(Our writer Daniel Barkasi prepared the following preview of the 2026 edition of Fortress Festival set to take place in Scarborough, UK, on May 30-31.)
Deja vu is a hell of a thing. Just like this point last year, we were preparing for experiences familiar and new – we’ll be in attendance for the annual tradition known as Maryland Deathfest in a few weeks, and the celebration of all we love at NCS in Northwest Terror Fest looms even sooner still this coming weekend. I swear, I’m going to make it out to NWTF one of these years.
What’s also similar, but a little different this time for yours truly, is the subject of the buzzing Fortress Festival. Last year was our first foray to this destination weekend of black metal powerhouses, and we were nervously scrambling to make sure everything was in order. It was my first visit to the UK, after all, so paths unseen can be a tad stress-inducing. That said, deep in my gut, it felt like a festival that we just had to attend.
The experience we had was far beyond what could have been realistically expected. The lineup was absolutely packed, the organization was excellent from all angles, the locale was picture-perfect, and the crowd was an eclectic bunch of amazing folks clad in black t-shirts. What’s not to love? If you don’t believe me, read up on my memorable experience in 2025.
Naturally, considering all of the above, the opportunity to come back to the shores of Scarborough again in 2026 was simply too good to pass up, and you’re all welcome to come along for the ride (virtually speaking) on May 30 – 31, coming from the wonderful seaside locale of Scarborough.
For this fellow, no matter how nice the destination, a festival is ultimately only as good as its roster. There’s zero sense of lagging here, and if you thought last year’s lineup was mightily enticing, what’s in store for the fourth edition is a drool-inducing gathering of all things blackened (including the burgers from Goth Burger).
Headlining the two-day jaunt is the reignited Old Man’s Child for a UK exclusive appearance, and the influential atmospheric black metal project Gallowbraid, who are performing for the very first time. A serious one-two punch, but consider all of the unique and rare sets that are in the making – Dødheimsgard will be performing Black Medium Current, Akercocke is giving an exclusive showcase of the undeniable classic Choronzon, Vinterland playing their legendary Welcome My Last Chapter record, A Forest of Stars making their return to the stage after a considerable absence, Ossaert with a very rare appearance that’ll only be seen here, Vespéral playing La mort de l’âme as another Fortress exclusive, Aeon Winds tearing through Aeon Odyssey, and a ton of acts who, for those based in the UK, this will be the only place to catch them in 2026.
The scary bit is the above is only scratching at the surface of what’s on offer. Personally, my most anticipated act is Misþyrming, whom we’ve yet to witness and is among my all-time most influential black metal bands. In addition, we have the mighty Whoredom Rife, Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult, Antrisch, This Gift is a Curse, Abigail Williams, Groza, Fluisteraars, Midnight Odyssey, Mesarthim, and many others. Many of which we haven’t seen before, and in some cases, likely won’t be appearing on these shores.
We spoke briefly about the setting, which of course importantly includes the venue in order to guarantee a top-quality experience, and they’ve found a fine home for Fortress in the Scarborough Spa; a picturesque, historic venue sitting right on the shore. It’s a short stroll to the town proper, and consists of two stages – the main stage at the Grand Hall and the smaller, intimate Ocean Room, all within the same complex.
There’s also a theatre at the Spa, which will play host to the returning Fortress Forum, where you can take in detailed discussions with artists performing at the fest. Talks with Akercocke and Vinterland will be curated by Jackie Smit of Into The Necrosphere, and a talk with Dødheimsgard will be hosted by Dayal Patterson of Cult Never Dies. There will also be a special dungeon synth specific stage on Sunday, a new feature for 2026, headlined by Mortiis featuring a special set, along with Old Sorcery, Emyn Muil, Fief, and Atlantean Sword completing the rest of the billing.
If that wasn’t enough – this feels like an infomercial when the loud obnoxious personality screams but wait, there’s more…, but this time, there actually is – for we must mention the pre-fest on Friday, May 29 at The Cask & Keg featuring Wode, Andracca, and Blood Countess. It’s free to attend, but space is limited, so get there early. We’ll do our damndest to be there, as that’s a trio not to be missed – hopefully our train arrives early enough!
The festival itself is now long sold out, unfortunately, but if you want to join us, check this Facebook post from the official Fortress Forum group to see if you can snag a resale ticket, and come on out if able! You’re guaranteed a unique, unbelievable experience at one of the best festivals in the world.
We’re honored to be attending, and if you see me, feel free to say hello! I’ll be one of the people running back-and-forth taking a lot of photos and looking generally exhausted. Stay tuned to NCS, as we’ll have a full, long-winded report on the trip and our complete festival experience. We did manage to cram our merch haul last year, and with all hope (the compression bags saved me last time), we’ll pull it off again.
Fortress Festival Links:
https://www.fortressfestival.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/fortressfestival
https://www.facebook.com/groups/724096719323328
https://www.facebook.com/events/1238203764599141
Reaper Agency UK Links:
https://www.facebook.com/ReaperAgencyUK
https://www.instagram.com/reaperagencyuk/