Leicester, UK metal fest, Uprising, returns to the O2 Academy next year, on May 23rd. Now announced to be joining the 2026 edition lineup are Breed 77, Mayfire, Maatkare, Gurt, and Break Them. Pitchshifter, Stampin Ground, Lawnmower Deth and more have also been confirmed already. Find out more below.
Get tickets here: https://www.gigantic.com/uprising-tickets/leicester-o2-academy-leicester/2026-05-23-12-00
Those who attended Bloodstock may have received a flyer revealing the first band — Uprising is thrilled to announce the return of Breed 77, following their fantastic comeback show at Uprising 7. With a huge arsenal of hits including “La Ultima Hora,” “The River,” “Bring On The Rain,” and their classic cover of The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” the alternative metallers wowed audiences last time they performed. Expect nothing less than a highly emotive soundscape to accompany a full day of heavy riffs and good times.
If progressive metal is your thing, look no further than Mayfire. Combining lush soundscapes and cinematic visuals, this ambitious band pushes boundaries much like their musical predecessors Dream Theater and Leprous. Having gained critical acclaim across Europe, Mayfire will use Uprising to make a bold statement of intent within the UK scene. Check out their single “The Ages Of Kings”: https://youtu.be/aF7cBqeFx-0
Making their Uprising debut are the Egyptian empresses Maatkare, who bring their monumental death metal fables — loud enough to wake Ra himself. Bursting onto the scene last year with their debut album Rise To Power, the band draw on their wealth of experience to share the stories of forgotten queens and warriors from ancient Egypt. Check out their single “Rise To Power”: https://youtu.be/zAn5ZDOTI_w
Gurt will be bringing their signature party doom up from the Big Smoke, making their Uprising debut. Formed in 2010 with one simple goal — to make “bloody awful noise” — Gurt have since unleashed four self-released albums and numerous EPs. With a wealth of touring experience across the UK and Europe, they’ve shared stages with sludge heavyweights such as Red Fang, Weedeater, Dopethrone, and EyeHateGod. Don’t miss these bonkers riff lords! Check out their single “The Most Dying Way To Die”: https://youtu.be/GVhqiDk0Pn0
No strangers to Uprising, hardcore crew Break Them return to showcase their high-energy chaos. Following standout performances at the Leicester Metal 2 The Masses, the band have cemented themselves as powerhouses of the local scene — and are guaranteed to impress with their explosive, high-octane set. Check out their single “All Bark, No Bite”: https://youtu.be/dvAT4D1ocyE
Uprising has also announced a team up with TotalRock for their 25th anniversary! TotalRock will celebrate with the fest by hosting The Night Before at the Firebug in Leicester, sponsoring the O2 Academy 1 stage, and featuring several of their team as guest comperes throughout the weekend.
If you’re not familiar with TotalRock — the station was launched in 2000 by Tommy Vance and a group of rock music visionaries, including programme director Tony Wilson and managing editor Malcolm Dome. TotalRock pioneered the concept of a dedicated rock radio station in the UK, building an enviable reputation for launching the careers of bands and DJs alike.
A highlight of the original station was their all-dayer mini-festivals, TotalFests — and they’re bringing that spirit back on the Friday night at Uprising. Today, TotalRock continues to champion the best emerging UK rock and metal acts through its radio shows, YouTube channel, social media platforms, and website.
“We are stoked to be collaborating with Uprising on their 10th anniversary show and combining it with our 25th anniversary party. There are so many treats planned for the weekend, and we look forward to seeing all you true music lovers and metalheads for the party weekend of the year.” — Tony Wilson, TotalRock
There’s still plenty more to come for the tenth anniversary of the Uprising Festival — and this is just the beginning. Join the party!
Line-Up so far:
Pitchshifter
Stampin Ground
Lawnmower Deth
Breed 77
Manors
Mayfire
Pryma
Fractions
Gurt
Hawxx
Maatkare
Break Them
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