The underground scene is bracing for a high-intensity takeover as one of the North West’s most rebellious multi-stage events returns to the city streets this September.
Returning for a fourth year, No Play Festival continues its annual showcase of the alternative scene.
With five stages across Liverpool city centre and, for the first time ever, a skate shop pre-show, this independent metro-fest shows no signs of slowing down.
Whilst a headliner is yet to be revealed, SPY will undoubtedly be a tough act to follow.
The Bay Area quintet’s hyper-fast brand of intense hardcore punk has seen them tour with Deafheaven across Australia and even Merseyside’s own Loathe across the US.
Joining them is SPACED; forged in New York’s proud hardcore scene but far from purists, they brand their style “far-out hardcore”.
The festival will mark a Liverpool debut for both bands as fans get treated to a flavour of both the East and West Coast.
Hardcore, Emo and Crossover Thrash
Pest Control is another name of note for hardcore fans. A more local addition, the Leeds crew will bring their fast and furious blend of crossover thrash to the festival.
But it’s not all about hardcore at No Play, the emo stage will also see its share of US talent as Michigan’s Liquid Mike joins the lineup.
It’s their first time in the UK, bringing their unique, riff-fuelled brand of emo to the festival as part of a run of European shows.
No Play Festival likes to step things up every year, and 2026 is no exception.
They’ve announced their first-ever pre-show taking place at the infamous Liverpool skate shop, Lost Art.
With just 75 tickets available, the show promises a much more intimate experience akin to the festival’s smaller stages.
Ted MacDonald of No Play said:
“We wanted to do something really silly and fun and Lost Art felt like the right place to do that.
“In our first year, Loathe played a secret basement show and we wanted to bring that ‘surprise set’ energy back create a ‘you-had-to-be-there’ moment.
“We’ve had some crazy shows already with Lost Art with both Haywire and Undeath, we know this one is going to be another one for the books.”
Championing Local Talent
While international names draw the crowds, the festival continues its tradition of supporting local and upcoming acts.
Local trans-fronted hardcore band Witherhorde will be making their festival debut this year alongside a wealth of upcoming national talent such as imissyoualready, Nylon, Jetski and Pale Sailor.
No Play Festival 2026 will take place across five venues in Liverpool city centre on Saturday, 5th September.
Tickets are on general sale now and are available here.
