Takedown festival is back to the Portsmouth Guildhall for a 2026 heavy music extravaganza!
On Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April 2026, over 35 acts will be bringing the energy to 3 stages in the historical Guildhall. Takedown Festival 2025 was a smorgasbord of heavy music, but with some big named headliners the mix of acts this year are promising an even bigger show. Saturday headliners, President, are making Takedown the mysterious band’s first festival headline appearance. With an unprecedented level of growth, this marks a major landmark for both the band and the festival.

Friday evening promises an excellent line up. A sombre note, original Friday night headliners cancelled after the unexpected passing of Phil Campbell; our love and thoughts to the bastard sons, the families and the huge number of fans affected by this tragic news. New headliners, Therapy?, have joined the bill for a busy night of music old and new, bringing an energetic start to the Easter weekend!

Check out the full line up here:

Jesse’s hot takes

With such a packed bill, it is going to be difficult to choose who to see! Apart from the headliners, the entire bill is an incredible list of bands I have caught over the years, or are on my wishlist. The infamous Wargasm have rocked the south coast numerous times over the last few years and have never disappointed, from small venues to large stages.

The bottom line were one of the highlights of 2025, and they are back to rock their emo and punk hearts out.

Following them on the Total Rock Stage is Bex, fresh from a tour supporting Nova Twins, this is an act you will not want to miss.

Over the years, Saint Agnes as grown from strength to strength, their dark and moody rock vibes and strong stage presence bring a confidence to the line up.

If you haven’t seen InMe perform before, where have you been? The biggest issue I imagine will be fitting in, their many decades bringing a huge dedicated following.

Lastelle are back with their clean and symphonic style of metal, early on the Kerrang! Stage will definitely fill your body with vibes for the rest of the day.

The reality is that there isn’t a week band on the line up, so expect to be pulled from stage to stage for the whole weekend!

Buy your tickets now via takedownfestival.com