On a chaotic Easter bank holiday weekend as Storm Dave bears down on the UK it would be a fair cop to say that 2026 festival season hasn't quite started yet. Although we may be a little while away from fields and camping (and mud) the start of April is the perfect time for the Guildhall in Portsmouth to get everyone warmed up for a summer of debauchery and play host to a few dozen raucous bands across two days and three stages.

It’s time to head to Pompey and start festival season with a good-old fashioned south coast mosh pit. If you are spending your Easter weekend at Portsmouth Guildhall here are the bands that are not to be missed.

Takedown Festival has officially revealed that the legendary Therapy? will step in as the Friday night headliner for the 2026 edition of the event. This significant update to the roster follows the unfortunate news that Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons have been forced to withdraw from their scheduled performance due to an ongoing medical condition.

The award-nominated independent rock and metal powerhouse, Takedown Festival, has today officially revealed the stage splits for its highly anticipated 2026 edition. Returning to the Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday, April 3rd, and Saturday, April 4th, the festival is set to deliver another heavyweight weekend of alternative, rock, and metal talent to the south coast.

The award-nominated independent rock and metal event Takedown Festival has today unveiled a new wave of bands for its 2026 edition. Returning to Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April 2026, the festival once again promises two days packed with heavy music on the south coast.

Award-nominated independent rock and metal event Takedown Festival has announced ten additional acts for its highly anticipated 2026 edition, set to take over Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 April 2026. The festival will once again bring two days of pure heavy music energy to the south coast.

Takedown Festival - the award-nominated celebration of rock and metal - has revealed the next wave of artists for its 2026 edition, set to return to Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 April.

Award-nominated independent rock and metal weekender Takedown Festival has today revealed the headline acts for its highly anticipated 2026 edition. Returning to Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April 2026, the festival will once again deliver a packed weekend of heavy music on the south coast - bringing together rising stars, cult favourites, and legends of the genre.