Headliners announced for Beat-Herder festival 2026

4 hours ago

News image — The festival returns from 16–19 July

Andrew Whitton General image of a crowd partying with their hands in the air in front of a brightly lit stage in pinks and blues — The festival returns from 16–19 July

Lancashire's independent Beat-Herder festival celebrates its 21st year in 2026 with four days of DJs and live bands in the Ribble Valley and the first headliners have just been announced.

Beat-Herder, has grown from humble beginnings to now being regarded as one of the UK's best small festivals.

Co-founder Nick Chambers said: "We can't wait to welcome old friends and new faces alike into another magical weekend."

When and where will the festival be held?

The festival returns from 16–19 July 2026 on a working farm between Clitheroe and Sawley.

Tickets are available on their website.

Who is headlining?

Head and shoulders image of Sister Bliss from Faithless. She has long blonde straight hair which is bright pink on the ends. She has glasses on top of her head and is wearing a floral shirt with black lapels over a black top. She is standing in front of a brightly lit window — Faithless will be on the main stage on the Friday

Groove Armada close the Thursday night with a classic, high-energy DJ set.

Into the main weekend - dance act Faithless will be on the main stage on the Friday, Sigma are set to deliver high-energy drum and bass on Saturday and Sunday closes the weekend with Wilkinson, known for high-octane anthems.

And don't miss Beat-Herder's own Working Men's Club, keeping things Northern with variety acts, bingo, pints of bitter and a special appearance from Scottish accordion player Rumac.

Further names will be announced.

How do I get there?

There is a regular bus service that passes the festival gates, the 280, operated by Stagecoach.

Some people do get the train to either Skipton or Clitheroe and jump in a taxi from there.

There are also limited parking passes for cars and campervans.

What do the organisers say?

"Beat Herder has always been about more than just great music, for us, it's about bringing together a community of kindred spirits in our unique and hand-made world," co-founder Nick Chambers said:

"This year's line up reflects that spirit across genres, generations and global sounds."

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