The Talks Stage and New Music Additions Announced For The Wake 2026

For tickets click here.

The Talks Stage is hosted by John Andrews and Will Burns.

Elizabeth Alker is a presenter for BBC Radio 3, where she hosts Unclassified and the afternoon show, Classical Live. Her first book Everything We Do is Music was published to wide critical-acclaim in 2025.

‘Revelation after revelation . . . I love music more for reading it.’ Guy Garvey

Stuart Bailie, NME veteran, a music journalist and author from Belfast. He has rolled with Tom Waits and Shane MacGowan. He has encountered Nina Simone, Björk, Sinéad O’Connor and Dave Grohl. Stuart will be discussing his new book ‘The Song Is Nearly Over’

‘Bailie writes with tremendous skill and authority’ – The Quietus

Owen Williams, is frontman of The Tubs, whose music has been featured in The New Yorker, the Guardian, Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. ‘Atrocity Exhibitions: Grieving in the TikTok Underworld’ is a short sharp literary shock from the acclaimed songwriter and musician.

‘Already one of the UK’s most intriguing and arresting singer-songwriters, Owen Williams’ non-fiction debut will stick to your bones.’ Jude Rogers

Sam Reid is editor of Field, a biannual literary magazine that platforms emerging UK voices alongside established novelists and poets. Sam will be discussing his new book, The Pin Jar, published by Rough Trade Books earlier this year.

“So hauntingly lyrical… an extraordinary trip for your imagination. I adored it.”  Maxine Peake

Joining headliner Badly Drawn Boy and The Tubs on the Woodland Stage will be Studio Electrophonique, the solo project of singer-songwriter James Leesley. One of the most interesting and original musical outfits to emerge from Sheffield’s current independent scene.

Hero Fisher is a UK based singer-songwriter whose music is a compelling blend of rock/americana/folk ballads, her career so far, includes opening for legends like The Rolling Stones and Neil Young at Hyde Park.

The complete line up for the Woodland Stage:

Badly Drawn Boy

The Tubs

Radhika

Studio Electrophonique

Hero Fisher

Meet Your Heroes

Grand Old Echo

Amelia and the Housewives

(To hear their music visit this page)

There will be live music on the Crooked Hut Stage from 7pm onwards.

Headlined by The Grand Old Echo, who also appear earlier on in the day on the Woodland Stage.

They will be joined by The Wake organiser Jo Bartlett and her current musical partner Neil Haydock.

Also appearing on the Crooked Hut Stage is folk guitarist and singer, Joe Wilkes.

DJs and children’s area details will be announced soon. As in previous years, great food, craft beers and bar, the glorious Loxwood Mead and camping.

The festival takes place in the beautiful woodlands and countryside of West Sussex at Loxwood Meadow (Loxwood, Nr Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 0AL), on the fringes of the South Downs National Park, and is easily accessible from London and Brighton.

Tickets are Adult £40 / 7 – 14 years £15 / Under 7s free.

Camping pitches £25

(Camping tickets can only be purchased with a festival ticket – each pitch up to 4 people).

Very limited Campervan tickets £35

Free on site car parking.

For tickets click here.

The Wake was set up in 2024 by The Green Man festival founders Jo Bartlett and Danny Hagan. Badly Drawn Boy follows the festival’s previous headliners King Creosote (2025) and Gruff Rhys (2024). 

“Small but perfectly formed. Mark next year’s festival on your calendar now!” – Shindig!

“Such a beautiful setting” – BBC Radio Sussex