256 shows confirmed for 115 artists across 73 festivals

May 28, 2026

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The summer results of 2026 are in! With 256 shows confirmed for 115 European artists from 32 countries at 73 partner festivals across 28 countries. These summer bookings highlight the continued international momentum of Europe’s most promising emerging artists.

“ESNS has meant a great deal to our career as Dressed Like Boys. Suddenly, we’re appearing on posters for top festivals across Europe and having our busiest year ever. The hardest thing for an emerging artist is getting people to listen to your music just once. One listen can be enough to create a lifelong connection with your audience. Thanks to European Talent Exchange, I can offer that first listen to people all over Europe.”

Rising stars of ESNS26 cross borders

Following their breakthrough at ESNS26, artists are now firmly establishing themselves on the European festival circuit. The summer bookings of 2026 show how quickly emerging talent turns showcase performances into international touring opportunities. From Groningen to stages across Europe, Exchange continues to accelerate cross-border careers and increase the visibility of new European music. Among the artists translating their ESNS momentum into confirmed summer festival bookings across Europe are:

Madra Salach (Ireland) has 16 bookings lined up. Taking inspiration from the growing Irish experimental folk scene, Madra Salach focuses on original writing and composition, utilising electronic equipment.
Joshua Idehen (Sweden) has confirmed 13 festival performances. Joshua Idehen is a powerhouse of spoken word, poetry, and music, a vital voice at the intersection of jazz, electronic, and beyond.
Dove Ellis (Ireland) will appear at 10 international festivals. His writing goes from soft acoustic ballads to hammering bass lines to visceral, ambient soundscapes; all kept tight and cohesive behind his high tenor croon.
Florence Road (Ireland) also has 10 bookings lined up. With just one EP, and some singles out, the band is already compared to The Cranberries, and labelled as ‘the next big thing’.
Dressed Like Boys (Belgium) will take center stage at 8 festivals. With a sound that blends the warmth of 70s piano ballads, the carefree charm of 60s sunshine pop and indie folk, Dressed Like Boys creates a special sonic world that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
GANS (England) will also take their punk to 8 stages. Within a year, they signed with to a record label and recorded their debut album, Good For The Soul, with Ross Orton, producer of Arctic Monkeys, Amyl & The Sniffers, The Fall, and M.I.A. a.o..

Festivals championing new European music

A big shoutout to Rock Werchter (7 bookings), Best Kept Secret (6 bookings), Primavera Sound (3 bookings), OFF Festival Katowice (3 bookings), Electric Castle (4 bookings) and OpenAir St. Gallen (3 bookings) for their contribution to these artists’ careers.

Open Call for European artists: ESNS 2027

From March 2 to September 1, European artists can apply via ESNS.nl to perform at ESNS 2027, the essential step for those who want to benefit from the opportunities offered by European Talent Exchange.