Saturday
On The Beach
On The Beach in association with Radio X announce the full line-up for Saturday 25th July 2026. Having spent formative years in Brighton, The Maccabees return — headlining On The Beach’s iconic seafront stage — marks a full-circle moment. The day is set to bring together a wide-reaching cross-section of British indie. Editors arrive with a catalogue shaped by constant reinvention; Miles Kane continues his latest chapter following the release of his recent album Sunlight In The Shadows; Anna Calvi brings one of the most distinctive live performances in British music; Ash their enduring catalogue and live reputation; Badly Drawn Boy a rare festival appearance; and Brighton’s own Lime Garden represent the next wave of the city’s scene.
accompanied by an adult).
VIP is 18+
“When we were first starting out in Brighton, we did not imagine that 20 years on we would be headlining Brighton Beach. It is a very special thing for us to be doing this show outdoors on Brighton Beach and we intend to make this the best Maccabees show ever. Even better than the one at Concorde 2 that got us banned because fans were hanging from the ceiling. You will do well to hang from the ceiling at Brighton Beach.”
The Maccabees
The Maccabees
The Maccabees made their long-awaited return to the stage in 2025, proving exactly why they remain one of the most loved bands in British alternative music. After massive comeback sets at Glastonbury and All Points East, the band is heading back to the city where it all began. For a group that spent its formative years in the pubs and clubs of Brighton, headlining the iconic seafront stage is a massive full-circle moment.
Throughout their career, The Maccabees have delivered a catalog that defined an era of UK indie. From the high-energy, jangly roots of Colour It In to the sweeping, cinematic sounds of Given to the Wild and their chart-topping final album Marks to Prove It, their music has always been distinct and deeply atmospheric. Hits like ‘First Love’, ‘Pelican’, and ‘Toothpaste Kisses’ have become anthems, and their live shows are known for being both powerful and incredibly tight.
The band’s connection to Brighton is legendary — one of their early shows at Concorde 2 was so rowdy it famously got them banned after fans were caught hanging from the ceiling. While there are no ceilings to hang from on the beach, the band is aiming to top that energy for their biggest Brighton show to date. This isn’t just another festival slot; it’s a homecoming for one of the most important indie bands of the last 20 years.
Also Playing
-
Few bands have mastered the art of reinvention quite like Editors. From the post-punk urgency of The Back Room to the electronic textures of their more recent work, they’ve remained one of the most consistent and powerful live acts in the UK. Known for the baritone vocals of Tom Smith and a catalog of massive anthems like ‘Munich’, ‘Papillon’, and ‘Sugar’, Editors bring a dark, driving energy to the Brighton seafront that’s built for big festival stages.
-
A true mainstay of British indie-rock, Miles Kane arrives in Brighton following the release of his latest album, Sunlight In The Shadows. Whether he’s fronting a solo tour or collaborating with Alex Turner in The Last Shadow Puppets, Miles is the ultimate showman. Expect a high-octane set of sharp guitar riffs and mod-inflected pop, featuring solo essentials like ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ and ‘Come Closer’.
-
One of the most distinctive performers in British music, Anna Calvi is a three-time Mercury Prize nominee known for her virtuosic guitar playing and operatic, powerful vocals. Her live shows are cinematic and intense, blending raw rock and roll with a dramatic flair that has earned her praise from the likes of Nick Cave and Brian Eno. Her set on the beach is guaranteed to be one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend.
-
With a career spanning over three decades and a hit-list that defined a generation, Ash are the masters of the indie-pop anthem. From the teenage energy of ‘Girl From Mars’ and ‘Goldfinger’ to the driving rock of ‘Burn Baby Burn’, the Northern Irish trio have a live reputation that remains untouchable. They’ve spent thirty years touring the world, and they still play with the same fire they had in ’96.
-
Since winning the Mercury Prize for the seminal The Hour of Bewilderbeast, Damon Gough — aka Badly Drawn Boy — has been one of the UK’s most cherished songwriters. Known for his wit, his signature beanie, and his ability to pen heart-on-sleeve classics like ‘Once Around The Block’ and ‘Silent Sigh’, this rare festival appearance is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the craft of great British songwriting.
-
Representing the next wave of the local scene, Lime Garden are Brighton’s own success story. Blending “wonky pop” with surf-rock and disco influences, the four-piece have quickly become one of the most exciting new bands in the country. After a huge 2025, they’re returning to their home turf to show exactly why they are the leading light of Brighton’s thriving guitar music community.
“In a year of huge comebacks, seeing The Maccabees return to the stage in 2025 felt really special, and to see them headline On The Beach in Brighton this summer — alongside a fantastic line-up packed with some of indie music’s defining talents — is a real must-see moment. We’re thrilled that Radio X is once again part of such an iconic summer event, and it’s set to be an unforgettable weekend for fans.”
Matt Deverson, Managing Editor of Radio X
Need To Know
Full Event Info-
Venue: Brighton Beach (Madeira Drive, BN2 1EN).
Doors: 1:00 PM.
Curfew: 10:30 PM.
Age Policy: 16+. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (18+). VIP is strictly 18+.
Payment: This is a cashless event.
-
Once you’ve scanned your ticket and entered the site, there is a strict no re-entry policy. Make sure you have everything you need for the day before you head in. Last entry times will be confirmed closer to the show.
-
The site is a 20-minute walk from Brighton Train Station. There is no dedicated event parking on-site. If you are driving, we recommend using city-centre car parks (like The Lanes or London Road) and walking down to the seafront.
-
All bags will be searched. To keep queues moving, please only bring small bags (A4 size or smaller). Large rucksacks and suitcases are not permitted.
-
Outside food and drink (including alcohol) are not allowed. We have a great selection of local food traders and fully stocked bars on the beach. Free water points are available — you can bring an empty reusable bottle (no glass).
-
We provide dedicated viewing platforms and accessible toilets. To arrange a free Personal Assistant (PA) ticket or discuss specific access needs, please contact accessibility@louderuk.com.
