Tom Read checks out this year’s Great Escape artists 

Between May 10th and 13th Brighton is transformed as hundreds of artists descend for a weekend of music, The Great Escape. There’s no shortage of big names – Arlo Parks and Sussex born and raised Maisie Peters are the faces on the posters, but big names don’t come much bigger than Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders, who  are set to headline The Independent Stage  at The Old Market on Friday 12th. 

Leading the way in the “Catch Them While You Can” category are Dublin post-punk band The Murder Capital. Very very cool. 

For those hoping to stumble across their new favourite artists, there’s plenty on offer for you to discover with over 500 artists with a wealth of familiar styles and explorations into new sounds are waiting to be uncovered. 

One example of a fresh up and coming act is Avantdale Bowling Club, who bring New Zealand based jazz fused with easy-listening rap to create soothing and thought provoking music sure to attract any passers by. Another is James Marriott, the YouTuber turned alternative musician, who will be performing his first festival set since the release of his first EP, Bitter Tongues, in 2022. Having experienced success on streaming platforms and in gigs across the county, Marriott is sure to be a crowd pleaser. While you’re here, check out Mae Stephens, SORRY, PVA, Deb Never and… oh, even if you’ve never heard of them – especially if you’ve never heard of them – go, listen, open your ears and enjoy. 

For those wanting to continue, there’s also The Late Escape, where the late night dance continues at Patterns. 

While TGE brings a great range of new music, it also provides insightful panels discussing topical debates, networking opportunities, and a range of keynote speeches to leave any music lover satisfied. 

For those interested in the more underground festival scene, not to worry. TGE provides a range of secret gigs across the city, so keep your ears to the ground. 

The best fun to be had at TGE is just to hang out, listen to the word on the wind – and follow the scent. Ask around the 35 walk-in venues and on social media, you never know what you may find. 

The Whistler has it on good authority (it’s not what you know…) that the weekend will be bathed in brilliant sunshine, so turn up, tune in and check it all out. 

Check out http://www.westhillwhistler.com for more details and information about The Brighton Whistler podcast Great Escape Special

Tickets can be purchased from
http://www.greatescapefestival.com/