What’s the story with Float Along 2026?
The second-best festival in all of Yorkshire (no guesses for the first) returns once again for its 2026 iteration, and we are buzzing for it. But what is the story with Float Along Festival 2026?
Taking place across Sheffield city centre on Saturday 26th September, this year’s festival is the first under the new stewardship of the team behind Sidney & Matilda, and they have wasted absolutely no time in putting together a seriously good line-up.
Headlining at The Octagon are London indie favourites White Lies, who will be joined across the festival by Sprints, Warmduscher, Opus Kink, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Nuha Ruby Ra, Gia Ford, Maximilian Tanner, Cowboyy, Cucamaras, Your Mate’s Ex, Oslo Twins, Spanish Horses, Faint Paint, and plenty more.
There is a decent mix of established names and some of the more exciting acts coming through the UK scene right now, with Sprints bringing their famously chaotic live show, Warmduscher bringing whatever it is that Warmduscher bring, and Man/Woman/Chainsaw continuing to make a very strong case for being one of the most interesting new bands around.
Ones to Watch
With a huge amount of acts spread across three venues, deciding who to see is going to be a problem. A nice problem, admittedly, but a problem nonetheless. Here are a few worth making time for:
Man/Woman/Chainsaw
Sidney & Matilda - Gallery Stage, 20:00
‘Nosedive’ might just be the song of the year; at least that is what we’ll declare it, and Man/Woman/Chainsaw are easily one of the most exciting bands in the country at the moment. Carrying that Windmill scene flame, their upcoming tour has sold out, so Float Along is literally your last chance to see them. Don’t miss out!
Sprints
Corporation - Main Stage, 21:30
Sprints have been one of our favourite live bands around for a while now, and if you've seen them before, you'll know exactly what you're getting. If you haven't, get yourself to Corporation and prepare for a bit of chaotic fun.
April Tapes
Sidney & Matilda - BBC Introducing Stage, 19:15
April Tapes are one of Sheffield’s best-kept secrets, and with a new single ‘Your Friends’ on the way, seeing them headline the BBC Introducing Stage will definitely be one of the highlights of the day.
Cinder Path
Sidney & Matilda - BBC Introducing Stage, 14:30
Cinder Path are another Sheffield band who deserve a bit more attention. Frontman Daniel Whitehouse has made a name for himself already in the Sheffield music scene, and this, his latest project, will definitely be worth getting down early for.
Faint Paint
Sidney & Matilda - Basement Stage, 13:00
Faint Paint are staunch favourites of this magazine and of the Sheffield music scene in general. Opening up the Basement Stage, they will be a perfect way to kick off the rest of the day. If you’ve not managed to see them yet, make sure you address that.
With just a week until Float Along kicks off, there is not much time left to decide whether you are going. Tickets are now limited, so if you have been meaning to get one, this is probably your final warning. Get yours here.
