Collision Festival Returns for 2026 with Dream State, False Reality, Lastelle + More
Collision Festival is officially back! Returning to Bedford Esquires for 2026, the one-day festival continues its mission to champion the next generation of UK alternative music, giving rising artists a platform that actually means something.
Founded in 2023, Collision has established itself as one of the key grassroots events for discovering the UK’s next breakout acts. Past editions have hosted early sets from unpeople, Graphic Nature, Calva Louise, Lake Malice, Cage Fight and more, a track record that basically guarantees you’ll walk away with a few new obsessions.
The first lineup drop for 2026 is stacked with some of the most exciting names crashing through the UK alt landscape right now:
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Dream State
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False Reality
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Lastelle
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Native James
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Hell Hotel
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Lonesome
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THE HOWLING
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Only Pain
It’s a mix of post-hardcore, alt-rock, metal, emo, and heavy experimental energy, a snapshot of the scene’s future, curated with intent.
“Collision exists to create the kind of moment that can shift a band’s trajectory,” says co-founder Paul Mercer. “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 identity is tightly linked to Bedford Esquires, one of the UK’s most respected independent venues and one currently involved in the Music Venue Trust’s Own Our Venues scheme after being classified as at risk. The scheme aims to protect grassroots venues from closure or redevelopment by bringing them into community ownership, securing their future for generations of emerging artists.
“Without stages like this, scenes disappear,” says 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.”
The 2026 edition lands 11 April 2026, and tickets are available right now. More artists will be added in the coming months so consider this your early warning.
Tickets & info: collisionfest.uk
