Neighbourhood Weekender returns to Victoria Park this May bank holiday, and if previous years are anything to go by, ‘The Wire’ is once again gearing up for one of the most anticipated weekends on the UK festival calendar. Now firmly established as a staple of the northern live music scene, NBHD has grown year on year into something that feels both nationally significant and proudly local, a festival that knows exactly who it’s for, and does it exceptionally well.
Set once again in the heart of Warrington, the festival continues to celebrate the town’s musical heritage while pulling in crowds from across the North West and beyond. Perfectly positioned between Manchester and Liverpool, Victoria Park offers an accessible, intimate setting that never feels overwhelming. With its three-stage layout: the Main Stage, the Big Top and the Viola Beach Stage, you’re never far from the action, whether that’s catching a future headliner in the making or getting swept up in a mass singalong as the sun starts to dip.
SJM Concerts have built a reputation for curating line-ups that strike a careful balance between iconic names, current chart-toppers and emerging artists on the brink of breaking through, and 2026 is no exception. NBHD Weekender isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about championing great live bands, giving space to new voices and creating moments that feel genuinely special, the kind that stick with you long after the last encore.
First Wave 2026 Line-Up Highlights
Saturday 23 May – Richard Ashcroft (Headliner)
Wiganer, Ashcroft is a booking that feels tailor-made for Neighbourhood Weekender. As the unmistakable voice of The Verve, Ashcroft helped define a generation of British music, with songs like Bitter Sweet Symphony, The Drugs Don’t Work and Lucky Man still carrying enormous emotional weight decades on. His solo work has continued to evolve with confidence, built for big stages and communal moments. Fresh from a mammoth run of stadium support dates with Oasis across the globe, Ashcroft arrives in Warrington in formidable frontman form, promising a headline set rich in nostalgia, swagger and singalong moments.
Kaiser Chiefs bring their catalogue of indie anthems, while The K’s return as local heroes and NBHD favourites. Example adds high-energy crossover appeal, Sophie Ellis-Bextor delivers disco-pop euphoria and the likes of Cast, Alessi Rose, Cassia and NXDIA ensure the Big Top and Viola Beach stages are packed with future talking points throughout the day.
Sunday 24 May – Blossoms (Headliner)
Few bands feel as intrinsically linked to Neighbourhood Weekender as Blossoms, and their Sunday night headline slot in 2026 feels both earned and perfectly timed. This year marks ten years since the release of their self-titled debut album Blossoms, a record that helped define a new wave of British indie and laid the foundations for everything that followed.
Over the past decade, the Stockport five-piece have grown steadily into one of the UK’s most reliable live acts, building a catalogue full of festival-ready anthems and fan favourites. Their live shows strike a rare balance between polish and warmth, where huge singalongs feel natural rather than manufactured.
Having spent years rising through the NBHD ranks, this moment feels less like a step up and more like a natural conclusion, Blossoms headlining in their own right, backed by a ten-year legacy and a home crowd that knows every word. I for one can’t wait for Gary’s appearance in victoria park.
DMA’s return with their anthemic Australian indie sound, Jamie Webster brings heartfelt, communal moments, and Shed Seven prove Britpop still has plenty to say. Add Razorlight, Melanie C, The Fratellis, Luvcat, The Guestlist and Fletchr Fletchr, and Sunday shapes up as a fitting finale to the weekend.
This first wave already promises an eclectic mix of indie, rock, pop and emerging talent, with many more names expected to be announced as the festival draws closer. Beyond the music, NBHD Weekender continues to deliver on atmosphere. The on-site NBHD Inn,
Cornershop DJ raves, fairground rides and a crowd that always shows up ready to party all play their part in making the festival feel more like a shared celebration, rather than a sole focus on music.
Tickets
Standard Tickets
● Weekend Ticket (Saturday + Sunday): £160.50
● Saturday Day Ticket: £86.25
● Sunday Day Ticket: £86.25
VIP Options
● Weekend VIP Ticket: £273.50 (VIP viewing areas, private bar, luxury seating and additional perks)
● Saturday VIP Ticket: £155
Prices are face value and may vary slightly with booking fees or third-party listings.
The festival traditionally runs from 12:00pm to 10:30pm each day, and with no camping on site, NBHD remains one of the most accessible and stress-free ways to kick off the summer festival season.
Why NBHD Weekender Still Matters
With reasonably priced tickets, a friendly, well-organised site and an atmosphere that feels closer to a community celebration than a mega-festival, Neighbourhood Weekender continues to hold a special place in the hearts of UK music fans. Whether it’s seeing a genuine icon like Richard Ashcroft or watching Blossoms headline ten years on from their debut, NBHD thrives on moments that feel meaningful.
If you’re looking for the perfect way to start festival season, Victoria Park is the place to be this May. One thing’s for sure, Warrington will be buzzing once again… let’s just hope the rain holds off this year.
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