First wave of acts announced for The Road To The Great Escape include Reggie and BABYRAT

The Road To The Great Escape have today announced the first wave of acts for the two-day Dublin festival taking place on Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12.

The Road To The Great Escape blends the best of rising Irish talent with newcomers from across the world.

This year’s festival will feature rising London grunge revival group Villanelle and American singer-songwriter Em Beihold, amongst many others.

Irish acts include five-piece Cork band BABYRAT, who've supported acts such as The Coronas, Feeder and The Frank & Walters.

Also on the list is Dundalk rapper Reggie, who blends hip-hop, R&B, and electronic influences and has rapidly evolved from a rising local talent into one of the most compelling new forces in contemporary music.

Both acts are included on Hot Press' Hot For 2026 List.

Other artists on the line-up include Jamie McIntyre, Dirty Blond, Sugaboo and Elle Coves.

The Road To The Great Escape will be held in various venues across Dublin, including Whelan’s, The Grand Social, and The Workman’s Club.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

Read the full list of the first wave of acts below:

• BABYRAT
• Reggie
• Elle Coves
• Jessica Baio
• Em Beihold
• Villanelle
• Little Grandad
• Sell Everything
• Jamie McIntyre
• Steinza
• Dermot Henry
• Heidi Curtis
• Dirty Blond
• Brodie Barclay
• Sugaboo
• Mustbejohn