No Bounds returns this October with a line-up led by South Yorkshire trailblazers Mark Fell, Blawan, The Black Dog and Kid Acne, alongside Max Cooper, Mala, Oppidan and a host of community-led projects across Sheffield and Rotherham.
No Bounds Festival has unveiled the first wave of artists for its 2026 edition, with South Yorkshire heavyweights Mark Fell, Blawan, The Black Dog and Kid Acne leading a programme that spans music, art, technology and community projects across Sheffield and Rotherham.
Returning from 9-11 October, the festival will once again take over independent venues and cultural spaces across both boroughs, bringing together internationally renowned artists alongside grassroots organisations and emerging local talent.
A major highlight of this year’s programme is the return of Rotherham-born electronic music pioneer Mark Fell. Widely regarded as one of the UK’s most influential experimental composers and sound artists, Fell will premiere new work as part of a festival that places a strong emphasis on celebrating South Yorkshire’s contribution to contemporary culture.
The opening night will see acclaimed electronic composer and audiovisual artist Max Cooper bring his immersive 3D audiovisual show to Peddler Warehouse. Featuring material from his latest album Feeling is Structure alongside favourites from across his catalogue, the performance is set to be one of the festival’s biggest draws.
Across the weekend, festival-goers can also expect headline appearances from Barnsley-born techno innovator Blawan, dubstep legend Mala, bassline favourite Oppidan, Copenhagen’s Main Phase and XL Recordings artist KAVARI.
Sheffield electronic pioneers The Black Dog will make a particularly poignant return, presenting a special edition of Loud Ambient in what will be the group’s first No Bounds appearance since the death of founding member Ken Downie in 2025.
The festival’s local roots remain firmly intact throughout the programme. Sheffield rapper, artist and all-round creative force Kid Acne will premiere material from his forthcoming album, while a new collaboration between Toddla T’s Steeze Factory, Pattern + Push, Slambarz and Tracks will spotlight emerging talent from across South Yorkshire.
No Bounds has also confirmed a UK debut performance from Gyrofield, alongside major new projects from long-time festival affiliates 96 Back and Rian Treanor. Treanor’s contribution includes a new music and dance work developed with young Roma participants in Rotherham, as well as performances connected to his ongoing Electronic Music Club initiative.
Community collaboration has long been central to No Bounds, and this year’s edition continues that tradition with contributions from local collectives including Gut Level, Wub Club, The Beatriarchy, Bass Off, Unity Underground, La Rumba and Funky Drummer.
Away from the live programme, audiences can explore a series of exhibitions across Sheffield and Rotherham. Highlights include a showcase of writer Daniel Dylan Wray’s work documenting Sheffield’s independent music history, an exhibition linked to Kid Acne’s forthcoming publication and a presentation reflecting on three years of Rian Treanor’s Electronic Music Club project.
Looking ahead to the festival’s tenth anniversary in 2027, No Bounds will also introduce a new symposium and discourse programme designed to bring together artists, audiences and communities to help shape the future direction of the event.
Festival director Liam O’Shea said: “No Bounds has always been about creating space for new ideas, new collaborations and new ways of experiencing music, art and technology. As we look ahead to our tenth anniversary, it felt important to return to the grassroots energy that shaped the festival in the first place.”
Founded in Sheffield in 2017, No Bounds has grown into one of the UK’s leading festivals exploring the relationship between music, art, technology and place, while maintaining a strong connection to the communities and creative networks that helped establish it.
Weekend and individual event tickets are on sale now via the No Bounds website.
