FOREVER A PHASE PRESENTS PALOOZA ‘26 – A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN FESTIVAL CHAMPIONING THE NEXT WAVE OF ALTERNATIVE MUSIC
Sheffield, UK – Saturday, 17th October 2026 – Forever A Phase, the fast-growing UK-based alternative music platform, announces the return of its flagship event: Palooza ‘26.
Taking place on Saturday 17th October 2026 at Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield, Palooza ‘26 will feature 12 emerging bands across two stages with no clashes, giving fans the opportunity to discover their next favourite artist without compromise.
Built from the ground up through community support, Palooza continues to stand apart from traditional festivals by prioritising accessibility, independence, and real fan engagement.
WHAT MAKES PALOOZA ‘26 DIFFERENT
Find Your Next Favourite Band – A lineup curated from hundreds of submissions across the underground scene
No Clashes – See every band, no compromises
Community First – Created by fans, for fans
Accessible Pricing – Pay-what-you-can ticketing model
Fully Independent – No major sponsors, no industry gatekeeping
EVENT DETAILS
Event: Forever A Phase presents Palooza ‘26
Date: Saturday 17th October 2026
Venue: Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield
Format: Two Stages | 12 Bands | No Clashes
Tickets: https://www.fatsoma.com/e/zzbhnsdz/forever-a-phase-presents-palooza-26
Price: Pay What You Can
LINEUP
This year’s two stages are proudly supported by Reckless Press and Amplify Your Band, two platforms at the forefront of championing emerging alternative music. Their involvement reflects the core ethos of Palooza ‘26 — shining a light on the next generation of artists and providing real opportunities for growth, exposure, and community within the scene.
X2 Fast
FFO: You Me At Six, All Time Low, Paramore
Location: Sheffield, UK
Sound: nostalgic, fresh 2000s/2010s emo pop punk - catchy, big choruses with poppy and heavy infleunces
Latest release: For the Better (EP, 2026)
Why they’re ones to watch: After breaking onto the scene in 2024 with ‘Chameleon’, x2 Fast have gone from strength to strength. Supporting The Dangerous Summer was a real highlight, as well as getting past 25k monthly Spotify listeners, regular spins on Idobi, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing and even being used as a pre-match song at Hillsborough stadium. They have so much to come in 2026 and so many exciting things to announce!
WNSDY AT 7
FFO: Busted, McFly, Waterparks
Location: Sheffield, UK
Sound: Catchy hooks, sing along choruses and a dash of nostalgic 00s pop punk.
Latest Release: Back Of the Line (Single, 2025)
Why they're ones to watch: WNSDY AT 7 are quickly proving they’re more than just another name in the UK pop punk resurgence. Off the back of four singles last year, the band picked up support from BBC Introducing, took their sound across the UK on tour, and saw their music reach radio stations worldwide.
They’ve carried that energy into this year, already sharing stages with the likes of WSTR and continuing to sharpen their reputation as a band that thrives in a live setting. With plenty happening behind the scenes, WNSDY AT 7 aren't slowing down anytime soon!
Chasing The Fall
FFO: New Found Glory, State Champs, As it is
Location: Liverpool
Sound: Anthemic high energy, packed with catchy nostalgic hooks that blend early 2000s with a modern edge.
Latest Release: The Show (Single, 2026)
Why they're ones to watch: Fresh off completing a run of shows in the US & Opening Skindred’s “Detour” Tour, the band is known for their live shows whilst building their social following whilst adding fresh cities to their UK tour.
“I’d listen to that shit waiting for my mums internet connection to fix itself”
Beach Front
FFO: Four Year Strong, Tonight Alive, Sleeping With Sirens
Location: Birmingham, UK
Sound: A throwback to early 2000s emo that makes you want to cry in your bedroom
Latest Release: Lucille (Single, 2026)
Why They’re Ones to Watch: Beach Front are ones to watch because they’ve got big riffs and even bigger energy. They have an incredibly nostalgic sound mixed with modern music.
STAY SAFE
FFO: Neck Deep, State Champs, New Found Glory.
Location: Manchester, UK
Sound: Classic 00's pop punk mixed with thick riffs and breakdowns. More Kerrang than Scuzz (If you know you know)
Latest Release: Debut album released in September 2025: Late Nights and Long Drives. New music out this summer!
Why They’re Ones to Watch: When Stay Safe are in town you know you're gonna get energy! Having supported Elliot Minor on their comeback tour last year to supporting Lauren Ash this year on her first UK tour playing the likes of O2 Academy in London and other amazing venues, the year is still looking bright! The lads have also managed to reach the final 10 in Kerrangs The Deal competition.
