10 Must-See Acts at Outbreak Fest 2026
Outbreak Fest returns for its 15th anniversary from 26–28 June at Manchester's B.E.C Arena, bringing together some of the biggest names in hardcore, punk emo and alternative music. Alongside headline acts such as Alexisonfire, The Front Bottoms and Basement, the weekend is packed with emerging and established artists deserving of your attention. Here are ten acts you should make time for across the weekend.
Friday
Pool Kids
Friday may be viewed as the day to prepare for the intense weekend ahead, but it still kicks the festival off in style. Starting the day off are American math-rock four-piece Pool Kids, whose music offers an introspective look at life and its complications, backed by a dynamic and engaging instrumental range.
Following the release of ‘Easier Said Than Done’ last year, Pool Kids have continued to build momentum with a current run of US dates alongside Tigers Jaw and high-profile support slots for Death Cab for Cutie on the horizon. Their blend of intricate, high-energy musicianship and emotionally charged songwriting has earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting bands in the scene. With talent, ambition and upward trajectory in equal measure, Pool Kids are undoubtedly a band on the rise right now.
Tigers Jaw
Keeping the momentum going are Pennsylvanian indie-rock favourites Tigers Jaw. Known for their distinctive harmonies and thoughtful songwriting, the band have built a reputation for creating music that feels instantly familiar yet uniquely their own.
Arriving fresh from the release of ‘Lost On You’, their latest album released in March, Tigers Jaw bring an infectious energy that will translate perfectly to the Outbreak stage. The interplay between Brianna Collins’ lighter vocal style and Ben Walsh’s equally compelling delivery creates songs rich in emotion and depth. Their set promises to be both uplifting and memorable, making them an easy recommendation for Friday.
Saturday
Bodyweb
By Saturday, Outbreak is in full swing, and Leeds-based five-piece Bodyweb are ready to add to the chaos. Blending nu-hardcore influences with a uniquely unsettling and experimental approach, the band have quickly established themselves as one of the most creative names on the scene.
Their latest EP, ‘deadwired’, showcases a sound that feels tailor-made for Outbreak, with every track carrying a sense of intensity and unpredictability. Having only emerged in 2023, Bodyweb are still a relatively new name, but their ambition and originality make them a must-watch act.
Truck Violence
Canadian four-piece Truck Violence bring something entirely different to the lineup. Drawing from hardcore, folk and Western Canadian influences, they create songs that constantly shift in tempo and atmosphere while remaining surprisingly cohesive.
Their music often combines heavier lyrical themes with folk-inspired storytelling, resulting in tracks that feel like journeys in themselves. With new album ‘The weathervane is my body’ arriving during the festival weekend, Truck Violence will have plenty of fresh material to showcase. Expect a performance full of passion, individuality and plenty of surprises.
Higher Power
Leeds hardcore favourites Higher Power are another essential Saturday act. Long established as a force within the UK underground scene, the band have earned a reputation for writing irresistibly catchy tracks without sacrificing intensity.
With three studio albums to their name, including 2025’s ‘There's Love In This World If You Want It’, they have more than enough material to ignite the B.E.C Arena. Their energetic and unpredictable approach makes them a perfect addition to the Outbreak lineup and guarantees one of the liveliest sets of the day.
High Vis
London’s High Vis blur the lines between post-punk, indie rock and hardcore punk. Refusing to be confined by one genre, the five-piece draw from a wide range of influences, allowing them to build a distinctive identity that has earned them a devoted following.
Their versatility is evident across their catalogue, from the driving intensity of crowd favourite ‘Altitude’ to the more melodic, punk-infused edge of ‘Drop Me Out’. Whatever side of the band you connect with most, High Vis bring the same passion and authenticity to every performance. Coupled with their commanding stage presence and infectious energy, they are without a doubt set to deliver one of the weekend’s standout sets.
Alexisonfire (honourable mention)
An honourable mention, who I can’t help but talk about, is none other than Saturday’s headliner, Alexisonfire. Performing their fan-favourite album ‘Crisis’ in full to mark its 20-year anniversary, Alexisonfire are bringing a set that simply can’t be missed. An album considered the pinnacle of post-hardcore by many listeners, ‘Crisis’ helped shape the genre for years to come. Now regarded as an iconic record, hearing it performed in full is both an honour for Outbreak Fest and something that feels long overdue.
Sunday
Glixen
Sunday begins with Arizona shoegaze outfit Glixen, a band that has rapidly established itself as a rising force within the genre since forming in 2020.
Driven by the ethereal vocals of Aislinn Ritchie and a growing catalogue of impressive releases, including recent single ‘unwind’, Glixen create an immersive atmosphere that should provide the perfect start to the final day. Their dreamy yet powerful sound offers a refreshing contrast to some of the festival’s heavier acts.
Ecca Vandal
Moving later into the day, we have South African-born, Australian-raised alternative singer-songwriter Ecca Vandal, who is guaranteed to take the stage by storm. A solo powerhouse, Ecca Vandal possesses a distinct sound, blending elements of rap with electrifying guitar riffs and her dynamic vocals. All these qualities create songs which are increadibly catchy and you can’t help but bop your head to every single song in her discography.
Her second studio album, ‘LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO UNFOLLOW’, released on 22 May, is an excellent demonstration of her vocal fluidity, with each song showcasing her undeniable talent. Her stage presence doesn’t fall flat either; she is an absolute icon on stage regardless of the setting. As such, she is a very welcome addition to the Outbreak lineup and is sure to spice up Sunday even further.
La Dispute
Few bands command the same level of respect within post-hardcore as Michigan’s La Dispute. Since forming in 2004, they have built a devoted following through emotionally charged songwriting and a distinctive storytelling approach.
Their latest album, ‘No One Was Driving The Car’, proves that the band remain as vital and creative as ever. With two decades of material behind them and a reputation for captivating live performances, La Dispute are perfectly positioned to deliver one of the most emotionally moving sets of the weekend.
Trash Talk
Closing out our selections are California hardcore veterans Trash Talk. Formed in 2005, the band have spent two decades building a reputation as one of the most intense and exhilarating live acts in hardcore.
Records such as ‘No Peace’ have cemented their status within the scene, but it is in their live performances that they truly excel. Having toured extensively around the world, Trash Talk know exactly how to command a stage and connect with an audience, and Outbreak will provide the perfect setting for them to remind everyone why they remain such a respected force in hardcore music.
With an incredible lineup spanning hardcore, post-hardcore, shoegaze, indie rock and everything in between, Outbreak Fest 2026 looks set to deliver one of its strongest weekends yet. Whether you're there for the biggest bands on the lineup or looking to discover your next favourite band, these acts should be firmly on your must-see list.