No Bounds returns to Sheffield and Rotherham from 9–11 October. Ahead of the award-winning festival, we asked founder Liam O’Shea which five acts he’s most looking forward to seeing. From dubstep pioneers to homegrown talent, here’s who he reckons you shouldn’t miss…
Mala
A true architect of dubstep, Mala brings weight, space and spiritual intensity to No Bounds 2026. As one half of Digital Mystikz and founder of Deep Medi Musik, his influence runs through generations of bass culture in Britain. Unmatched. Expect a masterclass in sound-system pressure: deep, meditative, physical and absolutely foundational.
Blawan (Live)
Blawan’s new live show promises techno at its most raw, physical and unpredictable. The Barnsley-born producer twists modular electronics, industrial pressure and unruly rhythm into something truly his own. Renowned for constantly reshaping his sound, he arrives at No Bounds 2026 ready to push our dancefloor into new regions of weirdness through beautifully twisted mind melters.
96 Back (Live)
Sheffield’s own 96 Back steps into an exciting new chapter with a tantalising live show at No Bounds 2026. Known for emotionally charged electronics, intricate rhythms and vivid melodic detail, he turns club music inward and outward all at once, this time with a live drummer propelling his screaming vocals into new shards of emotional rain. This hometown performance offers an early glimpse of an artist evolving fast.
Oppidan
One of UK garage’s most exciting new-generation producers, Oppidan combines razor-sharp swing, heavyweight bass and irresistible momentum. Her sets connect the genre’s deep foundations with a bright, restless future, moving freely across garage, breaks and bass. At No Bounds 2026, expect pure vibes as they headline the absolutely ridiculous Off Me Nut x Wub Club afters with Big Ang at Dryad.
Max Cooper (3D/AV)
Max Cooper opens No Bounds 2026 by transforming Peddler Warehouse into a spectacular world of sound, light and dimensional imagery. His immersive 3D/AV performance, Feeling Is Structure, brings electronic music, science and visual art into breathtaking alignment. Expansive, emotional and technologically audacious, this is a true festival-scale opening statement. NOT to be missed under any circumstances!
Editor’s picks
Our web editor Ash Birch has done a few laps of No Bounds over the years and these are the other names and happenings he reckons you should make room for in the diary.
The Black Dog
Sheffield electronic music pioneers bring a special, suitably earth-shaking version of Loud Ambient to the opening concert.
KAVARI
Abrasive textures meet ethereal soundscapes as one of the UK underground’s most exciting artists makes her Sheffield debut.
Memory Dance
Head to Chapel Walk for a free exhibition tracing seven decades of Sheffield music through photos, flyers, film and more.
Charla Green
The Sheffield DJ brings rolling jungle breaks and serious bass pressure to the Off Me Nut x Wub Club afterparty.
Explore the full line-up and grab your tickets at noboundsfestival.co.uk.
