Kate Nash to Headline Sound City 2026 as 30+ New Acts Join Liverpool Line-Up

Kate Nash has been confirmed for Sound City 2026, leading a wave of over 30 newly announced artists set to take over Liverpool across the May Bank Holiday weekend.

The Foundations hitmaker will perform a full festival set and appear for a special in-person Q&A at the Sound City+ Conference — just weeks after making headlines for telling British MPs, “I sell pictures of my bum,” as she spoke candidly about the realities of funding independent touring.

Taking place across Liverpool city centre from 2–3 May 2026, with its industry-focused conference opening on 1 May, Sound City continues its reputation as the UK’s leading inner-city festival for new music discovery.

Nash’s addition strengthens the festival’s commitment to gender equality as part of the global Keychange movement. A long-time advocate for artists’ rights and grassroots music, she arrives fresh from activism including her Butts For Tour Buses campaign and the release of her 2025 track GERM, described as a feminist and trans ally anthem.

She joins a packed and diverse new wave of names including neo-soul riser Marina Josephina, Chicago indie outfit CUSP, and Glasgow darkwave newcomers Mercy Girl — fresh from winning Best Newcomer at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards.

Liverpool’s own Courting also return home following a year of touring their third album, while viral pop breakout Michael Aldag and rising folk talent Charlie Noordeweir add further momentum to the bill.

The latest announcement brings the total of newly revealed acts to more than 30, including The Rosettis, Green’s Dining Room, The New Cut, Garage Flower, Fool Nelson and Michael Robert Murphy — underlining Sound City’s dual focus on breakthrough talent and emerging voices.

Beyond the stages, Sound City+ continues to cement its role as a key industry gathering. Nash will headline the conference programme, while Jamie Boyle of The K’s will appear as part of the BPI x Bowers & Wilkins Insight Sessions, exploring the band’s fan-driven rise to chart success.

Sound City Managing Director Becky Ayres called Nash “an era-defining artist” and “an inspiration,” highlighting her continued impact across music, activism and culture.

With previously announced headliners including Westside Cowboy, Jalen Ngonda and Keo, alongside Brooke Combe and The Molotovs, demand is already high — with early bird tickets long sold out and limited remaining passes available.

As Liverpool Music Month’s flagship event, Sound City 2026 looks set to deliver another vital snapshot of the future of music — with one of its most fearless voices front and centre.

Weekend & Day Tickets On Sale Now! www.soundcity.uk.com