Festival Preview: Ritual Union
Ritual Union is scheduled to take place on the 28th March 2026, and I must say they’ve really outdone themselves this year.
It’s an all-day festival taking place right in the heart of Bristol city centre with infamous venues, The Strange Brew, Rough Trade and Electric Bristol. Now with the addition of the Lanes, where you can chillout, grab pint and a chat with other fans. Featuring countless acts from alternative artists, all to be followed up with a headline set from Keo. No worry though, for those of you who get post-concert depression, Ritual Union knows exactly how to sooth your sorrows, with an afterglow party. What better climax to the day than partying the night away, it’s even got a pretty name that’s how you know it’ll be a laugh.
Now incase you weren’t aware Ritual Union isn’t a new thing, no. They have consistently been delivering for the past few years. Introducing us to some amazing alternative acts with previous headliners being Billy Nomates, Dream Wife, Porridge Radio.
Ritual Union echoes everything positive in the Bristol music scene. Community and collaboration. Spotlighting emerging acts and drawing established talents to Bristol like Working Men’s Club, a post punk pop band who haven’t performed in Bristol since 2022.
Don’t worry y’all, the festival isn’t about to hold out on us in the big ‘26. You’ll have the opportunity to catch some sets from the next wave of stars within the alternative scene with acts from indie bands like Nobody’s Dad, Thistle and SLAG - who I have to say have been popping off since their latest single release, Face Off. Their debut album, Losing, is releasing on the 6th March so be sure to check it out to get ahead of the curve.
Joining the lineup for third ticket release is the likes of Syd Minsky-Sargeant, Dead Dad’s Club and Girl in the Year Above, a Celtic band with 74k followers on Insta without releasing a single song, who’re are set to be joining The Kooks on their European tour.
Obviously, we can’t talk about Ritual Union’s 2026 lineup without mentioning the headline act, Keo. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Keo well you're in for a treat. Imagine being able to say you seen Fontaines DC before they were famous because believe me when I tell you they are the next big thing. Basically, if Wunderhorse and Radiohead had a baby and then that baby was a band in the 90s they’d be Keo. If you're attending a festival this summer, Keo will be there. They are the festival act of the year, playing at Reading, Leeds, The Great Escape, Latitude, name a festival and I guarantee Keo will be in the lineup.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a festival in Bristol without an afterparty would it? Because, if we’re honest, we all go a lil’ feral for a good bit of EDM so it’s no surprise that the afterglow party is sold out. Yes, you heard right, Ritual Union will have an 18+ afterglow party. I know, 18+ so y'all know exactly what that means. We can catch Ninajirachi and Kavari headline sets, spoiling us with two headliners. Ninajirachi is Australia’s most invigorating electronic DJ with her bubble-gum bass electropop, it’s giving, isn’t it? Kavari is one of the most influential figures in the underground scene with grimy industrial beats using ambient club music to act as white noise while you go hard at the afterparty.
They have just released the third wave of tickets, so if you're interested in attending Ritual Union tickets are available here.
Written by Rhys Hardman
Opinion
