Aotearoa New Zealand has been named Lead Country Partner for The Great Escape 2026, taking the spotlight at the UK's leading new music festival and industry conference as it celebrates its 20th anniversary in Brighton this May.
Led by the New Zealand Music Commission and Live Nation New Zealand, with support from the British Council, the partnership will deliver a full programme showcasing the best of Aotearoa's emerging talent and distinctive music landscape. Delegates and festivalgoers can expect two New Zealand-curated live showcases, panels on the New Zealand music industry, and a series of industry receptions and networking events.
New Zealand artists announced for the festival so far include post-punk quartet Ringlets — signed to legendary New Zealand indie label Flying Nun — alongside punchy indie rock trio Office Dog, boundary-pushing alternative artist Ratbag, '60s-inspired singer Hemi Hemingway and rising star Jude Kelly, with further names to be announced.
Alan Holt, International Manager at the New Zealand Music Commission, said: "We are excited for this opportunity for Aotearoa/New Zealand to be lead nation at The Great Escape 2026. The Great Escape has long been a pivotal event for us and we relish the opportunity to draw a giant spotlight upon the amazing talent that our country has to offer."
The Great Escape plays host to over 450 up-and-coming artists across 35+ walkable venues in Brighton, alongside the TGE conference — the UK's most essential new music industry gathering. This year's 20th anniversary edition features an expanded conference programme built around three thematic days: live music and night-time culture, artist health and wealth, and the future of the recorded music industry. The headline Spotlight Show at Brighton Dome Concert Hall on 15 May will be performed by electroclash icon Peaches. Australian electro-pop artist BIG WETT and Melbourne alt-pop rockers Joan & the Giants are also among the artists announced.