The program of the sixth edition of Sofia Live Festival is now fully formed. The already announced IDLES, THREE DAYS GRACE, UNDERWORLD, KOIKOI and STRUGARE are joined by three more strong names from the international scene, the British alternative rock sensation NOTHING BUT THIEVES, the world-renowned Bulgarian electronic artist KINK and the French indie-pop duo PAPOOZ.
The festival will take place on 27 and 28 June 2026 at the Vidas Art Arena in Borisova Gradina, establishing itself for another year as one of the most anticipated music events of the summer in Bulgaria.
Among the new additions to the program is the British band NOTHING BUT THIEVES, who over the past decade have established themselves as one of the most interesting alternative rock bands on the contemporary scene. With their characteristic mix of powerful guitar riffs, pop melodies and the distinctive falsetto of frontman Connor Mason, the five from Southend manage to combine rock energy with modern pop sensibility. Their fourth album Dead Club City presents an ambitious conceptual world, a metaphorical and real space where ideas about contemporary culture, social divisions and the search for belonging collide. With millions of streams, sold-out tours and impressive concerts on major stages such as London’s O2 Arena and Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome, NOTHING BUT THIEVES have established themselves as a band whose true face is revealed most strongly live.
Joining the program is KINK, one of the most successful Bulgarian electronic artists on the international scene. Known for his completely live sets, in which he uses synthesizers, drum machines and real-time improvisation, KINK is among the most exciting artists in contemporary electronic music. His appearances at festivals such as Sonar, Exit, Melt! and Awakenings, as well as recognition from media such as Resident Advisor and Mixmag, make him one of the most respected artists in global club culture.
French duo PAPOOZ brings their signature melancholic and elegant indie-pop sound to the program. Formed in Paris by Ulysses Cote and Ariel Tink, PAPOOZ is known for its sunny melodies, vintage pop atmosphere and slightly ironic lyrics. After the successful debut album Green Juice, the band established themselves on the European scene with the subsequent releases Night Sketches and None of This Matters Now, and their concerts are distinguished by a casual atmosphere and a pronounced musical aesthetic.
The new names join the already announced artists for this year’s edition of the festival. The first festival day will be marked by the explosive energy of British post-punk leaders IDLES and the long-awaited return of THREE DAYS GRACE in their original lineup. Serbian indie sensation KOIKOI will also perform on stage, as well as Bulgarian alternative artist STRUGARE, one of the interesting voices on the local scene.
The second day of the festival will be headlined by the legendary British electronic duo UNDERWORLD, creators of the cult hit Born Slippy (Nuxx) and some of the most influential artists in the history of electronic music. With over four decades of career behind them, Rick Smith and Karl Hyde continue to be among the most innovative and energetic performers on the world stage.
With its diverse program that combines alternative rock, electronic music and modern indie scene, Sofia Live Festival once again promises two days of music, strong concerts and an unforgettable festival atmosphere in the heart of Sofia.
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