ArcTanGent Festival

ArcTanGent Festival is returning from 19th–23rd August 2026 to the idyllic Fernhill Farm in Compton Martin (BS40 6LD), just a short journey from Bristol. This four-day event is the UK’s premier celebration of cutting-edge rock and electronic music. Over 100 incredible bands and artists will perform across multiple stages, delivering everything from math-rock precision and heavy progressive metal to sprawling post-rock soundscapes and experimental electronica. The carefully curated lineup guarantees something new and exciting around every corner.

By day the green fields and wooded clearings transform into performance stages, and you’re never far from the action. With alternating sets on several stages, it’s easy to wander from one band to the next without missing a note. The layout is compact and crowd-friendly, so you won’t have to race across vast fields to catch your favourite act. As evening falls and the sun dips behind the Mendip Hills, the atmosphere becomes truly magical: friends gather by campfires and under strings of lights, and the music continues after dark.

The spirit of ArcTanGent is as much about community as it is about music. Fans of adventurous sounds from around the world come together here each summer, forming a warm, inclusive crowd. Festival-goers often relax on grassy slopes between sets or swap stories at the bar-truck (which serves local craft beer and cider). One of the festival’s most famous traditions is its all-night silent disco: each night, hundreds of people put on wireless headphones and dance under the stars to a beat only they can hear. It’s an unforgettable sight and a longtime favourite of attendees. The sense of camaraderie – meeting friends old and new, sharing the excitement of discovery – is what keeps people coming back year after year.

ArcTanGent also delights the senses beyond sound. The site is dotted with dozens of food stalls and artisan vendors offering everything from wood-fired pizzas and gourmet burgers to vegan street food and sweet treats. Bars serve up plenty of Somerset’s famous cider and craft beer alongside non-alcoholic options, so you can refuel between sets. When you’re not dancing or watching bands, you might browse the independent market stalls selling festival merch and handmade goods, or just kick back at a shaded picnic table under blue summer skies.

Camping is included with every weekend ticket, so you can pitch your tent on-site and wake up to the sound of birdsong and distant guitar riffs. There are dedicated areas for tents and campervans (note: caravans are not permitted), and the festival provides toilets, showers and phone-charging stations to make your stay comfortable. For a touch of luxury, you can pre-book a glamping package (complete with a pre-erected bell tent and air mattress). If living out of a tent isn’t your style, there’s a small farm lodge on site with a few rooms, and plenty of cosy B&Bs and hotels are available in nearby Cheddar and Bristol. (Just be sure to book accommodation early, as places fill up fast during the festival weekend.)

Year after year ArcTanGent earns rave reviews – not just for the music but for its uniquely friendly atmosphere and care for detail. It’s been shortlisted for Best Medium Festival at the UK Festival Awards, and fans often say it feels like a big family reunion for music lovers. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of heavy and experimental music or just eager to discover something new, ArcTanGent promises an unforgettable weekend of mind-blowing performances, great food, and new friendships in the heart of the Somerset countryside. Pack your tent (or book that train ticket) and experience it for yourself – this is underground music at its happiest place.