Takedown Festival Announce PRESIDENT as 2026 Headliners
Takedown Festival has revealed the headliners for its 2026 edition and it’s a huge moment for both the past and future of heavy music.
The award-nominated independent festival returns to Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April 2026, promising another stacked weekend of riffs, chaos, and underground spirit on the south coast.
Kicking things off on Friday night will be Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, armed with a special Motörhead set. As guitarist for the legendary Motörhead for over 30 years, Phil Campbell carries forward one of rock ’n’ roll’s most iconic legacies. Expect a night of fist-pumping classics that pay tribute to Lemmy while reminding everyone why these songs still hit harder than ever.
Saturday night sees the mysterious masked collective PRESIDENT headline their first ever festival main stage. Known for their cinematic visuals, explosive live energy, and breakout debut EP King of Terrors, PRESIDENT have become one of the UK’s most talked-about rising acts. Their sold-out April “Campaign Trail” tour proved the hype is real – and now they’re stepping up for their biggest show to date.
Kai and Sarah Harris of Takedown share: “We’re proud to officially launch Takedown Festival 2026… This year’s event taps into a powerful moment in metal culture. With younger fans rediscovering the roots of heavy music—especially following the passing of icons like Ozzy Osbourne—we’re honoured to have Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons headline Friday 3rd April with a full Motörhead set. It’s a chance to celebrate a legacy that continues to inspire across generations.”
“On Saturday 4th April, we’re handing the reins to President, one of the most talked-about new acts in UK heavy music. Their April ‘Campaign Trail’ tour sold out instantly, and their debut EP King of Terrors has struck a chord with fans through its cinematic intensity. Their headline set will be a statement, and we’re excited to see them take the Takedown main stage in full force.”
“We’re excited to be able to showcase the evolution of heavy music from (to quote Lemmy) Motorhead’s rock n roll all the way through to cutting edge contemporary alternative metal”
Takedown Festival 2026 tickets are on sale now via takedownfestival.com
