The UK’s defining showcase festival is set for a big year, its latest lineup drop replete with highlights.

The Great Escape is almost upon us, primed for another year setting the tone for the industry in the best way imaginable: collecting over 400 of the best new artists to perform all within walking distance of each other over four days in Brighton.

The latest lineup drop comes with the announcement a special showcase featuring Pete Doherty, Warmduscher and Trampoline to kick off the festival on Wednesday 14^th May. Alongside this, the festival have confirmed they will also be platforming the brilliant Man/Woman/Chainsaw, dissembled hip-hop newcomer Black Fondu, Ava Gore and Ethan P. Flynn’s exciting collaboration as Silver Gore. The Moonlandingz are back with a new album this year and they are set to join the bill with their synth-soaked punk sound. We are also excited to see that Lynks will be returning to the stage, having recently announced they will be taking a short hiatus from live shows.

We are also excited to see Westside Cowboy join the bill after the release of their brilliant debut single ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’. Further highlights also include Heavy Lungs, RABBITFOOT, TRAAMS, Hachiku, Pem, The Slow Country and HotWax.

The Great Escape have further announced a set of shows building up to the festival proper, expanding its reach across the UK after its run of launch shows in London and Brighton in November. ‘The Road to The Great Escape’ is set to involve events in Glasgow and Dublin. They have also announced events at the festival for those looking to get into the music industry, including presentations from the Council of Music Makers, The Association of Independent Music, Youth Music and BBC Introducing.

The festival runs from 14-17^th May, with tickets starting at £81.24. Tickets and more info here.