TRNSMT festival gets underway at Glasgow Green ahead of Scotland World Cup match watch party
Glasgow Green came alive once again as TRNSMT Festival 2026 opened its gates for the first day of Scotland's biggest music weekend.
Thousands of music fans descended on the city centre and made their way to Glasgow Green, eager to kick off three days of live music featuring some of the UK's biggest names and most exciting emerging artists.
Friday's programme offered an eclectic mix of music styles across the festival’s multiple stages. Early performances from Cammy Barnes and Beluga Lagoon were greeted by saltires as the buildup to the Scotland match tonight against Morocco continues. The match will be screened at the festival after headliner Richard Ashcroft performs.
One of the standout moments of the afternoon came courtesy of Nile Rodgers & Chic. Delivering hit after hit, the legendary musician proved why his catalogue remains one of the most celebrated in popular music. Their disco anthems brightened up the rainy conditions this afternoon before the sun appeared in the early evening.
Glasgow favourite Dylan John Thomas continued the momentum with a set that showcased both his growing confidence and his strong connection with local audiences. His performance demonstrated why he continues to be one of Scotland's most talked-about live acts.
Atmospheric alt-rockers and Brit Award winners, Wolf Alice will take to the stage tonight ahead of Richard Ashcroft, fresh off the back of their fifth studio album, The Clearing and a much acclaimed world tour.
Other Scottish acts on the Main Stage over the weekend include Brògeal, Rianne Downey, The Fratellis and The Snuts on Saturday, as well as Jacob Alon, Katie Gregson-MacLeod, Amy Macdonald and Lewis Capaldi on Sunday.
Friday also sees returning Irish group NewDad back at the festival following their 2024 debut on the River Stage ahead of Liverpool singer-songwriter Luvcat, Reading rapper Songer, and fuzzy pop from Cliffords.
Kasabian will headline Saturday at TRNSMT, delivering their high-octane anthems. Hits like “Club Foot” and “Fire” will take centre stage, with the band set to release their ninth studio album, ACT III, next spring - teeing up what promises to be a show-stopping Saturday night.
Australia-born, London-based DJ Sonny Fodera will make his Scottish festival debut, dropping summer-ready dance tracks. Renowned for his chart-topping collaborations and sell-out shows worldwide, Fodera’s performance promises to deliver one of the festival’s most unmissable moments.
Riding on the success of his top 3 album, “hopefully!” British rapper, singer and poet Loyle Carner will perform on Saturday, treating the crowd to his soulful, introspective and emotionally honest storytelling, while five-piece art‑rock band The Last Dinner Party will bring their theatrical performances to the Glasgow stage.
Indie rock fans will also welcome the addition of English Teacher to the lineup, blurring the lines between post-punk, art-rock and and pop, and Clementine Douglas - known for her vocals in dance music - is now forging a career blending a fusion of R&B and soul with electronic beats.
Lewis Capaldi will make a sensational comeback to TRNSMT, confirmed to close the 2026 festival. The Scots chart-topper has marked an incredible return to performing complete with a sold out UK tour and much anticipated third album.
Fans of all ages will be excited for multi-platinum Scottish singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald, whose powerful voice and memorable hits have captured audiences worldwide, while woman of the moment, CMAT - known for massive hits such as “I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!”, “Take a Sexy Picture of Me” and “Stay for Something” - will deliver her signature eccentric performances. Two Door Cinema Club will appear as an afternoon special guest, guaranteeing to have the crowd jumping with their nostalgic indie bangers.
Pop powerhouse and former Little Mix star Perrie will make her TRNSMT debut on Sunday afternoon following the release of her critically acclaimed self-titled solo album, joined on Sunday’s lineup by Scottish sensation Katie Gregson-MacLeod, whose raw and emotional breakout hit “Complex (demo)” went viral to widespread acclaim.
Geoff Ellis, Festival Director of Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT, said: “This year’s lineup is packed with brilliant artists – from anthemic festival headliners, to the artists fans already know and love, plus lots of new artists for everyone to discover.
“Every year, the atmosphere on Glasgow Green is amazing and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another unforgettable weekend, this time a little earlier than normal to kick off your summer of music in style.”
Tickets are available via trnsmtfest.com.