Simple Things 2026 full lineup revealed: Squid, Jeremy Deller, Cobrah & Shabaka curate
The festival is set to take over Bristol with a lineup spanning a huge array of genres.
Bristol’s experimental festival has announced its full lineup, boasting guest-curated slots from Squid, Jeremy Deller, Cobrah and Shabaka.
The multi-venue event returns to Bristol on Saturday 7 November, taking over Rough Trade, Strange Brew, Bristol Beacon, The Island and Shreddenhams — a skate venue inhabiting the now-derelict Debenhams, for the uninitiated.
The Island will host Squid, promising a rare set from lead guitarist Anton Pearson, before diving into the band’s trademark jittery, danceable post-punk.
Their picks span Comfort’s drum-synth punk, Sofie Birch’s lo-fi spiritual haze, Bristol new-wavers Minor Conflict, and DIY psych-punks 13 Year Cicada.
Jeremy Deller presents a rousing, heartfelt selection, with indie darlings Grubby Mitts, Circle Dance and Mermaid Chunky.
Cobrah celebrates their moody, deconstructed club sound further with picks COUCOU CHLOE, DJ Latex and Only Fire.
Ethereality is Shabaka’s trademark; their spiritual jazz is sure to soothe, with their curation featuring soul-summoning drums from Arsenal Mikebe, meditative synth from Sarathey Korwar, and Joy Guidry’s contemplative, bassoon-driven drone.
These additions rub shoulders with Panda Bear & Sonic Boom, Chanel Beads and Cloud Nothings, making for an electric experience.
Simple Things spreads its wings across the weekend, opening with a party at Shreddenhams on Friday 6 November, headlined by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets.
The journey continues late into Saturday night, with an afterparty at Strange Brew and The Island, co-hosted by Crack Magazine, Noods Radio and PTS.
Grab a ticket here.