VALLEY Fest has announced the first wave of artists for its 2026 edition, taking place from Thursday, July 30, to Sunday, August 2, overlooking Chew Valley Lake.

The line-up reflects the festival’s commitment to combining music, food, wellness and family-friendly programming in a stunning West Country setting.

Headlining Friday night is Big Special, the Midlands duo known for their burning live energy and fusion of punk, spoken word and industrial soul. Saturday features a double-bill led by Friendly Fires, whose Mercury-nominated debut brought euphoric indie-electro to the mainstream, with The Herbaliser (full band) delivering their genre-blending mix of jazz, hip-hop and funk. Sunday closes with Cast, the Britpop mainstays whose anthemic sound helped define the ‘90s guitar era.

Also confirmed in the first announcement are standout acts including cult-folk favourite Beans on Toast, the ever-theatrical Oh My God! It’s The Church and high-octane-sequined-cladded party band Doreen Doreen. Fisherman’s Friends will bring their Cornish sea shanties to the lakeside stage, while The Beatles Dub Club return with horn section in tow for a reimagined celebration of Liverpool’s finest. Channel One Sound System will also be performing, bringing big energy to the fields with an unmissable DJ and MC set.

The line-up spans genres and generations, with additional artists including The Bluetones, THE BEAT FEATURING RANKING JNR, Renegade Brass Band, Henge, House Gospel Choir, Subzero & MC Weejii, Channel One Sound System, K.O.G, Gardna, INJA MC, Fleetwood Bac, Paper Dragon and more.

Food remains central to Valley Fest’s identity, with the 2026 culinary programme curated by award-winning chef, Toby Gritten. Joining the culinary programme is chef and restaurateur Josh Eggleton, alongside Simon Dyer and the Fire Jockeys, Peter Sanchez, Martin Anderson (Out of the Ashes) and others.

Elsewhere, the bumper family programme will be enhanced by returning partners Upfest, with live art, graffiti workshops led by Inkie, and interactive installations for children.

Smiley Spaces Comedy programming for 2026 brings a mix of established names and rising talent. Eleanor Tiernan, a regular on BBC’s Live at the Apollo and Have I Got News for You, brings her deadpan delivery and wry wit. Harriet Dyer, founder of the award-winning Barking Tales, offers her trademark blend of chaotic charm and candid storytelling.

Markus Birdman, one of the UK’s most experienced live comics and a Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, joins the line-up alongside Michael Fabbri. Luke Honnoraty, a favourite on the South West comedy scene, brings his relatable, quick-fire humour, while Sally-Anne Hayward, known for her appearances on BBC Radio 4 and her sharp, observational style, rounds out the first wave of confirmed acts.

Festival founder Luke Hasell said: "Valley Fest has always been more than a music festival. It’s a gathering rooted in the land, in community and in joy. We’re proud to be welcoming such a dynamic mix of artists, chefs, collectives and families back to the farm again this summer - and we’re only just getting started."

With the second wave of programme announcements still to come, festival fans can look forward to the full line-up launching in the coming weeks.