This time last week, Neighbourhood (NBHD) Weekender returned to Victoria Park in Warrington for another packed schedule of music.
The north west’s flagship indie music event delivered an outstanding mix of some of the UK’s most exciting new bands and artists, along with northern indie icons and stalwarts of the genre.
The festival went down so well that the 2027 dates have already been locked in for next year’s May Bank Holiday weekend (with tickets on sale now)!
But before we get to that, 2026 saw Richard Ashcroft and Blossoms deliver two headline sets for the ages, and the big names on the bill certainly delivered.
The likes of DMA’s brought the sun-soaked set of sing-a-long modern indie anthems, while Kaiser Chiefs brought their well-renowned festival energy for Saturday attendees.
But from the outset the lineup announcement, it was always going to be a fine year for up and coming bands and artists.
So many of the most hotly tipped names in UK indie right now found themselves playing across the three stages, and we have picked out a band from Saturday and a band from Sunday who we think really delivered on their opportunities.
First up, Saturday, and it’s Arkayla in the Big Top. We thought they may have drawn in a big early crowd, but of course that can never be guaranteed…
However, NBHD Weekender goers were out in force for one of Manchester‘s most promising bands. “That tent on Saturday is why we do what we do” is what the band said afterwards, in what could have been their biggest moment on the live stage so far.
Fans singing back every word to some of their early popular hits, and if they needed any further indication that they were going places, then this was it. An incredible performance and atmosphere.
Next up, our pick for Sunday is The Guest List. Another Manchester band, who landed an early afternoon slot on the Main Stage at NBHD Weekender before their debut album release.
Yes, it’s a big moment, but this also comes with expectation. And to live up to that expectation as a local band on one of their biggest stages to date was an impressive feat.
They looked comfortable and at home on the biggest stage at the festival, and performed like a seasoned band beyond their years. Their unique sound travelled and was impactful, and you can be sure that following their debut album release later this year, these stages will become the standard for The Guest List.
So they are just some of the names to highlight from NBHD Weekender 2026, but this year will certainly go down in memory as the launchpad for many successful music careers.
Elsewhere the likes of The Cheap Thrills, Keo, and Freddie Halkon drew impressive crowds and performed memorable sets, warming the crowds up for the incredible headline performances.
So as we look ahead to 2027, and hope for another sun-soaked weekend of live music (and the return of the Neighbourhood Inn!), it’s time to plan early to capitalise on discounted prices.
A limited number of discounted early bird tickets for NBHD Weekender 2027 are on sale now until Friday 5th June at https://nbhdweekender.com/.
Stay tuned for lineup news and updates via https://nbhdweekender.com/.
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