Takedown Festival Announces New Wave of Bands for 2026 with WARGASM, As It Is & More
Takedown Festival is gearing up for its biggest year yet, dropping a fresh batch of lineup additions for its 2026 return to Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April. As always, the south coast weekender is stacking its bill with some of the most exciting names in heavy music.
Leading the announcement are As It Is, riding high after their huge comeback in 2025, and the ever-chaotic WARGASM, whose electro-punk-metal hybrid continues to make them one of the UK’s most explosive live acts. Also joining Saturday’s lineup are Vower, Saint Agnes, Bex, Profiler, and Tropic Gold.
Friday’s bill expands with riff-wielding heavies Gnome, Devere, Gurt, and The Fear, adding even more weight to the festival’s return.
This year’s festival will be headlined by PRESIDENT, marking the masked collective’s first-ever festival headline appearance.
Sharing top-billing are Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, bringing a full-throttle Motörhead set to Friday night.
Kai and Sarah Harris of Takedown Festival said: “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 with a full Motörhead set. It’s a chance to celebrate a legacy that continues to inspire across generations.”
“On Saturday, 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 showcase the evolution of heavy music from (to quote Lemmy) Motörhead’s rock ’n’ roll all the way through to cutting-edge contemporary alternative metal.”
Tickets for Takedown Festival 2026 are on sale now at www.takedownfestival.com