Festival News: Ritual Union 2026 Announce First Wave of Artists!
Ritual Union offers an eclectic mix of talent as Bristol’s tastemaker festival returns for another outing, with the likes of Keo topping a fantastic first announcement.
The beloved multi-venue hybrid festival Ritual Union, which last year, featured mammoth performances by Getdown Services, Keg, Gurriers and Billy NoMates among others, took and continues to take advantage of a vibrant Bristol music scene that included multiple venues like the historic Electric Bristol and more. Its lineup dropping means that the festival has lost none of its momentum. The first headliner announcement is mighty powerful - headlining on the wave of Mutations this year in Brighton and other small, local one-day festivals we have the brilliant Keo, sure to go down a storm. They sound appropriately electrifying and the rising stars look set to deliver on the brilliant EP Siren, that pulls you right in from the start with their magnetic I Lied, Amber. Their music feels 90s grunge and shoegaze and the perfect hybrid for fans raised on My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive – sure to fit right in with the next genre of music.
The support is stacked and this is just the first wave; with many more artists TBA. Ain’t are a noise rock outfit just back from Left of the Dial in Rotterdam, their tracks Oar and Teething earning them praise that saw them establish themselves as some of the best new artists in the DIY scene – blistering and explosive in a way that allows them to tackle 80s horror films and 19th century smut. One of the more oddball choices on the lineup is JJ Bull; football tactico on the Athletics’ TIFO Football Podcast/musician – sure to attract a crowd. The novelty of Ritual Union allows it to be a haven for artists looking to experiment across the best music city in the UK outside of London – using his football knowledge gained from TIFO to ensure a cracking set; with Bristol having the venue facilities for purposes like this.
Other gems on the lineup include Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys and Knives, who are heading off to support heavy outfit The Callous Daoboys – one of the best new upcoming bands in the scene; and Knives are sure to go down a riot with their take on Rhinestone Cowboy. Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys will have released Pale Bloom by then; a haunting and deeply ritualistic record that sounds really promising based off the instantly memorable Anchor and their prior work.
The ever reliable Yard always put on a show and there is also Brian Nasty, London rapper who laid all his cards on the table with the brilliantly emotional Anywhere, But Here With You. There will be clashes: that much is inevitable – but like with any good festival, that only means the discovery of more new bands and more iconic new Bristol venues. On top of this – it’s worth keeping an eye on the official afterparty AFTERGLOW – a night of cutting edge music and electronics that see the arrival of Ninajirachi, one of the most exciting forced of global dance music – with her live sets proving to be a chaotic remix of the likes of Princess Nokia, Deadmau5 and The Neptunes. We’ll also get sets by Kavari – the Glasgow based artist/DJ – experimental sound design is the watchword of the day and the praise by Aphex Twin makes her instantly essential a listen.
With more to come and a unique sonic experience crafted on the city’s vibrant, colourful soundscape – this year taking place at Electric Bristol, Strange Brew and Rough Trade; Ritual Union is sure to be an unmissable affair – perfect to make it your first festival warm-up of what’s sure to be a packed calendar.
Words by Miles Milton-Jefferies
