Ten Bands You Should Check Out at Mangata Festival 2026

It’s Mangata Festival time and, once again, the team behind the festival have put together an outstanding lineup of bands. The multi-venue, one day festival takes place in Nottingham City Centre on September 6th, and we will be up from London for our third year in a row. Having come to love the festival, how well run it is, and how many excellent bands play it.

So strong is this year’s line up that it has been a genuine nightmare trying to work out who we will see, while also finding time to eat, drink, and chat to folks. It’s going to be one hell of an event and we’re all really spoiled for choice, but just in case you need a little help deciding who to see, here are ten bands we think are unmissable.

Beginning with the BSB TV stage (Tap n Tumbler) were, later in the evening, you will find Maatkare. The rising all-female death metal band who channel the essence of ancient Egypt are a revelation both on record and in the live environment. Expect the Tap n Tumbler to be pretty packed for this one.

Also in the evening, but over on the Eyesore Merch Stage (Stealth Downstairs), you’ll find Tayne. The London based band who blur the worlds of industrial, noise, and pop into an extreme sound. Expect something intense, but enthralling.

Across the day, the Black Iris Brewery Stage (Rock City Beta) hosts many great bands and one that you really should experience is the theatrical Ward XVI. While they might not have the full might of their show seeing as it’s a 30-minute slot, even a ‘stripped back’ Ward XVI show is special. Expect a very busy venue for this one.

Straight after that and on the same stage, it’s Ofnus. The atmospheric black metal band have been going from strength to strength over the past few years, and their latest form is very exciting. They don’t do bad shows, consistently delivering an immersive experience, and this will be no different.

Speaking of immersive shows though, expect to be transported if you check out Hidden Mothers later in the day on this stage. They are one of the UK’s finest post-hardcore bands and should be experienced live at least once by everyone.

Although the same can also be said for the band that follows them on that stage, albeit from a little further afield. Overhead, The Albatross are an Irish post-rock band, and they create beautiful music. Be prepared to feel.

The Twisted Tavern Spirits Stage (Red Room) is strong throughout the day, but one band that really stands out is Sergeant Thunderhoof, who hit the stage late in the evening. Expect grin-inducing and head-spinning psychedelic, groove rock with tons of storytelling creativity.

Finally, over on the Heavy Metal Hairdresser Stage (Rescue Rooms), Red Method are unmissable. Anyone who has seen them live can attest to the intensity of their performance, and this will no different. They treat every show like it is their last, and it seems assured that there will be some serious carnage here.

Whereas The Hara are more likely to get you dancing and singing loudly throughout their set. Even though they’re a band with plenty of bite too. They’ve been on an absolute tear this year and their success is reflected in their confidence on stage. They swagger, but they back it up with brilliant songs.

Then, wrapping up the festival overall, it’s headliners ten56. Who will squeeze every last bit of energy out of the crowd. If you’ve not seen ten56. live before, be warned, it can get a bit manic and intense. They will get some of the biggest and wildest pits of the entire day, that much is guaranteed.

Ten bands out of forty and so many that we simply haven’t been able to mention them all. Rest assured, wherever you go and whoever you see, you will have a great time. Mangata has proven itself to be one of the premier day festivals in the UK, so make sure you don’t miss out and we’ll see you there!