The UK’s fastest-growing podcast celebration is getting even bigger.
Crossed Wires: The Podcast Festival has officially expanded its 2026 edition into a four-day event, promising an even bolder line-up, more live recordings, surprise collaborations and a genre-spanning finale dedicated to true crime and horror.
Set to return to Sheffield from Thursday 2 July to Sunday 5 July 2026, the festival builds on last year’s remarkable 25,000-strong turnout — a figure that cemented it as one of Britain’s most exciting live audio events.
This year, organisers are scaling up in both ambition and atmosphere.
Below is everything you need to know about the expanded programme, newly announced shows, headline names, ticket details and why this summer’s edition could be the festival’s biggest yet.
After a breakout year that saw audiences flood venues across Sheffield, Crossed Wires is evolving from a packed weekend into a full four-day cultural takeover.
New for 2026:
The expansion reflects the explosive growth of podcast culture in the UK — and the increasing appetite for live, interactive audio experiences.
Festival founders say the decision to extend the programme came after unprecedented demand last year, with several headline shows selling out in record time.
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The 2026 edition will open with a brand-new, unpredictable live event hosted by festival co-founders:
Their show, “A Night of Mistakes!”, is billed as a loosely planned, high-chaos live production assembled just 24 hours before curtain up.
Organisers describe it as “a celebration of things going gloriously wrong.”
The duo — both deeply embedded in the UK podcast and broadcasting landscape — promise a spontaneous opening night designed to feel more like a gathering of friends than a polished stage show.
And if last year’s festival energy is anything to go by, the crowd will be ready.
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Friday 3 July sees one of the UK’s most downloaded comedy podcasts step into the theatre spotlight.
JaackMaate’s Happy Hour will take over Sheffield City Hall for a live edition featuring:
Known for its irreverent humour, candid confessions and viral moments, Happy Hour has built a fiercely loyal fan base online. Bringing the format into a live setting is expected to deliver crowd participation, surprise reveals and unscripted banter.
Festival organisers say this show is likely to be among the fastest sell-outs.
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Saturday 4 July welcomes back fan favourites:
The duo previously appeared at the 2024 festival and quickly became one of the most talked-about performances of the weekend.
Their return signals the organisers’ commitment to blending returning talent with new additions.
Their chemistry on stage has repeatedly proven electric, and early interest suggests this performance will draw fans from across the UK.
When the stage lights dim, the celebration continues.
Later that evening, Dave Masterman will host the official after-party, “All My Friends”, in the Ballroom.
Expect:
The after-party has quickly become a staple of Crossed Wires culture — where creators, listeners and industry insiders mingle long after the microphones switch off.
Sunday 5 July shifts the tone dramatically.
In response to overwhelming demand for crime and horror content, the festival will host a True Crime Takeover, curated by Audio Always.
Three acclaimed podcasts will share one stage experience, offering back-to-back storytelling and live case analysis.
Adding to the darker programming, cult fiction hit:
Will perform live with creators:
Known for its immersive horror storytelling, the podcast has developed an international fanbase. Its live adaptation promises atmospheric sound design and theatrical staging rarely seen at podcast festivals.
The newly revealed acts join an already stacked bill, including:
The diversity in programming — from gardening and politics to comedy and confessional interviews — reinforces Crossed Wires’ status as a festival for every kind of listener.
The BBC Sounds Fringe will return, this time featuring an expanded BBC Radio 4 takeover stage, adding prestige and mainstream recognition to the independent festival atmosphere.
More acts are expected to be announced next month — and organisers have hinted at “surprises still under wraps.”
In another major development, Audible has signed on as the official sponsor of the City Hall main stage.
This partnership signals:
The rise of podcast festivals reflects a broader shift in entertainment consumption.
Audiences no longer want passive listening — they want:
Crossed Wires has tapped directly into that shift.
Sheffield, long known for its music heritage, is now carving out a parallel reputation in live audio culture.
Early booking is strongly recommended.
What started as an ambitious podcast gathering has rapidly transformed into a four-day, multi-genre celebration of audio storytelling.
With:
Crossed Wires 2026 isn’t just expanding — it’s establishing itself as one of the UK’s defining summer cultural events.
If last year’s attendance numbers are anything to go by, Sheffield is about to get loud again.
