Find out which emerging artists will appear on the BBC Introducing stage at TRNSMT 2026 and when you can catch them
The organisers of TRNSMT have revealed the roster for the BBC Introducing Stage at TRNSMT 2026, which returns to Glasgow Green this June. This platform, curated to spotlight new talent, will showcase a collection of artists from Scotland, the UK and beyond across a three-day festival weekend.
The bill features a mix of punk, indie, pop, soul and folk-tinged performers who are all at pivotal moments in their careers.
The stage is designed to introduce audiences to the next wave of festival favourites; in industry terms this is a place for breakthrough acts — musicians who are beginning to translate local momentum into larger attention.
Headline names for the main TRNSMT bill will be complemented by 16 carefully selected acts on the BBC Introducing Stage, each scheduled on Friday, Saturday or Sunday to give festivalgoers the chance to discover new sounds between larger sets.
Who’s playing and when
Friday’s slate opens with a mix of alternative pop, punk and soulful songwriting. Performing on the first day are Beth McCarthy, the Scottish punk group SOAPBOX, Mancunian indie outfit Arkayla, the Irish/Cornish indie collective Girl In The Year Above, rising soul vocalist James Emmanuel, Glasgow’s darkwave/electropop four-piece Mercy Girl, and retro-pop songwriter Alice Faye, who was recently recognised as the winner of the BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year. This variety is typical of the stage’s intent to present contrasting styles in a single session.
Saturday and Sunday highlights
Saturday introduces a slightly rawer, guitar-driven tone with an international edge. Australia’s post-punk export Radio Free Alice will bring their energetic sound, joined by rock-leaning Basht, Glasgow’s atmospheric sextet Tanzana, folk-influenced songwriter Lacuna, and bratty rockers Sister Madds. The lineup on this day leans into bands that combine live intensity with growing streaming traction and touring experience.
Sunday’s emerging singer-songwriters
The weekend concludes on Sunday with artists who have made notable recent strides. Shay O’Dowd, winner of the Scottish Music Awards Breakthrough Artist accolade, will perform alongside atmospheric singer Elle Coves, indie-pop songwriter Ellur (whose debut album attracted critical praise), Galway folk voice Jamie McIntyre, and pop songwriter Abbie Gordon. These acts represent the kind of career momentum the BBC Introducing Stage aims to accelerate.
Why this stage matters
The BBC Introducing Stage has a clear mission: to give visibility to artists poised to grow their audiences. Festival director Geoff Ellis has highlighted the platform’s role in the broader TRNSMT ecosystem, pointing to previous success stories that used similar early festival slots as springboards to larger careers. The stage’s programming is an intentional mix of regional talent and international names, offering festival attendees the chance to witness potential breakout moments firsthand.
Practical notes for attendees
Attendees should plan to arrive early to catch full sets from these developing acts; discovering new favourites often happens between bigger headline performances. TRNSMT offers a range of ticketing choices including day passes and weekend packages, and information about availability and pricing can be found via the festival’s official channels. For those following specific artists, the lineup is organised by day—Friday, Saturday and Sunday—so consulting the schedule in advance will make it easier to map out which sets to prioritise.
In summary, the BBC Introducing Stage at TRNSMT 2026 presents 16 rising performers across a three-day run at Glasgow Green. From Scottish retro-pop and busking-to-hall soul to Australian post-punk and Galway folk, the selection reflects the festival’s commitment to surfacing a wide array of emerging talent. Keep an eye on the stage for artists likely to appear on bigger bills in the months and years ahead.
