Founded by the Bennett Family in 1998, Truck Festival has always done things differently. It has never aimed to become the UK’s biggest festival. With Sam Fender headlining in 2022 and Kasabian in both 2022 and 2025, anticipation was already high by the time the 2026 lineup dropped. NME said it was “like a miniature Glastonbury that you don’t need GPS to get around”, which fits the experience well. The Guardian dubbed it “the godfather of smaller music festivals”, and walking around the site, everything is lively without feeling overwhelming.
Once inside, the layout stands out straight away. Stages sit close enough to move between easily, while still giving each area space. Dance tents run late into the evening, and outdoor stages draw you in as you pass. Food stalls line the paths, with churros, local burgers, and traders adding to the atmosphere. For first-time guests, the difference from other events is noticeable. There is room to breathe and wander, with the site feeling open and welcoming.
Maccabees headlining is one of the weekend’s biggest talking points. For long-time fans, the set will feel familiar and emotional, encapsulating their sharp lyrics and choruses that are built for singing back. The English indie rock band, formed in the early 2000s, reunited in late 2024 after an eight-year hiatus. Their debut performance at the festival will undoubtedly be one to watch. Two Door Cinema Club brings a brighter, pop-led sound. Fast tempos and clean hooks suit the festival setting, and their songs follow you across the site, even if you only catch part of the set while passing through. Hill Farm gives them space to play to a wide crowd without losing focus.
CMAT will close on the Thursday with a different tone than the rest of the weekend. Her live shows blend pop and country influences with a strong personality, creating moments that tend to get talked about long after the night ends. She is the perfect way to start off such an iconic weekend of music. Kaiser Chiefs lean into familiarity and movement - their set will be built around songs people know well, moments designed for singing along, and a sense of shared energy rather than spectacle.
The Vaccines mark fifteen years since their music debut, giving their appearance added weight, returning for the third year performing at the festival. Early tracks will land with impact, while newer material keeps the set feeling current rather than retrospective.
Smaller stages often produce the weekend’s biggest surprises. Local bands, emerging acts, and DJ sets reward wandering and curiosity. These moments of discovery keep the festival grounded and unpredictable.
Tickets are available online on the Truck Festival Website. These include weekend passes and camping options, as well as payment plans. With the lineup now fully confirmed, Truck Festival 2026 looks set to deliver another year shaped by strong bookings and the independent spirit that has kept it going for almost thirty years.
Lily Howard