Discovery Festival

Start: Friday, August 7, 2026 4:00PM
End: Sunday, August 9, 2026 10:00PM

Taking place Friday 7th August - Sunday 9th August amazing artists include Five, Ella Henderson, Level 42, synth pop legend Marc Almond and Heaven 17. Friday’s line-up will be announced in the coming weeks. Following a hugely successful 2025 festival, that saw over 15,000 attendees, Discovery Festival 2026 promises three days of amazing live music and nostalgia. Dig out those leg warmers and neon accessories on Saturday 8th August because ‘80s Calling is back with a bang. With a whole new line-up for 2026 it’s going to be packed with huge bands and even bigger hair. Leading the way are Level 42, the jazz-funk powerhouses whose slick musicianship and infectious grooves made them one of the UK’s biggest acts of the decade. Lead vocalist Mark King said: “We are thrilled to be able to party with everyone at Discovery Festival next August at Mowden Park for a fantastic day of music from the best decade, the ‘80s!” Marc Almond the voice behind Soft Cell’s iconic hit Tainted Love joins the line-up alongside breezy groove makers Haircut 100, smooth-pop hitmakers Go West and 80s chart queen Jaki Graham. Sunday 9th August sees a sensational line-up of pop favourites take to the stage - headlined by Five. With a career spanning over 25 years, the much-loved boyband are known for energetic feel-good hits including Keep On Movin’, Everybody Get Up and If Ya Gettin’ Down. Following their much-anticipated comeback tour, they are set to deliver a sing-along stacked performance with all the crowd pleasing classics and choreography fans love. They will be supported by multi-platinum British singer-songwriter Ella Henderson as well as Bjorn Again, providing the ultimate ABBA party, followed by The Wanted 2.0. to round off a fantastic weekend of music. Liz Hobbs MBE, CEO of Discovery Festival Ltd said: “We’re delighted to reveal Saturday’s and Sunday’s line-up for Discovery Festival Darlington 2026. “There are some truly amazing artists who we know will bring huge energy, big hits and unforgettable moments for fans across the weekend. “Darlington is set for a phenomenal summer of live music, and we can’t wait to see everyone coming together for epic sing-alongs and proper festival fun.” Friday August 7th: Still to be announced Fans are encouraged to sign up to the Discovery Festival mailing list at www.discoveryfestival.co.uk to receive exclusive updates, early access to tickets, and the latest news on line-ups and event information. 1 day, 2 day and 3 day weekend tickets available. Seating is available. The cheapest Early Bird tickets are available exclusively for discovery festival subscribers and you can register at www.discoveryfestival.co.uk? ? • Tickets are priced from £39.50 plus fees and are available from www.discoveryfestival.co.uk • Upgrades are also available • Accessible tickets are available directly from Ticketmaster and Eventim.