LOOPFEST has revealed the first wave of artists for its 2026 edition - marking a major step forward for one of the fastest-growing festivals in the region.

Taking place Friday 1 - Sunday 3 May 2026, the multi-venue event will once again transform Shrewsbury Town Centre into a vibrant, walkable celebration of live music and culture.

The first announcement features a blend of major festival names and cult favourites, including: Ash, Reef, DJ Yoda, Elvana and Gentleman’s Dub Club.

They join a wide and eclectic programme that includes The Allergies (DJ Set), The Bluetones Acoustic, HENGE, Ian Prowse & Amsterdam, Little Comets, Melin Melyn, The Nightingales, Tom McGuire & The Brassholes and many more.

In total, LOOPFEST 2026 will host 250 acts across 40 venues, spanning The Quarry, Shrewsbury Castle, St Mary’s Church, Theatre Severn, Darwins Community Centre, English Bridge Workshop, The Square and Shrewsbury Library, as well as venues, pubs, cafés and a range of unique pop-up spaces.

LOOPFEST is operated by LOOPFEST in the Community CIC, ensuring that every ticket sold directly supports the festival’s wider mission:

- Supporting LOOPFEST grassroots artists
- Funding artist development programmes and creative opportunities throughout the year
- Supporting community projects such as The Hive
- Providing youth pathways through hands-on experience in production, events, marketing and technical roles, in partnership with organisations such as Shrewsbury College
- Removing barriers to accessing the arts for families and young people by offering a significant number of free-entry events alongside ticketed shows

The festival also continues to prioritise accessibility; all core festival venues are wheelchair accessible. LOOPFEST 2026 will again feature kids’ activities at Shrewsbury Library, community stages, and expanded opportunities for young people to gain real-world industry experience.

This is just the first announcement, with further waves of artists, special projects and venue takeovers to be revealed in early 2026.

Tickets are available at loopfest.co.uk