Posted May 8th 2026
The Alt Alt Great Escape
Melting Vinyl: The Alternative Alternative Great Escape
As The Great Escape approaches, we’re looking forward to the few days that Brighton is thrown into wonderful chaos. Amongst the noise lie fantastic independent grassroots Alt Alt Escape shows, so even if you don’t have a ticket for The Great Escape, you can still join the fun.
We’ve put together a list of the best shows and artists (in our humble opinion) to catch over the weekend.
This year, Acid Box is serving up another helping of SUPER FUZZ. back at the one and only Caravanserai, outside next to St Peter’s Church (Thursday 14th May 4 pm -11 pm) alongside their usual sweatbox residency at Daltons. (Friday 15th May – 11 pm-03 am)
Later on Thursday, 14th May at North Laine Brewhouse, one of our favourite bands, ism, is playing as part of the BIMM Brighton Showcase. Fronted by the magnetic Tyra Tvedte, Kristofferson is Brighton’s art rock dreamer.
At North Laine Brewhouse on Friday 15th May, Midnight Mango is bringing a selection of artists from their roster, including Ashley Campbell, Mother Vulture and Charlie Houston.
Over in Kemptown on Friday The Oak presents their Alt-Alt Escape show with sets from The Sickman of Europe, who played the Lewes Psych Fest earlier in the year. Also on Friday, Goo Records presents the Gooreat Peliscape at Hotel Pelirocco, featuring must-see sets from The Roebucks, Kate Peaches, and Not Richard and Her Majesty. And on the Saturday, Murphy’s Medicine and Seadog play. What’s not to like?
Across the weekend Back In The Woods Promotions present their Alt Alt Escape show at Brighton Fishing Museum on Friday, and West Hill Hall on Saturday. Featuring must-see sets from AK Patterson, Cean Capill and My Precious Bunny.
Local grassroots arts collective Agenda Collective kick off their Alt Alt Escape showcase on Saturday at Rossi Bar from 12-5pm. Showcasing a range of female fronted acts: folk, indie, shoegaze and rock.
Slackcity A L P H A B E T (Saturday) & Actor (Friday), also the Bella Union Record Shop have free events, in addition, The Hope and Ruin, and Love thy Neighbour have teamed up downstairs for more events.
