The buzz in the U.K. music biz is electric as 2026 kicks off, with fresh talent rising and industry shifts on the horizon.
The U.K. music industry, known for its slow post-holiday ramp-up, seems ready to hit the ground running in 2026. After a promising 2025, where the recorded music market grew by 5%, optimism is high. The year ahead is expected to be a significant one, with many in the industry feeling a resurgence that some had previously deemed unlikely.
Notably, the end-of-year report from the BPI highlighted major successes, including the high-profile reunion tour of Oasis and Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl, paving the way for a new wave of artists to carve their niches. Emerging talents like Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Sam Fender, and Yungblud took creative risks in 2025, yielding both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Culturally, 2026 is set to be a transformative year. Charli XCX is gearing up to release her first full album since brat, featuring music tied to Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Olivia Dean is looking to capitalize on her rising fame with a worldwide tour, while RAYE, who recently secured the first No. 1 single of the year, is preparing her second album. Additionally, rumors are circulating about Harry Styles’ anticipated return to the music scene, alongside Lily Allen’s re-emergence in live performances.
However, 2026 may also bring challenges. The Labour government is pushing forward with ticket resale reforms and aims to support grassroots venues. Meanwhile, the industry continues to grapple with the implications of artificial intelligence in music production, a topic expected to dominate conversations in the coming year. The BRIT Awards will also make history by moving to Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, marking a significant shift in the event’s location.
As for Oasis, their future remains uncertain after a successful reunion tour in 2025. Speculation about potential shows at Knebworth House on the 30th anniversary of their iconic performances lingers. Liam Gallagher has hinted at upcoming concerts but has not confirmed any plans yet. A documentary about the Gallagher brothers’ journey is set to release in 2026, keeping the band’s legacy alive in the public eye.
The last year saw a significant emergence of fresh talent in British and Irish music, with Olivia Dean and Central Cee achieving new heights. Artists like EsDeeKid and Skye Newman are also anticipated to shine in 2026, showcasing the depth of talent in the U.K. However, summer 2026’s concert schedule appears less packed than in previous years, raising questions about who will fill the gaps left by major acts.
Meanwhile, the grassroots music scene received attention in 2025, with big names like Coldplay and Sam Fender donating to support local venues. The Labour government is facing criticism and pressure to enforce a ticket levy to protect these spaces from economic challenges. It remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in fostering a healthy environment for small venues.
This year, Glastonbury Festival will take a fallow year, allowing rival festivals like Reading & Leeds and BST Hyde Park to step into the spotlight. These events will offer diverse lineups, providing valuable opportunities for engaging with fans and building lasting artist connections.
At the upcoming Grammys, U.K. artists are poised to make a splash, with Olivia Dean and Lola Young competing for Best New Artist, among various genre nominations for Yungblud and others. A successful showing could further motivate the U.K. music scene, showcasing the talent of both major labels and indie acts alike.
In a move to protect fans from ticket touts, legislation has been passed to cap resale ticket prices, set to take effect in 2026. While some resale platforms like Viagogo claim this will harm consumers, many in the industry view this as a positive step towards fairer pricing for fans. The true impact of these changes will become clearer once major ticket sales resume.
