Phase one highlights include Sub Focus, Michael Bibi, MK, Girls Don’t Sync, DJ EZ, Pendulum DJ, Hannah Laing, Dr Banana, Holy Priest, SHY FX and Chris Stussy for a landmark year featuring the iconic Arcadia Spider stage.
Forbidden Forest is one of the UK’s most dynamic electronic music festivals and this year celebrates its 10th anniversary in spectacular fashion with a first wave of artists for 4-7 June 2026 at Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire led by Michael Bibi, Pendulum DJ, Hannah Laing, Holy Priest and Chris Stussy. To find out more visit;
forbidden-forest.co.uk and sign up.
In a UK festival exclusive, the legendary Arcadia Spider – a 50-tonne, fire-breathing installation built from recycled military and industrial hardware – will also land in the heart of Leicestershire’s woodland for this one special weekend only. The monumental structure is known worldwide for its pyrotechnics, aerial performances and 360° sound and will transform the Forest into an electrifying realm of sound and light.
This stage will sit alongside a selection of others from Forbidden Forest, which is known as pushing all boundaries when it comes to stage design and production while offering an intimate, escapist haven for dance music lovers. The entire site becomes an adult playground for the weekend complete with a silent disco, fun fair, plenty of bars, food village, chill out areas, games and much more. 2026 also sees the new addition of its Lakeside Retreat campsite, featuring swimming pools, hot tubs, a sauna, secret DJ sets and more.
Joining the bill for this milestone edition, Michael Bibi returns to the stage following his inspiring comeback and the Solid Grooves man brings his unmistakable energy and underground sound to the Forest. The genre-defying drum & bass pioneers and spectacular live outfit Pendulum will deliver a high-octane performance that promises to ignite the Arcadia arena.
Rising Scottish powerhouse Hannah Laing returns to Forbidden following a breakout year that’s seen her dominate stages from Ibiza to Glasgow. Completing the top billing, Holy Priest brings his darkly cinematic techno vision to the Forest.
The previously announced Dutch powerhouse Chris Stussy will also return this year after his debut set at the festival went viral in June.
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