
Dot To Dot turns Bristol and Nottingham into the beating heart of new music
Whether it’s chaotic pits for Morn, late-night scenes with The Itch or breakout moments from Shrink and Brooki, Dot To Dot continues to define what the next wave looks like.
Okay, we can call it: summer is here. Shining like a beacon at the end of May, Dot To Dot has cemented itself as a go-to trusted voice when it comes to the very best of right now; year upon year, the roll call of stars who’ve made their name at Dot To Dot before bursting onto giant moves grows and grows. Crafted with an attention to detail that comes with a new music festival being created by new music lovers, 2026 sets itself apart as one of its very best. Whether it’s the ridiculous headline turns from Fcukers, Lambrini Girls and NewDad or the buzzing wall of excitement that comes from discovering plenty of favourite new bands, Dot To Dot sees cities come together, and a community of artists celebrate the soundtrack for the next 12 months.
Opening up the Dork Stage at The Louisiana in the heart of a heatwave may seem like a bold task, but it’s something Shrink seize with both hands. Dot To Dot’s bubbling heart of fresh local talent proves itself once again, with the soaring Inhaler-meets-Jeff Buckley hooks and razor-sharp Pixies swagger. Shrink may be Bristol’s secret at the moment, but soon they’ll be laying hooks all over the place. Trust us.
Downstairs at The Louisiana, Nobody’s Dad are making their impression as queues snake down the street. Sizzling slacker-rock crunches against punchy sing-alongs, sounding like they thrived on a road trip soundtracked by US alternative radio. Sweat is dripping off the walls, but more than anything, it’s dripping with ambition.
Upstairs, the Dork Stage sees AtticOmatic in spellbinding form. The air-conditioning’s cooling touch is superseded by a band who soothe and enthrall in equal measure. Sarah Meth takes that beguiling aura and runs with it, a dizzying set of shoegaze and grins. It’s strident and totally enthralling - a moment that puts exactly what she’s about first.





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