Night Currents Festival 2026 - First Wave.

Night Currents 2026 - First wave announcement.

If you know me at all, you will know my love for supporting independent venues and upcoming artists. With the state of our music scene at the moment, thousands of people losing their jobs due to the lack of funding towards grassroots venues, festivals like Night Currents are what we need. We should all be supporting our local venues, especially when they hold amazing events like Night Currents. 

Save the date for the first Saturday in October, in fact, buy a stack of calendars for the next few years and circle that Saturday because I can guarantee it never disappoints! Held in Portsmouth, Night Currents is a high-energy festival full of blooming and exciting acts. 

The lineup so far is looking stronger than ever, with female/non-binary artists taking the throne. The names include:

Lime Garden

Prima Queen

ARXX

My First Time

Ain’t

Crysometimes

Do you happen to be in your mid-twenties and somehow already reaching the brink of a mid-life crisis? Good news! Critically acclaimed Lime Garden are headlining, and their song ‘23’ perfectly encapsulates this feeling. I cannot express how phenomenal these lot are. They are due to release their sophomore album “Maybe Not Tonight” in April, so that gives you plenty of time to learn the lyrics and prepare your favourite dance moves - no excuses! Their sound consists of “wonky pop” and electronic textures, with unbelievably catchy lyrics.

Indie-pop duo Prima Queen, are the best friends you need to see dancing through the light and darks of their vulnerable lyrics. Their guitar-driven melodies beautifully embody the sublimity of female friendships and connections.

After their astounding set at the festival in 2024, Wedgewood-rooms-bound ARXX are bringing their ‘queer power-pop’ back to Portsmouth and I don't think anyone can contain their excitement. They’ve just released a new single ‘We Don’t Talk About It Enough’ an ode to platonic love, so there really couldn't be a better time to grab tickets with your best mate!

If I could start every single artist bio with ‘A personal favourite of mine,’ I would, and it would not be a lie, I truly think this lineup is just a mashup of my playlists. But alas, that would be bad journalism and very biased… Anyways a TRUE personal favourite of mine are ‘My First Time’ who are doing an amazing job of proving that music can always be a riot against current societal issues. Their indie-sleaze sound matches perfectly with their visual aesthetics and quick witted lyrics.

South London five-piece Ain’t are taking you back to the 90s with their loveable mix of post-punk and grunge. The band has played alongside previous Night Currents artist, Human Interest, and overall, are must-see act at Night Currents this year. 

Finally, Brighton rockers Crysometimes are going to bring their infectious energy to Portsmouth, their debut in the city. This is a big moment for the Chloe Slater fans, who fell in love with Crysometimes after they toured with Chloe back in October. 

Overall this lineup is absolutely outstanding, through and through and I cannot comprehend how there is more left to come!