FIRST FIFTY, the live launch of The Great Escape 2026, returns to venues across East London on 13th of November 2025.
The FIRST FIFTY shows are a pivotal moment in the build-up to TGE, providing a platform for up-and-coming artists to showcase their music to industry professionals and music fans alike.
As part of this collaboration, Ticketmaster New Music will host an exclusive evening of live performances at Oslo. The lineup will feature some of the most exciting new talent, including SISTRA, Ava Joe, and Teenage Joans.
Chloe Slater on the Ticketmaster New Music Stage, The Great Escape Festival 2025
Tim Goom, Client Development Director for Music at Ticketmaster said “With the festival season coming to an end, The Great Escape’s FIRST FIFTY offers an exciting opportunity to discover new music and get a taste of what’s to come in the year ahead. Ticketmaster’s involvement highlights our commitment to supporting the next generation of artists. It’s set to be a great evening, and we hope to see you there!”
Beyond the music, the festival has suicide prevention charity CALM as its lead charity partner for 2026. CEO Simon Gunning says the partnership is about using music’s reach to “make some noise about suicide and help save lives”, with plans for visibility across venues, panels and campaigns during the festival itself – which coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week.
The Great Escape will run 13–16 May 2026 in Brighton, taking over more than 35 venues and packing in upwards of 450 artists. Find tickets for The Great Escape FIRST FIFTY Ticketmaster New Music showcase here.
