Culture

Green Man 2026: A year to remember, and it’s only just begun

22 Aug 2026 3 minute read

Wilco’s headlining Green Man set. Image: Nici Eberl

Amelia Jones

Friday at Green Man 2026 brought a double appearance from Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, including a surprise collaboration ahead of his band’s headline set.

Tweedy joined Dry Cleaning on the Mountain Stage to perform “My Soul/Half Pint”, their first live performance together since the release of the band’s 2026 album Secret Love. Tweedy contributed additional guitar to the record, which was recorded at his Chicago studio.

Later that evening, Wilco returned to headline Green Man for the first time in 17 years, having last topped the bill at the foot of Crug Hywel in 2009.

The band delivered a set of more than 20 songs spanning their 30-year career, including “Handshake Drugs”, “Via Chicago”, “Heavy Metal Lover” and closing track “I’m The Man Who Loves You” – all of which also featured in their 2009 set.

More recent material included “Evicted”, taken from the band’s 2023 studio album Cousin.

With the festival site in full swing, the Last Laugh stage kicked into action with some of the biggest comedic names in its history. Beloved stand-up comedian and TV host Joe Lycett had the crowd in stitches with his sharp humour and cheeky wit. Across the day, fans were kept entertained with Green Man favourite Stewart Lee, as well as performances from Bridget Christie, Josie Long and SNL UK’s rising star Jack Shep.

Joe Lycett at Green Man 2026. Image: Marieke Maklon

Back at the Mountain Stage’s, Friday’s stellar programming expanded with London outfit Shame’s punchy, high octane post-punk; while Westside Cowboy made the jump from the Rising stage to Mountain, having made their Green Man debut back in 2025.

Later on, New Zealand visionary Aldous Harding mesmerized with the debut of material from her new record Train on the Island, marking her only UK festival performance of 2026.

Across the day, Norwegian electronic duo Smerz displayed the genre diversity on offer at Green Man, with their effortlessly cool take on pop, the perfect pairing for the Far Out stage.

They were followed by the raucous DIY party-starters Getdown Services, who have quickly become a staple of the Green Man lineup; and Baxter Dury presented the infamous dead-pan technopop of 2025’s Allbarone.

Aldous Harding at Green Man 2026. Image: Nici Eberl

Still to come today at Green Man is pioneering electronic artist Four Tet, who needs no introduction to the festival having first played back in 2004. The electronic theme is carried through by both a DJ and live set from Daniel Avery, and Dance Yrself Clean taking to the Walled Garden after dark; while appearances from the likes of The Beta Band, Nation of Language, Cate Le Bon, Celeste, Mannequin Pussy and hotly-tipped Bathing Suits promises something for every taste.

Over at the Cinedrome, Portishead’s Adrian Utley will introduce a screening of Broken English, followed by a special performance from Utley and Beth Orton; and the Talking Shop will welcome Green Party Leader, Zack Polanski for an In Conversation session with journalist Will Hayward.

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