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Simple Things 2026: In photos

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Tuesday 10 Nov 2026

Simple Things 2026 took over Bristol Beacon and venues across the city for a day of left-field music discovery.

Programmed and produced by Bristol Beacon in collaboration with Crack Magazine, a new format for this year saw guest curators Shabaka, Squid, Cobrah and Jeremy Deller help shape a programme which brought together an expansive mix of artists.

Mermaid Chunky’s offbeat pop, Cobrah’s hard-hitting club tracks, Shabaka’s experimental jazz and Squid’s unruly post-punk were among the highlights, alongside sets from caroline, Mykki Blanco, Hannah Diamond, Chanel Beads and The Avalanches, who closed the night in Beacon Hall.

We were dancing into the early hours at the afterparties, with Skeemask and Jlin among those keeping the dancefloors moving.

Take a look back at Simple Things 2026 through the lens of our photographers.

Mermaid Chunky — Photography Khali Ackford

The Avalanches — Photography Khali Ackford

Simple Things once again proves itself a master of platforming the best and most forward-thinking music around.

Rolling Stone

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Simple Things is not just a celebration of music at its most cutting-edge, but a potent reminder of how art of the finest calibre can recalibrate your brainwaves, yank on the heartstrings and move your feet.

CLASH

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It was yet another brilliantly curated festival, full of surprises, new discoveries, and a few cult favourites.

God is in the TV

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