LIVE FROM THE PIT: The Big Outbreak Review 2026

The world has woken up to Outbreak.

Like it or not, at last year's London edition of the festival, we found ourselves in a place where TURNSTILE could headline the same weekend as CHARLI XCX. Now, she’s gone one step further in releasing her own “rock music”. We’re in a reality in which KNOCKED LOOSE could create a song with DENZEL CURRY, and Kim K is about to follow daughter NORTH WEST on a fourteen-date tour of her metal-tinged hyperpop across America. The same kind that Hayley Williams could create a four-track indie-grunge EP under the name POWER SNATCH, and - as of last week- the sleepy-sounding pandemic staple BEABADOOBEE has announced her new record, commandeered by TITLE FIGHT, PINEGROVE and DEFTONES. 

This is the vision. The festival’s hardcore mentality permeates at the sharpest edges of the music scene, evolving just as much as the artists it has furthered over the years. Open to intense genre-blending, curating to those that fit the moment, on one of the hottest weekends of the year, this northern hub of heavy provides an authentic music experience with a no-barrier sweatfest, following their transatlantic cousins in Furnace Fest and Sound And Fury. Outbreak has not just become a promoter, but a reason to mosh.

It not only represents UK hardcore and heavy, but stands alongside a fantastic roster of independent promoters, grassroots venues and DIY organisations that all support the ethos of heavy music. On their 15th anniversary, Outbreak marks the occasion with the anthemic ooze of emo, shifting from the sentimental squeeze of Friday’s THE FRONT BOTTOMS’ headlining spot right into the festival's signature heavy staples on Sunday, including TRAPPED UNDER ICE and HATEBREED. Canadian post-hardcore veterans ALEXISONFIRE front the proceedings on Saturday on the main stage, followed by CONVERGE’s late-night masterclass in full-frontal brutality. Oh… and if that wasn’t enough for one weekend, KNOCKED LOOSE performed a one-off style show in a church at 2 AM. 

Here’s what we caught at Outbreak 2026.

Words by: Spencer Cunningham (SC), Amber Brooks (AB), Andy Nile (AN) and Renee Bennett (RB)

POOL KIDS

POOL KIDS kicked off our weekend with a storm of energy, while the crowd was pouring in for the first set of the festival, they brought the people to life through their amazing riffs, catchy hooks and the sparking of stage dive fever. The band knows very well how to captivate a room. We’re no stranger to their infectious style as seen in our cover story, but now the likes of Outbreak Festival and its audience are well acquainted too. - SC

Photo: Nat Wood

LOVE RARELY

For Leeds mathcore heavyweights LOVE RARELY, Pain Travels to Manchester for a last-minute show at Outbreak. The Friday crowd, wanting to feel this set in all of its emotional turmoil, opens up a compact but violent push pit, sending limbs flying across the Festival’s third stage. Admittedly, it’s a wildcard booking with the band’s prog-centric sound, but their deep-set ferocity and commitment to the Leeds heavy music scene make them one of the most formidable acts on the UK underground right now. Still, this set was fantastic, and for those leaving the pit at the end of their set, they take with them a dull ache that lingers across the rest of the weekend. - AB

JOYCE MANOR

JOYCE MANOR's set was the most energetic we saw at Outbreak all weekend, too many stage divers to catch and a pit that almost took up the whole front standing section, it was a balls-to-the-wall, sweaty mess. We loved every second of it. Be it the latest bangers from I Used To Go To This Bar or old classics like Constant Headache and Derailed, there was something for every fan who was lucky enough to be in that room. - SC

Photo: Nat Wood

KNOCKED LOOSE

Since the release of their 2024 album, You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To, KNOCKED LOOSE has been using an LED cross in their shows. The cross not only mimics the one visible on the album cover but serves as a reminder of the religious themes that the band has been exploring in their music. As such, it was unsurprising to be greeted by an almost blinding (and blinking) cross upon the beginning of their set. Commenced by the pounding drums of Dylan Isaacs, it was clear that this show was going to be an extraordinary one. The applause from the audience echoed throughout the room as the rest of the hardcore dynamo walked out to Blinding Faith.

Throughout the set, the crowd became more energised as vocalist Garris encouraged audience members to ‘make it special’, ‘get the fuck up’ and stage dive. As such, the stage was rarely neglected by stage divers who made use of these special circumstances and continuously flew into the mosh pits full of hardcore dancers. Audience members had much to shed throughout the night as the band (including Kevin Otten’s and Isaac Hale’s bass and guitar) screamed into a constantly moving crowd. The exit of the band after their set left something hanging in the air as the momentum was still felt throughout the room.