Tired of Fighting
FFO: Taking Back Sunday, Motion City Soundtrack, Paramore
Location: Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
Sound: Tired of Fightinf are an explosive emo punk band, with a unique and captivating sound. Inspired by early 00’s emo.
Latest Release: For The Better (EP, 2026)
Why They’re Ones to Watch: The band have established themselves as a powerhouse in their native North East of England. They have played with Mallory Knox, Trash Boat and Heriot.
Mustard Mitt
FFO: Neck Deep, The Wonder Years, Hot Mulligan
Location: Sheffield, UK
Sound: A high energy pop punk/emo band tying together killer riffs, catchy hooks and meaty breakdowns in a Yorkshire voice with spoken word ripples.
Latest Release: ‘I’m Wearing Elon Musk (Do I Smell Like a Bigot?)’ but we have a tune coming out on 23rd April called ‘A Song Called It’s Called Self-Sabotage’
Why They’re Ones to Watch: Mustard Mitts following grows with every release, having natural traction of tens of thousands of views on TikTok, and being chosen to support Zebrahead on the Sheffield leg of their latest UK tour. The guys have a 12 track debut album to be released this year, so get on board with these guys before they blow up!
Change Persona
FFO: Rise Against, Billy Talent & Foo Fighters
Location: Surrey, UK
Sound: If Billy Talent and Rise Against had a baby and raised it in South London, then it would be just like Change Persona.
Latest Release: Perfect Fake World (Album, 2024)
Why They’re Ones to Watch: Change Persona had a hell of a year in 2025 playing Download Festival and it looks like they aren't slowing down any time soon. With new music on the way and playing the legendary Bloodstock festival this year! They are a must see.
Wide Awake Club
FFO: Four Year Strong, A Day to Remember, Enter Shikari
Location: Portsmouth, UK
Sound: Wide Awake Club, blend late-night energy with heavy, genre-crossing production where Pop Punk, electronic, and alt-pop collide. A boy band with breakdowns.
Latest Release: Milky Way (Single, 2026)
Why They’re Ones to Watch: Wide Awake Club have an infectious energy that resonates from the stage, to the crowd. Catchy choruses and something to bang your head to, Wide Awake Club are a band that everyone can enjoy.
Northbound & Down
FFO: State Champs, All Time Low, Neck Deep
Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK
Sound: High energy pop punk, catchy choruses, big nostalgic vibes
Latest Release: ‘What’s It Like In Paradise?’ - Debut Album. (Working on album 2 right now)
Why They’re Ones to Watch: Having supported the likes of The Summer Set & Happydaze and grabbing the attention of BBC Introducing, Northbound & Down have secured a following of new fans that are coming to shows and singing along to most of the tunes. Their second album will be out later in the year and it’s even better than the first one!
noiseless.
FFO: Alexisonfire, Holding Absence, Sleep Token
Location: Manchester, UK
Sound: Big mid 2000’s post-hardcore influences, mixed with modern production and topped off with modern pop and EDM elements, think big riffs and big choruses
Latest Release: Dying for the Thrill (Single, 2026)
Why They’re Ones to Watch: In our guitarists words “listen right, I was put on this planet to do one thing, entertain you as much as possible whilst playing some sick riffs, at the expense of my own physical well-being”
In more measured terms; we have a very high energy live show, big riffs, bigger choruses and several mullets
Riot Weekend
Location: Guildford UK
Bringing fast, energetic pop punk and huge choruses to kick off Palooza 26 in style.
OUR SPONSORS
Palooza ‘26 is proudly supported by a group of independent brands that share the same vision: backing emerging artists and building a stronger alternative music community from the ground up.
Reckless Press
An independent music platform dedicated to covering the best in new and alternative music, giving a voice to the next wave of artists and the scenes that surround them.
Sam TT Media
A creative marketing and media company focused on helping artists and brands grow through authentic, community-driven content and campaigns.
Forgotten Sons Apparel
An alternative clothing brand rooted in music culture, supporting grassroots scenes and providing a platform for self-expression within the community.
Together, these partners play a key role in making Palooza ‘26 possible — keeping it independent, accessible, and built around the community it represents.
ABOUT FOREVER A PHASE
Forever A Phase is a rapidly growing alternative music platform dedicated to spotlighting emerging artists and building a genuine community within the scene. With over 100,000 followers on TikTok and multiple weekly live shows, the platform has become a key discovery hub for new and underground bands.
Palooza is its flagship live event, translating the online community into a real-world experience where fans and artists connect directly.
PRESS & MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Name: Sam Thompson
Email: Sam@samttmedia.co.uk
TikTok: @foreveraphase
Instagram: @foreveraphase
Website: www.samttmedia.co.uk