Manchester Psych Fest 2026

Manchester Psych Fest returns on Saturday 5th September 2026, transforming the Oxford Road Corridor into a day-long celebration of the best in new indie, alternative and psychedelic music, art and culture.

This year’s festival is topped by The Beta Band, the recently reunited and hugely influential Scottish group whose genre-defying blend of indie, electronica and experimentalism helped shape British music at the turn of the millennium, alongside avant-pop pioneers Stereolab and viral Quebec experimental rockers Angine de Poitrine. Completing the top tier are American garage-psych powerhouse Ty Segall, LA psych legends Allah-Las, and Swedish composer and sonic visionary Anna von Hausswolff.

Also appearing are Northern favourites Working Men’s Club, known for their blistering synth-driven live shows, alongside critically acclaimed artist Gwenno, Belgian-Canadian psych duo Ghostwoman, Brooklyn post-punks Model/Actriz, post-punk duo The KVB, Leeds six-piece Adult DVD, Virginia songwriter Lael Neale and retro-psych outfit The Mystery Lights. Further additions include Snuggle, S.G. Goodman and Sex Mask.

The festival also welcomes back Dog Race and Manchester’s own Freak Slug, two standout discoveries from 2025, following acclaimed sets at YES and Deaf Institute last year.

The final announcement adds more than 30 new acts to the bill, led by the inimitable post-punk project Billy Nomates, returning Hull shoegaze favourites bdrmm, and Manchester/Berlin noise-industrial force Mandy, Indiana. Also newly confirmed are Austin psych quintet Holy Wave, Birmingham duo Gans, Dublin alt-grunge outfit Bleech 9:3, Manchester post-punk outfit Nightbus, plus Prewn, Maquina., The Dharma Chain, Spiral Drive, Lowertown and MORN.

The lineup continues to reflect Manchester Psych Fest’s ambitious spirit, with over 70 live acts now confirmed across the day, spanning established names, underground talent and future favourites.

Alongside the music, expect live visuals from Innerstrings, whose immersive projections have become a signature of the festival, plus a vibrant programme of food, art, DJs, workshops and yoga spread across the city’s best-loved venues.

As ever, the festival takes over the Oxford Road Corridor, linking venues including Manchester Academy, O2 Ritz, YES, Deaf Institute, Gorilla, The Bread Shed and an outdoor stage at Projekts Skatepark, each hosting its own slice of the festival’s kaleidoscopic soundtrack. For the first time, O2 Apollo Manchester will serve as the festival’s main stage, reflecting record demand and the event’s continued growth.

Since its beginnings as a 250-capacity all-dayer at Night & Day Café, Manchester Psych Fest has grown into a citywide celebration drawing thousands into the city each summer. More than just a run of gigs, it’s a full festival experience without the mud, tents or portaloos — built around discovery, community and creativity.

With the final lineup now revealed and a record number of tickets already sold, only a very limited number of tickets remain available.