By Megan McLean, Fourth Year, English
The festival scheduled to take place on the 28th March 2026 is making developments to make it the best and most exciting year yet. They have recently released their first wave of artists and with the introduction of the official afterparty, Afterglow, it may be the perfect event to get you out of those winter blues. Taking place across three central, familiar venues (Strange Brew, Electric Bristol and Rough Trade) it's a great chance to explore Bristol without straying too far from home.
The festival has been about for many years, originally planning on making its debut just before the infamous lockdown. However, from that point onwards it has gone from strength to strength. Introducing a variety of incredible artists from headliners such as; Porridge Radio and Billy Nomates; to Bristol-based artists like Katy J Pearson and Langkamer; and artists that are soaring in popularity like Maruja. It showcases brilliant talent and is a fabulous opportunity to discover new favourites and support independent artists.
The release of some of the line-up is enough to get us excited. It incorporates a delightful mix of genres, so whether you're a fan of indie pop, indie rock, electronic or more gritty postpunk tunes there is someone in the line-up for you.
The headliner, Keo, is an alt-rock band that the festival describes as a blend of 90s grunge, like Jeff Buckley and Radiohead, merged with more contemporary acts like Fontaines D.C and Wunderhorse. If you made it to BST Hyde Park this year you may have caught a glimpse of them on the Rainbow Stage already.
There is still many more artists in the first wave to get excited about, some of my personal favourites are: Girl Group, Ain't and Nobody's Dad. If you want to check out the artists, which I highly recommend doing, Ritual Union has complied a playlist of highlight songs from the artists which can be found on Spotify.
Don't forget about the introduction of Afterglow (18+) if you're more of a late night person, Ninajirachi and Kavari are heading the line-up with a electronic sound for what is sure to be a high-energy night.
Kavari has received praise from Aphex Twin for being 'some of the most brilliant, most interesting kicking electronic music' in recent years. Ticket sales are on their third release already, so get your tickets secured fast if you're interested!
Rose Chaplin
Tickets can be found here, and they are offering a discounted price for anyone looking to go both to the day events and the afterparty.
Featured image: The Bristol Gig Guide / Becca HargreavesWill you be at Ritual Union this year?