This show has created hope for the future of the scene as the need for environments like this without barriers was clear. Outbreak has done something right by continuing to host unique events despite the growing size of their brand. A sense of freedom and the ability to fully go wild was created by this show in a way that is not typically experienced at festivals. We hope that Outbreak continues to host shows and festivals like this in the future and creates a bridge between large acts and events and the underground scene. - RB

STATIC DRESS

A guitarist takes the stage. The crowd is buzzing with anticipation. The opening notes of Safe In Your Skin begin to ring out above the Outbreak crowd, a massive push begins as people fight to get to the front standing area, the buzz has turned into a whirr of energy as Olli Appleyard takes the stage, greeting the crowd nonchalantly with "We are Guilt Trip!". The band jumps right into Nostalgia Kills an apt and frankly hilarious jab at those who actually believed TITLE FIGHT would have shown up. STATIC DRESS proves again that they’re a commanding force in the UK heavy music scene as well as one of the funniest. The initial energy may have come from delusional wishful thinkers, but it never died down while Leeds heavyweights were on stage. - SC

Photo: Nat Wood

BODYWEB

BODYWEB are just heavy and wonderful, aren’t they? Their music is absolutely blistering, and this set was no different. Beautiful melodic vocals, intertwined with beguilingly heavy guitars and harsh screams that push the boundaries of the genre entirely. Another set filled with stage diving, but this time with an aggressive edge. Flailing limbs, hardcore dancing, pure emancipation. You just cannot pin BODYWEB down, and that is the best thing about them. All we know is they are heavy, they are one of the best in the north, and we can’t wait to see what they have happening next. - SC

LIP CRITIC

LIP CRITIC’s synth-heavy electropunk had Outbreak’s second stage bouncing on Saturday afternoon. A tricky feat considering they were competing for attention with SUNBATHER and TOUCHE AMORE, the latter drawing a huge crowd to the main stage. We wandered over, hoping they might scratch a similar itch to MACHINE GIRL, intrigued by rumours of the band featuring two drummers.

What we experienced left us playing LIP CRITICS’ two stellar albums on repeat. Their sound (and their live show) felt completely unique: chaotic, infectious, and delightfully goofy in equal measure. The two drummers often seemed to be there as much for flair as practicality, but somehow it all clicked, adding another layer to one of the festival’s most memorable performances. - AN

Photo: Anna Swiechowska

I PROMISED THE WORLD

I PROMISED THE WORLD really did do just all that. For their first time touring outside of the US, they stormed the second stage with their post-hardcore sensibilities, packing the crowd right up to the sound desk. Releasing their self-titled EP earlier this year, the band takes huge influence from the early 2000’s metalcore scene (a genre that deservedly needs its flowers, and it’s long-awaited revival). More was made of crowd-killing in the pit than on the stage, but they hit the perfect synergy of dome-on-dome action as their breakdowns slowed to a satisfying chug. Intense vocals and a real drive for creating carnage that sweetly leans into some shoegaze sensibilities. Yes, we’re impressed! - AB

LOATHE

Erik Bickerstaffe rings out the founding notes of the US national anthem - JIMI HENDRIX, Machine Gun style - as Liverpool heavyweights LOATHE take on the main stage slot. Two songs in, and the crowd has already had to be stopped for safety. The first rain of the weekend momentarily drenched the crowd in a cold catharsis, but Vocalist Kadeem France repeats himself, telling them that Outbreak is his favourite festival. 

We’re just over three weeks out from the release of their mythical follow-up record to I Let It In, And It Took Everything, titled A Stranger To You, and the Outbreak crowd is met by a band on the precipice of their next era, seemingly more comfortable and surprisingly cool considering the immense pressure that has been put on them by their fans to deliver. Still, new tracks Gifted Every Strength and Revenant bear the weight of their discography’s high standards, peppered in with favourites New Faces In The Dark and Is It Really You?. Time is still needed to get acquainted with the new tracks, and we’ve seen more explosive sets from the band at the BEC before. This was their biggest crowd, and this is their biggest moment. Next time, they’ll be headlining. - AB

Photo: Liam Maxwell

ALEXISONFIRE

There is much to be said for full album playthroughs, hits of nostalgia and pangs of yesteryear, but this was another beast entirely. The privilege of seeing ALEXISONFIRE headline a stage at Outbreak with Crisis is one of those kismet moments that you just know was meant to be. From the stage diving madness, the onstage bravado and just how incredible these 20-year-olds ' songs still sound through big ass speakers, it feels nigh on impossible to properly communicate just how iconic this moment was for attendees. 

