This summer, the spotlight turns to Discovery Festival 2026 as two huge days of live music arrive at The Darlington Arena for an unforgettable weekend of festival entertainment.

80s Calling! – Saturday 8th August 2026
One of the most exciting additions to the town’s summer music calendar, 80s Calling! brings together six iconic artists for a full day celebrating the very best of the 1980s.

Headlined by Level 42, the spectacular line-up also features very special guest Marc Almond alongside Heaven 17, Haircut One Hundred, Go West and Jaki Graham — all performing on one stage at The Darlington Arena on Saturday 8th August 2026.

With gates opening at 12 noon, fans can look forward to a full-day festival packed with nostalgia, feel-good energy and some of the greatest hits of the decade. From chart-topping classics to singalong favourites, 80s Calling! promises evocative fun and an electric atmosphere from start to finish.

Five to Headline Huge Sunday Finale
Following their triumphant comeback tour, legendary pop group Five will headline Sunday’s celebrations as part of the ultimate party day out at Discovery Festival.

Joining them on the bill are special guests Sigma, The Wanted 2.0, Björn Again and XO, creating a packed line-up guaranteed to keep festivalgoers entertained all day long.

With a career spanning more than 25 years, Five remain one of Britain’s most recognisable pop acts, famous for energetic feel-good hits including Keep On Movin’, Everybody Get Up and If Ya Gettin’ Down. Following their hugely anticipated return to the stage, fans can expect a high-energy performance filled with crowd-pleasing classics and the choreography everyone knows and loves.

Speaking ahead of the event, the band said:
“Headlining Sunday in Darlington feels incredible for us. The love we’ve felt on this comeback tour has been overwhelming and reminded us just how special our fans are. We can’t wait to bring that energy to Discovery Festival and close the weekend in style.”

The Sunday party begins from gates opening, with XO first taking to the stage before fan favourites Björn Again deliver the ultimate ABBA party experience. The Wanted 2.0 then keep the energy building before Five light up the night to round off a fantastic weekend of live music.

Liz Hobbs MBE, CEO of Discovery Festival Ltd, said:
“We’re delighted to reveal Sunday’s line-up for Discovery Festival Darlington 2026. This year we’ve added some truly amazing artists who we know will bring huge energy, big hits and unforgettable moments for fans across the weekend. Darlington is set for a phenomenal summer of live music, and we can’t wait to see everyone coming together for epic sing-alongs and proper festival fun.”

Ticket Information
Tickets are available for both days here www.discoveryfestival.co.uk

Hospitality Packages
Our premium hospitality packages are also available for both days including:

• Welcome drink
• Car parking pass
• Premium dining
• Golden Circle access
• Exclusive bar access
• Comfortable padded seating

For more information on hospitality please contact the arena team below

hospitality@mowdenpark.com or call 01325 350267