This August just got even better. A whole host of performers has just been added to the programme, giving you even more opportunities to listen, gather, seek and feel this summer. Check out the latest contemporary music artists, and inspiring speakers taking to the stage.

Gigs Galore

There’s brand new sound joining the line up, with gigs from indie stars to folk sensations and post-punk icons.

Declan McKenna

Declan McKenna is known and loved for his blend of lo-fi pop and indie-rock. A song of McKenna’s is never far from a thought-provoking, political lyric, as seen with his breakthrough tune Brazil, which confronted corruption during the FIFA World Cup. With three albums under his belt at just 25 years old, his euphoric latest record, What Happened to the Beach?, offers surreal lyrics, synth bassoons and a sense of sonic dreamscape. Gain an insight into McKenna’s music making process, as he discusses his influences, and the creation of his latest album, which he’ll be performing in August:

Lisa O’Neill

Folk singer-songwriter Lisa O’Neill is amongst the newest names coming to the International Festival. O’Neill is celebrated for her poetic and contemplative songwriting, which pairs beautifully with her raw, earthy voice. All of This Is Chance is her fifth and latest album, abound with meditations of human spirit, and metaphors of the natural world. Soak up the lyrics and listen to All of This Is Chance, ahead of O’Neill’s performance this August.

Nadine Shah

Joining the lineup after supporting Depeche Mode on an arena tour is Nadine Shah. Combining emotional depth with her post-punk style, Shah’s fifth and latest studio album, Filthy Underneath, doesn’t shy away from the personal. Shah explores her experiences of grief and rehab in this intimate and emotional album. Get a taste of the musical versatility you can expect from her performance of Filthy Underneath.

Don’t forget to check out our complete contemporary music line up, offering everything from intimate to energetic gigs.

Dialogue and Debate

Alongside new music, you can hear directly from the inspirational figures who make change happen, with the Keynote Talks series. Bringing together different perspectives, each speaker will cover their expert fields of research, tell stories of their activism and share their hopes for the future.

These three events will have BSL interpretation and live captioning.

Akala

Akala, Hip hop artist, author and social entrepreneur, is one of the most articulate voices of his generation. He speaks on a wide range of topics, including race and class, British, African and Caribbean history, the arts, music and youth engagement. In Natives, Akala’s 2018 memoir-polemic, he recounts what it was like for him to grow up working class with mixed heritage in 1980s Britain. He links his own encounters with structural racism and classism to the historical, social and political factors at the heart of Britain’s racialised empire. Join Akala as he explores the truths that have led us to where we are today and inspires us to challenge the status quo.

Caroline Criado Perez

Author and activist Caroline Criado Perez unveils the power of feminist data whilst exposing the gender data gap. Her campaign work spans across the physical and digital realm; if you remember when Twitter (now X) introduced its ‘report abuse’ button, or when Jane Austen appeared on £10 banknotes, you have Criado Perez to thank. Following her best-selling book Invisible Women, she continues to delve into her research, and shares what it takes to create a world that works for all. Get a snapshot of the findings Criado Perez’s research has uncovered:

Gordon Brown

The closing Keynote Talk is delivered by none other than former UK Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown. His leadership of the 2009 London G20 summit has been widely credited as preventing a second Great Depression. Now serving as the UN Special Envoy for Global Education and the WHO Ambassador for Global Health Financing, Brown’s work is motivated by his passion for global access to education, healthcare and improved living standards. This talk explores the connection between Brown’s hopes for a future of peace and fairness, and the Festival’s founding vision, to transcend political boundaries through a global celebration of the performing arts.

These three events will have BSL interpretation and live captioning.