I must say, I was looking forward to seeing what Neighbourhood Weekender could be offering for 2026.
If you’re a stranger to Neighbourhood Weekender, it’s set in the lovely Victoria Park in Warrington, and I, like many others, was gutted to hear it was taking a break in 2024 – but they came back in style in 2025, with a pretty impressive lineup with the likes of James, The Wombats, Stereophonics, Ocean Colour Scene and CMAT to name a few.
I wasn’t lucky enough to attend in 2025, but having seen the line-up for 2026, I hope to be returning to Victoria Park to soak it all up! Like many big festivals across the UK, Neighbourhood Festival dropped their first wave of acts in Autumn 2025 and I must admit, I was wondering if they’d pull off another belter like 2025, but for me, they’ve done pretty well.
Neighbourhood Weekender 2026 Poster – Graphic Credit: Neighbourhood Weekender
So let’s start on the Saturday, going off the initial first wave, I was impressed at the variation, there is literally something for everyone – for me, I’m a big fan of Indie and Britpop, so my boxes were immediately ticked with the headliner Richard Ashcroft, who I’ve seen a few times as a solo artist and he is fantastic – well worth it if you love his own stuff or that of The Verve.
I’m not surprised to see The K’s on there, they’ve impressed an awful lot over the last couple of years, having got their first number one in 2025 and a very loyal fanbase that follows, I’m sure they’ll bring a fantastic atmosphere to the stage.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor has popped up on a few lineups the last couple of years and both times I’ve seen her, she’s actually blown me away, she is fantastic live, so if you want upbeat and fun, even if it is just for Murder on the Dancefloor – I’d highly recommend seeing her set.
Brooke Coombe also continues to impress, I actually saw Brooke for the first time at Neighbourhood Weekender 2022 on the Viola Beach stage, I was impressed then, but she’s clearly doing it right for her to be on the first wave, go Brooke!
Good to see some up and coming artists on there too – I’ll touch on them in a little while, but let’s turn our attention to Sunday’s offerings.
Sunday for me is the better of the two days (although neither of them are bad!) I love Blossoms, I didn’t expect them to be headlining, but I’m certainly not mad about it – they just ooze charisma so casually and everytime I’ve seen them live I’ve had a great time!
Shed Seven has been on my bucket list to see live for some time – what a band! I’d argue that I’d loved to have seen them headline, but I’ll take it regardless, a fantastic band with a lot of feel good tunes – I feel like they will turn Victoria Park into one massive party and I am here for it.
I love DMA’s – so I’m really pleased to see them on the line-up too – alongside The Royston Club, two VERY solid acts that you should be seeing over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Here are my initial must see’s away from the headliners though…
Freddie Halkon on stage in 2025 – Photo Credit: Hayley Grice
Freddie Halkon is getting bigger and bigger and he is not one to be missed – he has a real relatability in his music, with lyrics that tell a story, reflect on experiences and you can just hear the passion in his voice – he is a cracking addition to the line-up and trust me when I say he will be massive in a year or so’s time (probably even less!) – so get down and see him whilst you can!
SEE WHAT FREDDIE HALKON IS UP TO HERE
Arkayla in black and white – Photo Credit: Arkayla
Having taken up some impressive support slots (Blossom’s european tour being one of them!) Arkayla have certainly turned some heads in recent years and are building up an incredibly loyal following – if you’ve not seen them live before, take up this opportunity at Neighbourhood Weekender – they’ve certainly got influences of their home city of Manchester running through them, so expect some catchy guitar twangs, soulful lyrics and anthemic songs that will draw you in!
FIND ALL THINGS ARKAYLA HERE
West Yorkshire singer-songwriter Ellur – Photo Credit: Ellur
Ellur has a bloody stunning voice and knows how to work a crowd, she too has been turning heads recently, having performed a number of sold-out headline shows as well as support the likes of Supergrass, plus popped up on many a festival lineup in recent years too – she’s definitely solidifying her presence and it’s well deserved.
FIND ALL THINGS ELLUR HERE
The Covasettes – Photo Credit: Ianthe Warlow
The Covasettes are a cracking band with a brilliant mix of anthemic numbers along with some soulful slow tunes that pull at your heartstrings, alongside this – they have a cracking sense of humour and they just get better everytime I see them!
They’re not far off releasing their debut album and have been on a headline tour already in 2026, selling out a couple of the dates or being very close to – they’re brilliant so definitely worth checking out.
CHECK OUT WHAT THE COVASETTES ARE UP TO HERE
There we go then, the first wave of acts for Neighbourhood Weekender 2026 has not disappointed – I know for a fact there will be more to come – if you haven’t been to Neighbourhood Weekender yet, I urge you too, I’ve only managed to go the once so far, and I was so impressed with the line-up, the drinks selection, things to do and how brilliant the atmosphere was – it’s a cracking weekend and if you can do so – get on it!
READ MORE RGM FESTIVAL NEWS HERE
CHECK OUT ALL THINGS NEIGHBOURHOOD WEEKENDER HERE
Neighbourhood Weekender 2026 Banner – Graphic Credit: Neighbourhood Weekender
