Mên An Tol, Aifric, Y and more to play DIY’s pier stage at The Great Escape 2026

That’s right, it’s that time of the year again - festival season is nigh! The Great Escape 2026 is now only a month away, and DIY are thrilled that, as ever, we’ll be heading down to the South Coast for a packed few days of the very best in new music.

Joining us this year for our annual Friday night party at the end of the pier (aka Horatios) are heartening folk-rock five-piece Mên An Tol, evocative Irish singer-songwriter Aifric, and jazz-punk noisniks Y, as well as intriguing London-based newcomers Marsy and Icelandic outfit Spacestation.

The full festival schedule for TGE 2026 has now been unveiled too; elsewhere across its heaving lineup (450+ emerging artists across 35+ venues, no less) are the likes of soul-pop riser Nectar Woode and arresting experimentalists Mandy, Indiana, alongside a bevy of equally intriguing smaller names like pollyfromthedirt, Little Grandad, SLAG, Bathing Suits and many more. 

Plus, the festival will also play host to a handful of very special (separately ticketed) Spotlight Shows from Peaches, The Kooks, and Kingfishr, in addition to its three-day conference programme. 

The Great Escape 2026 will take place from 13th-16th May in various venues across Brighton; you can find DIY’s stage at Horatios (at the end of the pier) on Friday 15th May. Discover the full TGE 2026 lineup - including stage splits and set times - via the festival’s website and app. 

See you on the beach!