Music / Bristol Sounds
Final Bristol Sounds 2026 headliner announced
The closing act of next year’s Bristol Sounds sits stylistically within the festival’s lineup announced to date, while bringing a contemporary take that offsets a programme so far featuring bands in their second, third and fourth decade of touring.
In comparison to already announced headliners the Streets, the Kooks, Super Furry Animals and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, the weekend’s final headliners are spring chickens.
Royel Otis have experienced a rapid rise to fame since they formed in 2019, due in part to covers of the Cranberries’ hit Linger and Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Murder on the Dancefloor which went viral online.
The Grammy Awards named Royel Otis as one of 25 Artists to Watch in 2024. The duo has already played Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and Lollapalooza – photo: Royel Otis
The Australian duo have since proved themselves much more than a tribute act, receiving eight nominations and winning four awards at the 2024 ARIA Awards following release of their debut album Pratts and Pain in February 2024.
Singles from their second album hickey, released in August this year, have earned spots on various American charts and titles like BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record.
The guitar-driven indie-pop act will headline the final night of Sounds on Sunday, June 28, following their appearance at Coachella in April 2026.
On the announcement, Bristol Sounds organiser Conal Dodds said: “We’re really excited to present yet another incredible international act to the Bristol Sounds main stage.
“This year’s six show line up looks likely to sell out every night, and this show will be a fitting end to a great week of shows.”
The full Bristol Sounds 2026 line-up comprises the Kooks on Tuesday, June 23, Super Furry Animals on Wednesday, June 24, the Streets on Thursday, June 25 (sold out), Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark on Friday, June 26, the Streets on Saturday, June 27 (sold out) and Royel Otis closing the series on Sunday 28 June. Tickets available at bristolsounds.co.uk
Main image: Paul Box
Read next:
- Bristol Sounds 2026: Fourth headliner plays as part of sold-out tour
- Bristol Sounds announces third headliner for 2026 summer gig series
- Bristol Sounds adds second date for in-demand artist
- Bristol Sounds announces first headliners for 2026
- In photos: Bristol Sounds 2025
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