The acclaimed End Of The Road festival has revealed its first wave of headline acts for its milestone 20th-anniversary edition in 2026, with iconic Britpop band Pulp, US indie troubadour Mac DeMarco, and Irish pop sensation CMAT set to top the bill.
A Landmark Line-Up for a Landmark Year
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Larmer Tree Gardens on the Dorset and Wiltshire border, the festival will celebrate two decades of music from 3rd to 6th September 2026. The announcement confirms one of the most anticipated bookings of the UK festival season.
In a major coup for organisers, Pulp will perform one of only two UK shows scheduled for the entire year. This marks the band's debut performance at End Of The Road, a notable fact given that frontman Jarvis Cocker is a regular fixture at the event, having previously performed solo, DJ'd from a boat, and presented films. The band has promised their set will be "not a typical Pulp show," heightening anticipation for what is being billed as an "unusual" performance.
Returning Favourites and Rising Stars
They are joined by Mac DeMarco, who makes a welcome return to the festival for the first time in nearly a decade. The Canadian artist's appearance is set to be his only UK festival show of 2026, as he continues to tour his new album 'Guitar'. He remains a memorable figure for his crowd-surfing antics during his last performance in 2017.
Completing the initial headline trio is CMAT, the Irish pop star who is being promoted to headline status following a triumphant 2025 appearance where she famously covered Kate Bush. Her ascent comes on the back of her Mercury Prize-nominated album, cementing her status as one of the most exciting acts in contemporary pop.
Secret Acts and Ticket Information
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, festival organisers have teased a secret Thursday headliner, whose identity will be kept firmly under wraps until the last possible moment. More artist announcements are expected in the coming months.
For music fans eager to secure their place, tickets for End Of The Road 2026 are on sale now, currently available in Tier 4. The festival offers a payment plan, allowing attendees to pay an initial deposit and spread the remaining cost in monthly instalments until June 2026.
