Green Man reveal first names for 2026, including Wolf Alice and Four Tet
The festival announced over 100 acts to play over four days against the backdrop of the beautiful Welsh mountains.
Photo: Kirsty McLachlan
As someone fortunate enough to have attended the festival for the last eleven years, my family and I have become accustomed to eagerly awaiting the day the line-up for Green Man is announced. Each year, you think that they can’t top the last set of acts, and yet they always do.
The post containing the line-up was sent out via Instagram and, with such a wide range of genres and acts on the poster, it was hard to take in such a diverse line-up in one single sweep. Post-rock band Mogwai are opening up the festival on Thursday, with indie outfit Wilco following on Friday, electronic producer Four Tet performing on Saturday, and — with their critically acclaimed new album The Clearing under their belts — Wolf Alice round off Green Man for 2026.
One thing that I’ve always loved about Green Man is their ability to programme a festival with something that appeals to everyone, no matter the genre, and their headliners definitely prove this point. Each year, the headliners completely contrast each other in style, tempo and even age, but they’re all united by their outstanding performances.
Even though the headliners will be a huge talking point for the festival’s line-up, it’s crucial to look at some of the other incredible acts joining them across the weekend.
The ear-shattering post-punk band Shame will return to Green Man after seven years — this is another amazing thing about the festival: bands and fans keep coming back, as there’s just nothing like it. Lime Garden also return on Thursday and, after catching their set at Green Man in 2024, they’re sure to kick-start the festival in the right way.
After headlining the Walled Garden stage a few years back, The Bug Club will also be making a return, and I couldn’t talk about acts who keep returning without mentioning Pictich Trail. Johnny has played the beloved Welsh festival almost every single year it’s been running and, for some, it’s become a tradition to catch his energy-filled set year after year.
Notably, Sparks — who recently featured on Gorillaz’ new album — will help close the festival and, although I’m sure by this point the festival fatigue will have caught up to plenty of people, Sparks’ unique sound is sure to help keep you awake for the yearly fireworks after the final headline slot is over.
big long sun are perhaps a little lesser known, but I can imagine they’ll soundtrack a (hopefully) sunny Saturday at the festival perfectly and, with a new album on the way, it provides the perfect opportunity to sink your teeth into their discography before August. Panic Shack, whom I discovered thanks to this very festival, are also not ones to miss, with their debut album filled with gritty punk energy sure to bring an explosive set to Green Man.
With plenty more artists to be announced (like the incredible Rising Stage, which focuses on upcoming, new artists), it’s impossible not to feel excited for what’s sure to be Green Man’s best year yet.
Green Man takes place from August 20th to the 23rd at Bannau Brycheiniog National Park in Wales. Sign up for resale tickets here.
