Manchester based RADAR Festival has announced its first wave of bands for its 2026 edition, including Animals As Leaders and The Pineapple Thief, both for their UK festival exclusives.
They are joined by Northlane, Protest The Hero (UK festival exclusive), Unpeople, Ten56, Siamese, Heart Of A Coward, Employed To Serve, Elwood Stray, Hacktivist, Black Gold, Cage Fight,Dali, Ihlo, Benthos, Seething Akira, Luna Kills, Eville and Dacara.
Co-founder and co-organiser of RADAR, Catherine Jackson-Smith, shares, “Animals As Leaders return to headline RADAR Festival 2026, marking a full-circle moment after leading our very first event back in 2019. We’ve both grown since then and a UK Festival exclusive performance showing how far we’ve both come feels apt.
“Joining them, Northlane – the most requested band in RADAR’s history – finally take the stage for a long-awaited appearance fans have demanded since day one. Progressive icons The Pineapple Thief also join as a UK Festival exclusive, while Protest The Hero finally return to UK shores and bring their infectious energy to Manchester for us.
“They’re backed by a stacked lineup of heavy talent and rising stars: Unpeople, Ten56., Siamese, Heart Of A Coward, Employed To Serve, Elwood Stray, Hacktivist, Black Gold, Cage Fight, Dali, Ihlo, Benthos, Seething Akira, Luna Kills, Eville, and Manchester locals, Dacara.
“Beyond the stages? Masterclasses, a music and gaming market, a vinyl shop, art gallery, coffee shop, and our no-clash schedule that lets you see it all.”
RADAR Festival takes place at Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse on 31st July-2nd August. Tickets are available now.