The Great Escape’s First Fifty 2027 shows feature stunning bathing suits
The Great Escape Unveils Its ‘First Fifty’ Talent Pipeline
Get ready for the next wave of music discovery, as The Great Escape is gearing up for 2027 by launching an exciting new initiative: the ‘First Fifty’ series of launch shows. This series promises to introduce an incredible lineup of emerging talent, setting the stage for the main festival that will return to Brighton next May.
The ‘First Fifty’ shows aren’t just gigs; they are a celebration of fresh sounds, bringing together some of the most exciting emerging music from the UK and beyond. Organisers have spread this exciting momentum across seven intimate venues in East London, creating a vibrant hub of creativity across Hackney.
These launch gigs are a one-night celebration of new music, featuring over 450 up-and-coming artists across more than 35 walkable venues. The diverse roster spans the entire sonic landscape, from indie and alternative to punk, pop, and electronic.
The excitement is already palpable. For instance, the London schedule alone reveals a fantastic mix of genres and acts, including the powerful collaboration of Oslo, Belfast indie fusion band Esmeralda Road, psychedelic rock band Pack of Animals, and singer-songwriter Jordan Joy.
Later, the spotlight shifts to incredible live experiences. At the Moth Club, DIY Neu Nights will feature electro-acoustic trio Compost Compost Compost alongside the trip-hop trio Dumbhead and alt rockers Die Twice. Meanwhile, the Shacklewell Arms is set to host So Young, featuring Irish indie star State of Grace, indie rockers Spanish Horses, and Scottish folk dream pop band Angelface.
The roster is vast, showcasing incredible depth across the scene. Other acts on the lineup include the electronic noise band Bathing Suits, who recently took home the prestigious Steve Strange Award for ‘most exciting act’ at the 2026 festival, and the celebrated NME 100 stars Chest. London singer-songwriter Shrink will also be gracing the stage at the Sebright Arms.
From the indie scene, Clash is bringing an explosive lineup to Folklore, featuring Half Star, Welsh singer Tesni, and Cardiff five-piece Casual Smart. Furthermore, BBC Introducing is showcasing fresh voices with sets from Walthamstow rapper simon. a, rapper J Casa, and Nigerian singer-songwriter Chiderah. Ones to Watch is also celebrating emerging talent with Nashville singer-songwriter Aubory Bugg, alt pop singer-songwriter Gianna, and Scottish singer-songwriter Abbie Gordon.
The momentum continues to build, as artists like Bathing Suits continue to explore collaborations, recently teaming up with Mandy, Indiana Valentine Caulfield for a reworked version of their hit song ‘I Can Be A Freak’. This shows how the festival atmosphere fosters genuine connection and creative evolution.
These ‘First Fifty’ shows offer incredible value, with tickets starting from just £7.50 and are available now to support the next generation of music. It’s a perfect opportunity to dive into the vibrant world of emerging talent before the main event.
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