Discovery Festival 2026: Here is everything you need to know

Andrew Batchelor
54 minutes ago
2 min read

Discovery Festival returns to Dundee from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July 2026, taking over Slessor Gardens for three days of live music, celebration, and summer atmosphere.

Following a hugely successful 2025 event that welcomed more than 15,000 attendees, the festival is firmly established as one of Dundee’s standout cultural highlights.

Organised by the Liz Hobbs Group, Discovery Festival continues to grow year on year, attracting major artists while remaining accessible, welcoming, and rooted in the city’s waterfront.

Who is performing?

Discovery Festival 2026 delivers three distinct headline shows across the weekend, with more acts still to be announced.

Friday 24 July – The Libertines

Friday night is led by The Libertines, one of the most influential British guitar bands of the past two decades. Their headline set promises a high-energy opening to the weekend, celebrating modern British indie at its best.

They are joined by The Lottery Winners, fresh from touring with Robbie Williams, and Reverend & The Makers, making Friday a strong showcase of contemporary guitar-driven music.

Saturday 25 July – 80s Calling!

Saturday sees the return of 80s Calling!, a firm favourite with festival audiences. Headlined by Tony Hadley, the iconic former frontman of Spandau Ballet, the day delivers a packed programme of timeless hits and nostalgia.

Also taking to the stage are Level 42, Haircut One Hundred, Hue & Cry, and Jaki Graham, with Marc Almond appearing as a special guest. Together, the line-up promises a full day of classic pop, new wave and chart favourites from one of music’s most celebrated decades.

Sunday 26 July – A Pop Finale

Sunday closes the festival with a celebration of 90s and pop anthems, headlined by Five. Known for their run of chart-topping hits and high-energy live shows, the band will bring the weekend to a rousing finale.

They are joined by Sophie Ellis-Bextor as a special guest, alongside The Wanted 2.0, The Amy Winehouse Band, and Roisin McCarney, rounding off the weekend with a varied and upbeat final day.

Event Times and Key Information

Doors open: Friday – 4pm, Saturday – 12pm, Sunday – 12pm
Last entry: 11pm each day
Age policy: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+
Terms and conditions: www.discoveryfestival.co.uk

Supporting Important Causes

Discovery Festival 2026 is proud to support two important charities.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices provides care and support for babies, children, and young people through respite services, end-of-life care, and the UK’s largest hospice-at-home programme.

The Not Forgotten supports wounded and disabled veterans, helping to improve mental and physical wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and build community. Founded in 1920, the charity now supports more than 10,000 service men and women across the UK each year.

For every donation made during ticket purchase, Discovery Festival will add its own contribution to help support both charities.