There were people of all ages moving, singing and holding one another throughout as it should be. There was such an instinctive reaction to this brotherhood unfolding on stage, playing these songs that hold such a special place for so many in attendance. The band's stage presence is unrivalled, both in what the kids today would call ‘aura’ and the sheer unity of these brothers. If you missed it, we truly feel for you. - SC

CROWQUILL 

It’s an early start for CROWQUILL, writing the prelude to a no-holds-barred Sunday of intense brutality. As the second stage squirms with some of the most notable names in extreme music, including HATEBREED and SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, this Leeds metalcore quartet sets the mark with a damaging barrage of stage divers. Those who lay witness to their set also saw the true grit and determination of the Leeds hardcore community, championed by the dominating revolving roster of local bands that give Outbreak its unparalleled reputation. CROWQUILL made their debut with confidence, showering their setlist artillery in vocalist Liam’s bloodcurdling screams, right up until that overpowering final stage invasion. - AB

Photo: Liam Maxwell

DYNAMITE

London Youth Crew legends DYNAMITE brought all the groove-laden, two-step-inducing energy you could hope for on Sunday, packing out the second stage with one of the weekend’s most infectious sets. Amid the chaos, frontman Alex took a moment to deliver a deeply poignant reflection on the loss of his and his wife’s pregnancy, before speaking about the joy of now raising their son. He dedicated the next song to him, creating one of Outbreak’s most heartfelt and memorable moments.

The set also featured a parade of familiar faces, with guest vocal appearances from THE FLEX’s Sam Laycock and HIGH VIS’ Graham Sayle, to name just a couple. Even that, though, was eclipsed by Trapped Under Ice, whose seemingly endless stream of guest vocalists may well have set the record for the weekend. - AN

FIDDLEHEAD

We’ve never seen a guy so mad about a broken microphone stand. Frontman Pat Flynn doesn’t hold back on his hurt, stating he borrowed it from fellow bandmate and BASEMENT guitarist Alex Henery, but this teacher holds back on giving this rowdy crowd its schooling. As our main stage mosh moguls pile on stage to celebrate the recently-released FIDDLEHEAD EP, Baby I’ll Change, they are instead met with an intense love and adoration. It’s true - this hardcore supergroup loves playing in the UK, and they sound immense as they fill the outdoor stage with elated choruses filled with promise. This sound is a world away from 2018’s Springtime and Blind and their infamous Between The Richness record. Most of all, it’s been a joy to see the band come into their own. - AB 

HAYWIRE

HAYWIRE are one of the biggest bands in hardcore right now, from their car park

and underpass shows, to their songs with the likes of DROPKICK MURPHYS, the band

has proven time and again their strict punk ethics on grand and small stages.

Playing on the 2nd stage, HAYWIRE played what was probably the set of the

weekend, endless energy, rigorous movement, a TITLE FIGHT cover and an insane

amount of crowd involvement from gang chants to divers. HAYWIRE is Hardcore. - SC

GLITTERER

There’s a moment Ned Russin pauses to see the extent of the crowd. The room has never been this packed, and yet still more people keep flooding in to see GLITTERER. Celebrating their fourth full-length album, titled Erer, we witness the band at their most realised, alongside keyboardist Nicole Dao, the lineup is completed with drummer Robert Zeijlon and guitarist Colin Gorman. Started as a solo project, this record moves into a symphony of honest truths and an emotional frequency conveyed in lingering moments. It certainly connected with a crowd, going through the motions before BASEMENT shut the place down. - AB

Photo: Liam Maxwell

TRAPPED UNDER ICE

For the first time during this swelteringly hot weekend, a cold breeze lingers ever so gently before TRAPPED UNDER ICE mark their place on the Sunday main stage. TUI rarely makes an appearance in the UK, with the last being at Outbreak 2023 (the very set that started Out Of Rage). With TURNSTILE’s Brendan Yates joining the band on drums, the band performed a mythical set punctuated with brashy vocal features from DYNAMITE and HAYWIRE. Bodies piled themselves high on the lower stage, reaching up to meet frontman Justice Tripp’s garisoned cries like a renaissance painting.

If this was Glastonbury, TUI would have filled the legacy slot. A good proportion of modern hardcore is shaped by the Baltimore heavyweights, most of whom stood on the side of the stage watching the moment with eyes wide open. Good booking, Outbreak! - AB

BASEMENT

“BASEMENT are not a nostalgia band,” says vocalist Andrew Fisher. He was right - with the release of their latest record, Wired, earlier this year, their setlists have been spunkicked into a frenzy, aggravated by the bustling Outbreak crowds, who have spent the entire weekend trying to demolish each other. 

Long gone are the sets that punctuate the British mainstays' vibrant mark on the alternative scene with Covet, the algorithm-busting TikTok breakout that provided a new lease of life a decade after its release. For those at the BEC, an early play was a welcome surprise. The arms-wide scene stealer, complete with a fantastic sung chorus from the audience, sends late stragglers running to the front of the pit. 

The band know how special this set would be. Headlining Outbreak for the second time in two years, the band’s presence and prestige have doubled, putting them ever-so-sweetly up there with bands like TITLE FIGHT, as influences on the youth of today. With Wired, there is an aggressiveness to the set through tracks like Sever and Deadweight that cut cleanly through their early work between the past and the present. As their most experimental release yet, they filter through the motions, ending in an emotional lull towards the second half of the set with Broken by Design and Pine. Promise Everything came way too soon, but as a final track, it cemented their undying legacy to the shred. - AB