Pale Waves will headline Burton upon Trent’s free Sonic Boom music festival when it returns across the town centre on Saturday 12 September 2026.
The main festival area in Burton Market Place opens at midday, with performances from 1pm until 8pm. BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins will host a bill that also includes The Lilacs, League of Rebelz, Vona Vella, Terrianne and Burton band The Missing Diamonds.
Sonic Boom main stage times
- 1pm — The Missing Diamonds
- 2pm — Terrianne
- 3pm — Vona Vella
- 4.15pm — League of Rebelz
- 5.30pm — The Lilacs
- 7pm — Pale Waves
The Burton Albion FC Brewers Stage at the Market Hall will feature Ashton Spiby-Wood, Stacey Lynn, Dear Lily, Carl North and Andrea Kenny. A Burton Kia-backed busking stage will host Leah Wilcox, Rosie Faith, Pete Oakley, Romy and Ellie Grice.
Aftershock performances begin at 8pm in venues including Burton and South Derbyshire College, The Brewhouse, Abbey Arcade, Burton Library and BCA Community Centre. Entry to the main stage and Aftershock venues is free, with no ticket or wristband required.
The festival is organised by East Staffordshire Borough Council and Sonic Boom Music CIC. Its return is supported by council funding and £99,570 from Arts Council England for cultural activity across the borough in 2026 and 2027.
Full timings for every stage are available from the Sonic Boom festival website.
