Just when it looked like the Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield line-up was complete, organisers have confirmed a major expansion for 2026 - with the festival now opening a day earlier on Thursday August 27.

The brand new opening night will be led by The Kooks, Milburn and Miles Kane, instantly transforming the August Bank Holiday event into a full four-day celebration at Don Valley Bowl.

Headlining the new Thursday date, The Kooks will perform their breakthrough debut album Inside In/Inside Out in full to mark its 20th anniversary. Featuring era-defining hits including Naïve, She Moves In Her Own Way and Ooh La, the album remains one of the most celebrated British indie releases of the 2000s and a record that soundtracked a generation.

Also joining the bill are Sheffield favourites Milburn, returning home to celebrate 20 years of their debut album Well, Well, Well. The band’s resurgence in recent years has been met with huge demand, and their appearance adds a powerful hometown moment to the opening night, having previously headlined Rock N Roll Circus in 2024.

Completing the top of the bill is Miles Kane, whose solo work and role in The Last Shadow Puppets have made him one of the most recognisable figures in modern British guitar music, renowned for sharp songwriting and electric live performances.

Further artists for Thursday August 27 - and across the entire four-day weekend - will be announced in the coming weeks.

A BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND PACKED WITH ICONS

The newly expanded Thursday strengthens what was already shaping up to be one of the standout festival weekends of the summer.

Friday August 28 sees The Streets headline with a special performance of A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full.

Widely regarded as one of the most important British albums of the 2000s, the record’s sharp storytelling and unmistakable voice helped redefine UK music, spawning era-defining tracks including Fit But You Know It, Dry Your Eyes and Blinded By The Lights.

Performing the album front to back inside the Big Top promises to be one of the most talked-about live moments of the Bank Holiday weekend.

Saturday August 29 is led by one of the UK’s most exciting modern guitar bands, Wunderhorse, supported by Baxter Dury, Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, and London favourites Fat Dog, alongside a host of rising names and immersive theatre performances that continue to define the Rock N Roll Circus experience.

Sunday August 30 will be closed by Richard Ashcroft, one of the most iconic voices in British music. From Bittersweet Symphony and Lucky Man to solo classics including A Song For The Lovers, Ashcroft’s live shows are the stuff of legend.

He is joined by indie heavyweights The Fratellis and Cast, one of the most essential guitar bands to emerge from the post Britpop era. Fresh from an international tour supporting Oasis, Cast arrive in Sheffield with renewed momentum.

Festival Director Ali O’Reilly said: “Opening the weekend with The Kooks performing Inside In/Inside Out in full, Milburn returning home and Miles Kane joining the bill feels like a statement night for Sheffield.

“What makes Rock N Roll Circus special is that we can celebrate iconic albums and artists that shaped a generation, while also giving space to the next wave of talent coming through. That mix of heritage and hometown pride is exactly what this festival is about.

“Sheffield has always brought an incredible atmosphere to Don Valley Bowl, and expanding the programme this way gives us even more room to create something memorable for the Bank Holiday weekend.”

MORE THAN A FESTIVAL

Rock N Roll Circus continues to stand apart by blending world-class live music with immersive circus and theatrical performance across the site. From aerialists and fire performers to roaming spectacle, the experience extends far beyond the main stage.

All headline performances take place inside the festival’s iconic Big Top, creating an intimate, high-energy atmosphere while ensuring shows remain weather-proof.

VIP upgrades are available, offering fast-track entry, premium viewing areas, private bars, upgraded food options and dedicated seating.

With four days now confirmed and further announcements still to come, Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield 2026 is set to deliver one of the most anticipated Bank Holiday weekends in the North.

Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield takes place at Don Valley Bowl from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 August 2026.

Presale: Wednesday 4 March, 10am General Sale: Friday 6 March, 10am

Tickets & info: rocknrollcircus.co.uk