Collision Festival announces its return to Bedford Esquires in 2026, continuing its mission to spotlight the most exciting rising artists in the UK alternative scene. Founded in 2023 to bridge the gap between grassroots talent and the national stage, Collision delivers a platform that feels intentional, loud and culturally significant.
This year’s first wave features a powerful lineup of breakthrough acts including Dream State, False Reality, Lastelle, Native James, Hell Hotel, Lonesome, THE HOWLING and Only Pain — a collection of artists representing the diverse energy, grit and future of alternative music in the UK.
Previous editions have seen early appearances from Graphic Nature, Unpeople, Calva Louise, Lake Malice, Cage Fight, Tropic Gold, Cody Frost and more, reinforcing Collision as a space where fans discover new acts before they move to bigger stages.
“Collision exists to create the kind of moment that can shift a band’s trajectory”, says Paul Mercer, Co-Founder. “The UK has no shortage of talent — what’s missing are the platforms that shine a light on them at the right time.”
Collision’s purpose is tightly linked to the story of Bedford Esquires, one of the UK’s most respected grassroots venues — and currently part of the Music Venue Trust’s ‘Own Our Venues’ scheme due to being at risk. The scheme exists to protect independent music spaces facing closure or redevelopment by bringing them into community ownership, securing their future for the artists who need them most.
“Without stages like this, scenes disappear,” adds organiser Nathan “Barley” Phillips. “Collision is our way of keeping that door open — for bands who deserve it and for fans who live for it.”
Tickets for Collision Festival are on sale now, with further line up announcements to follow
EVENT DETAILS
Location: Bedford Esquires
Date: 11th April 2026
Tickets: http://collisionfest.uk/
Mailing List: Get updates first — http://collisionfest.uk/
