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When the Summer’s End Angus music festival announced its first wave of artists, it was met with excitement right across the north-east. This brand-new festival, hosted at the historic Brechin Castle Showgrounds, had announced a preview line-up that would not look out of place at some of the country’s most established events.

Bringing an array of iconic names to Brechin in 2026, it is clear that Summer’s End Angus is on a mission to launch with a bang, establishing its place in Scotland’s festival calendar right from the start.

The early announcements set social media alight. Scottish icon Susan Boyle will make her first-ever festival appearance, and Scotland’s own Skerryvore, Tide Lines, Sandi Thom and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will bring their world-famous Scottish energy.

However, the big names do not stop there. One of the most famous musical families in the world will be taking to the stage: The Jacksons will fly in to headline a special Sunday showcase, staying in Angus for the weekend to take in everything the town has to offer — something organisers describe as “a level of commitment that speaks volumes about the event and the welcome from the community.”

Another highlight of the two-and-a-half-day event will be power-ballad legend Bonnie Tyler. Her trademark rasp and catalogue of hits are sure to deliver the kind of sing-along moments that define a festival weekend.

Festival organisers have confirmed that five more major artists across the weekend are still to be announced in January, including the hotly anticipated Saturday headliners. Early indicators suggest these additions will firmly establish Summer’s End as one of Scotland’s most exciting new festivals.

Founding director Katrina Hutchinson-O’Neill told us: “The acts still to be announced – five in total – are big names and exciting additions to the festival. As a mum of three teenagers, I wanted a festival that my 16-year-old daughter would be as excited about coming to as I was, and I am confident that once people see the full line-up they will agree we’ve achieved that.”

The team behind the festival believes the region has long deserved a large-scale summer music festival that feels genuinely national calibre, one that does not require a trip to Glasgow or Edinburgh. And Summer’s End Angus is promising exactly that – and then some.

Other newly confirmed acts include Sweet Love, the UK girl band recently endorsed by the Spice Girls, and Scotland’s rising boyband Just The Brave.

The varied line-up balances heritage with new voices, global names with local talent, and mainstream appeal with cultural identity.

This balance is no coincidence; it has been passionately driven by the festival team. Katrina told us:
“We wanted a line-up where phenomenal female and local artists help shape the moments people remember.”

Scottish talent such as Ben Walker, SHEARS, NATI, Kitti, Lucia & The Best Boys, Cherry, Tina Sandwich, Katie Nicoll and Late Landing feature prominently.

Katrina explained that the festival is rooted in both cultural ambition and community purpose: “Summer’s End isn’t a ‘year one experiment’. We wanted to create something sustainable, with growth potential, and which shows Scotland has talent and crowd-pulling capability in spades outside of the big city events.”

The festival aims to bring a major economic boost to Brechin and the wider Angus area, attracting visitors from across Scotland and beyond. To support accessibility and ease of travel, Summer’s End will offer on-site parking, dedicated shuttle buses from major towns across Angus, Aberdeenshire and Tayside, and full camping and glamping options, transforming the site into a full weekend destination.

Early ticket sales have been “incredibly strong”, according to organisers, with many local residents already securing their place ahead of the full line-up reveal.

“We’ve built something that has its own identity from day one,” Katrina added. “Summer’s End Angus is modern, safe, fun and genuinely inclusive – a festival with heart. January’s announcements will lift it even further. We can’t wait to show everyone what’s coming.”

This article appeared in The Courier on 11 December 2025.