names to make sure to catch this year are Ratboy, Hunny Buzz, Factor 50, Krooked Tongue, Shrink and Mandy, Indiana.
Amongst the dynamic line-up, big local names such as Eve Appleton Band, The Scuttlers, Lacross Club, Horsefair and Gaws will showcase the incredible talent of Bristol’s grassroots music scene and capture the pulse of the festival itself.
Dot To Dot, which was recently nominated for Inner-City Festival Of The Year, Line-Up Of The Year (UK Festival Awards) and Best Independent Festival (Access All Areas), takes pride in its efforts to display the very best new musical talent. The festival’s expansive and exciting 2026 line-up feels refreshing in its attention to the beloved, independent venues of Bristol.
Jed Dixon
Confirmed stages set to host fabulous displays of live performances include Electric Bristol, Thekla, The Fleece, Strange Brew, The Louisiana, The Croft, and Zed Alley. The festival offers the perfect introduction to Bristol’s striking music scene while exploring the unique, intimate venues that host such budding talent.
Early Bird and Second Release tickets are now Sold Out, with latest tier tickets on sale now accessible here.
Featured image: Dot To Dot / Ben Young
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