TRNSMT 2026 is officially underway, with thousands of music fans descending on Glasgow Green for the start of Scotland’s biggest music festival. The three-day event runs across the weekend, bringing a packed line-up of established stars, returning favourites and rising artists to the city. Richard Ashcroft headlines Friday night, with Kasabian and Lewis Capaldi set to close Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Despite a drizzly start to the day, festivalgoers arrived in high spirits, with wellies and waterproofs quickly becoming the unofficial fashion trend of the afternoon. Scottish flags could be seen throughout the crowd as revellers gathered for the opening performances, and even the rain could not dull the top-class atmosphere.
Friday’s programme began with Cammy Barnes on the Main Stage, followed by sets from Beluga Lagoon, The K’s and Nile Rodgers & Chic. The legendary musician delivered a run of disco classics that helped brighten the rainy conditions before Glasgow favourite Dylan John Thomas took to the stage.
Wolf Alice are scheduled to perform ahead of Richard Ashcroft, who will close the opening night. Following his set, Scotland’s match against Morocco will be screened for festivalgoers.
Across the weekend, TRNSMT will welcome some of the biggest names on the UK music scene. Saturday’s Main Stage line-up includes The Fratellis, The Last Dinner Party, The Snuts and Sonny Fodera before Kasabian headlines, giving day two a strong mix of Scottish favourites, indie buzz and festival-sized anthems.
Sunday sees Lewis Capaldi make his highly anticipated return to the festival following his recent comeback to live performance. Amy Macdonald, CMAT, Perrie and Two Door Cinema Club are also set to perform, while rising artist Skye Newman will play the King Tut’s Stage after recently gaining major attention online.
Scottish talent remains a major part of this year’s festival, with artists including Dylan John Thomas, Cammy Barnes, Rianne Downey, The Fratellis, The Snuts, Katie Gregson-MacLeod, Amy Macdonald and Lewis Capaldi. We love to see it, and there is plenty for Scottish music fans to be proud of.
Those unable to attend can still follow the action from home. Coverage will air across BBC One, BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer, with performances, highlights and behind-the-scenes content also appearing across BBC Scotland’s social media channels.
For CultureCues, one of the best things about TRNSMT is seeing Glasgow Green come alive each summer. Rain or shine, the atmosphere is always special, and this year’s line-up offers a strong mix of major headliners, homegrown talent and exciting new discoveries, with the BBC Introducing Stage also giving rising artists a well-earned spotlight. With Kasabian and Lewis Capaldi still to come, the weekend is only just getting started.
Glasgow crowds know how to show up. You can almost hear it already… No Scotland, no party.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.