George Ward
Freelance journalist and online editor for CLUNK. Can be found out and about in Bristol, finding cheap records or having a pint on King Street.
Simple Things Festival has announced the final wave of their 2026 lineup, including guest curations from Squid, Shabaka, Cobrah and Jeremy Deller
Bristol’s Simple Things is fast approaching, with tickets selling fast for the day festival. The main event will take place on Saturday 7th November, but don’t miss the opening party on 6th November, where Aussie psych-rock band Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and many more are set to take over Shredenhams.
Now, joining an already stacked lineup for the Saturday, are the promised guest curations, specially selected by Squid, Shabaka, Cobrah and Jeremy Deller.
Fresh from the release of her debut album earlier this year, Cobrah will bring a bass-heavy selection to Bristol, including French producer COUCOU CHLOE, DJ Latex, Only Fire and MUCHAS PROBLEMAS, the musical project of Charlie Le Mindu. Expect industrial experimentation, hyperpop, and a celebration of club culture.
Visual artist Jeremy Deller’s additions are equally fascinating, with his showcase promising to “merge heritage folk absurdity and rave culture”. Alongside traditional folk-fusion ensemble Circle Dance are The Listening Project, who perform traditional brass band arrangements of 80s house anthems. Mermaid Chunky and art-rock performance group Grubby Mitts round off Deller’s picks.
Legendary saxophonist Shabaka, of Sons Of Kemet and The Comet Is Coming fame, takes things in a jazzier direction with his international lineup. Drummer Sarathy Korwar will deliver a rare solo performance, while Ugandan rhythmic collective Arsenal Mikebe promise “heavy-percussion industrial trance”, as well as a performance from bassoonist Joy Guidry
Finally, Squid will be taking over The Island, filling its dark basement space with post-punk and experimental noise. Bristol favourites Minor Conflict bring their unique flavour of experimental folk, while Berlin’s 13 Year Cicada offer their own polyrhythmic sound to the venue. Rounding off Squid’s curation is their very own guitarist Anton Pearson, as well as Glasgow punk duo Comfort.
With these additions, as well as The Avalanches, caroline, My New Band Believe and so many more, Simple Things 2026 is set to be its most ambitious year yet.
Simple Things Festival is on Saturday 7th November. Tickets are available here.
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