Liverpool Sound City Festival 2026

Since exploding onto the UK festival scene in 2008, Sound City has established itself as one of Europe’s leading independent music festivals and conferences. Uniquely based in Liverpool, it energetically upholds the city’s global reputation as the world’s centre of pop music.

Fiercely independent and with an unmistakably northern attitude, Sound City consistently programmes the most exciting and innovative acts, irrespective of genre, country of origin, or protected characteristic. If it’s going to set the world on fire in years to come, you’ll find it at Sound City first.

Over the years, the festival has played a pivotal role in launching some of the biggest names in music. Global stars such as Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, The 1975, Florence & The Machine, Charli XCX, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Fontaines D.C., and Beabadoobee have all performed at Sound City—many at the very start of their careers.

Sound City Festival has announced Jalen Ngonda as its first headliner for 2026.
Originally from Maryland in the US, Jalen N’Gonda moved to Liverpool to study at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. Recalling James Brown and modern days acts such as Leon Bridges, his music fuses the best elements of soul, rock ‘n’ roll and jazz.

Taking place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May 2026, the event promises not only to showcase new music but also to have a profound impact on Liverpool’s tourism and its travel economy.

They’re constantly reinvesting in the community, the live music scene, and educational initiatives for young and underrepresented people.

Across 18 editions, Sound City has showcased more than 3,000 emerging artists to over 400,000 fans and key industry figures, winning a stack of awards along the way and helping to catapult hundreds of acts onto the road to media coverage, record deals, hit albums, and sell-out tours.

Join them in Liverpool this 2–3 May 2026 for an unforgettable weekend of music in Liverpool City Centre.