PopRockUK

The Cure & Dogstar bring magic to Electric Castle 2026

Electric Castle has once again delivered an unforgettable experience, culminating in four days of non-stop music and high-octane partying that left attendees with memories as vivid and eclectic as the soundscapes they experienced.

This year’s festival was a true celebration of musical diversity. From the energetic presence of Twenty One Pilots crowdsurfing to Sleaford Mods delivering high-octane remixes, and Teddy Swims tackling classic rock anthems, the energy on site was electric. Attendees were treated to a journey across genres, dipping into Afro house, Latin beats, Italian disco, and classic electronic hits, creating a truly world-class sonic landscape.

The grounds of the Transylvanian castle became the backdrop for some iconic moments, including Yung Lean celebrating his 30th birthday, adding another layer of unique celebration to the weekend.

But while the main stages pulsed with diverse sounds, the night was defined by performances that offered deep dives into musical history and raw, atmospheric noise. One highlight saw the legendary band The Cure bringing their inimitable sound to Electric Castle. Arriving on stage to the sound of rainfall, they delivered a two-hour set filled with classic hits and an atmosphere so potent it felt like a sensory journey.

During their set, bassist Simon Gallup returned, accompanied by his son Eden, making the performance feel like a family affair. Robert Smith, the frontman, let the music do the talking, weaving through eras from ‘The Head On The Door‘ to ‘Disintegration‘, culminating in an electrifying encore that reaffirmed their standing as some of history’s finest songwriters.

Seeking a darker, more immersive experience, Just Mustard was given a unique stage. Following a cancellation, they moved from the backyard to the ominous Hangar, where their brand of gloomy noise rock thrived. Despite the bright setting, their performance plunged the space into an intense darkness that magnified the jagged dream pop unfolding on stage.

Their set was a masterclass in controlled chaos, balancing urgent drum breaks with moments of ethereal beauty. Tracks like ‘Frank‘ offered shimmering light and mesmerizing vocals, while the sheer intensity of the sound rattled the ground, proving their appeal to fans of artists like Fontaines D.C.

Finally, Dogstar brought the weekend to a spectacular close. They took over the main stage, blending melodic rock with an epic scope that felt pulled from across continents, taking listeners “from San Francisco to Tokyo.” Their performance provided the perfect bittersweet soundtrack for the sunset, concluding a weekend of pure magic and mayhem.