Scotland at The Great Escape

Scotland At The Great Escape is set to return to Brighton from 13-16 May 2026, with a vibrant snapshot of some of the nation's best emerging talent performing at the UK's largest showcase festival. So far, 17 acts have been confirmed for the core event, with more set to appear as part of the Alternative Escape, which is booked independently but forms part of the overall programme.

The Scottish matinee showcase, delivered by Wide Days in partnership with Creative Scotland, takes place on Thursday 14 May at Horatio's on Brighton Pier, runs from midday until 16.00, with a compelling lineup that spans soul, indie rock and pop.

Nigerian-born, Edinburgh-based soul singer James Emmanuel brings his distinctive sound to the bill, alongside emotionally-charged indie rock band Fright Years. Completing the lineup are two of Scotland's most decorated emerging acts: soulful off-pop artist, Becky Sikasa, who was crowned BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2025, and Alice Faye, who won the same title this year, as well as the most recent Sound Of Young Scotland award.

In addition to the matinee showcase, Scotland's presence in the festival’s core evening programme includes a further 13 acts: Archie, Blair Davie, Brodie Barclay, Cowboy Hunters, Hamish, Kerr Mercer, Lucia & The Best Boys, Pat Hamilton, Quiet Houses, Quiet Man, Shay O'Dowd, Tanzana and The Rooks. These are further boosted by bookings for the Alternative Escape which include Helicon, KuleeAngee and Megan Black.

Scotland's popular networking reception returns this year, with a new location set to be announced ahead of the event. This will offer an invaluable opportunity for Scottish industry professionals and artists to connect with their international peers over the course of the festival.