The Great Escape festival has announced its 'First Fifty' launch shows for the 2027 edition, featuring performances from Bathing Suits, Xanadu, Chest., and Jordan Joy among others. These shows precede the main festival, which is set to return to Brighton next May, running from May 12 to 15.
Organisers have scheduled a one-night celebration of new music on Thursday, November 12, with seven venues in East London hosting intimate gigs. These performances will showcase what the organisers describe as "some of the most exciting emerging music talent from the UK and beyond."
Twenty artists are already confirmed to perform across various genres, including indie, alternative, punk, pop, and electronic. Venues such as Oslo, Moth Club, Shacklewell Arms, Sebright Arms, Folklore, Paper Dress Vintage, and The Victoria will host performances. Tickets for each 'First Fifty' show are available now, starting from £7.50.
Bathing Suits, who are among the announced acts, were previously named winners of the Steve Strange Award at The Great Escape 2026. This award recognised their standout impact at the festival and provided £5,000 in cash support for their career.