Splendour Festival 2026 - Weekend - Wombats, Snow

Here’s your event page content for Splendour Festival 2026, focusing on The Wombats and Snowpatrol:

Splendour Festival 2026: The Wombats & Snowpatrol Ignite Wollaton Park!

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of music, community, and pure sonic joy at Splendour Festival 2026! Nestled within the magnificent grounds of Wollaton Park, this year’s festival promises to be an extraordinary celebration, headlined by two of the UK’s most beloved and enduring bands: The Wombats and Snowpatrol. Prepare to be swept away by anthemic singalongs, electrifying performances, and a magical atmosphere that only Splendour can deliver. What makes this year truly special is the chance to witness these iconic artists in their full glory, gracing the historic stage of Wollaton Park for an experience that will resonate long after the final note fades. Whether you’re a seasoned Splendour attendee or a first-timer, this is an event not to be missed.

About Splendour Festival 2026 - Weekend - The Wombats, Snowpatrol

The Wombats burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s, quickly establishing themselves as purveyors of infectious, indie-pop anthems that perfectly capture the exhilaration and anxieties of youthful experiences. Hailing from Liverpool, the quartet – comprising Matthew “Murph” Murphy, Dan Haggis, Tord Øverland Knudsen, and Jack Nuttall (who joined later) – quickly garnered a devoted following with their distinctive blend of catchy melodies, witty lyricism, and high-energy live shows. Their debut album, ‘A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation’ (2007), was a critical and commercial triumph, spawning instant classics like “Let’s Dance to Joy Division”, a track that has become an indie disco staple, and the wistful “Moving to New York”. Subsequent releases, including ‘This Modern Glitch’ (2011) and ‘Glitterbug’ (2015), saw them refine their sound, embracing a more polished, synth-driven pop sensibility while retaining their signature indie-rock core. Hits like “Jump into the Fog”, “Greek Tragedy”, and the universally adored “Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves)” cemented their status as festival headliners and enduring favourites. Known for their exuberant stage presence, The Wombats are masters at creating a communal, hands-in-the-air atmosphere, leaving audiences buzzing with energy. Their set promises a joyous journey through their extensive back catalogue, guaranteed to have everyone singing along.

Emerging from the musical landscape of Northern Ireland in the early 1990s, Snowpatrol have evolved from their alternative rock roots to become one of the most successful and respected bands of their generation. Fronted by the distinctive vocals of Gary Lightbody, the band – also featuring Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, and Jonny Quinn – have a remarkable ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Their breakthrough came with the release of ‘Final Straw’ (2003), which featured the ubiquitous power ballad “Run”, a track that propelled them to global fame and became an anthem for a generation. This was followed by the phenomenal success of ‘Eyes Open’ (2006), which included their most iconic hit, the Grammy Award-winning “Chasing Cars”. This song’s enduring appeal lies in its raw emotion and heartfelt sincerity, making it a timeless anthem of love and connection. Snowpatrol’s discography is filled with a wealth of other beloved tracks, such as the uplifting “Set the Fire to the Third Bar”, the anthemic “Take Back the City”, and the soaring “Just Say Yes”. Their performances are renowned for their emotional intensity, technical prowess, and the sheer power of Lightbody’s vocals. They have a knack for connecting with their audience on a profound level, creating moments of shared vulnerability and triumphant uplift. At Splendour Festival, Snowpatrol are set to deliver a masterclass in songwriting and performance, weaving a tapestry of emotional highs and powerful sonic landscapes that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Venue Information

Wollaton Park, a magnificent Elizabethan country estate, provides a breathtaking backdrop for Splendour Festival. Its sprawling parkland, majestic trees, and the iconic Wollaton Hall itself create a truly unique and picturesque setting for a day of musical celebration. The natural beauty of the grounds, combined with the grandeur of the Hall, offers a truly memorable festival experience, far removed from the typical urban festival landscape. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for a headline performance from The Wombats that is guaranteed to be an explosion of indie-pop euphoria. Expect their setlist to be a masterclass in crowd-pleasing, drawing heavily from their most beloved albums. You can anticipate roaring renditions of anthems like “Let’s Dance to Joy Division”, “Moving to New York”, “Jump into the Fog”, and the ever-popular “Greek Tragedy”. Their performance style is electrifying and undeniably fun. They are renowned for their energetic stage presence, with frontman Murph often bounding across the stage, engaging directly with the crowd and encouraging them to sing at the top of their lungs. Expect infectious camaraderie and a vibrant, hands-in-the-air atmosphere that will have the entire park singing along to every word. Their set duration is typically around 75-90 minutes, packed with their most recognisable hits and fan favourites, ensuring a high-energy and memorable experience from start to finish.

Following them, Snowpatrol will grace the Splendour stage with a performance of profound emotional depth and powerful sonic artistry. Their setlist will undoubtedly be a journey through their extensive and critically acclaimed catalogue. Prepare for the soaring, emotive brilliance of “Run” and the universally cherished, heart-wrenching ballad “Chasing Cars”. You can also expect other fan-favourites such as the rousing “Take Back the City”, the poignant “Set the Fire to the Third Bar”, and the uplifting “Just Say Yes”. Snowpatrol’s performance style is characterised by its emotional honesty and Gary Lightbody’s distinctive, emotive vocals. They possess an incredible ability to create an intimate atmosphere, even within a large festival setting, drawing the audience into the raw emotion of their songs. Their set is a testament to their songwriting prowess, blending moments of quiet contemplation with anthemic crescendos that will leave you breathless. Their typical set duration is around 90-100 minutes, allowing ample time for them to explore both their chart-topping hits and some deeper cuts, delivering a truly captivating and unforgettable performance. Together, these two headline acts promise a weekend of music that will resonate with you long after the final encore.

FAQs

Q1: Will The Wombats play “Let’s Dance to Joy Division”? A1: Absolutely! “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” is one of The Wombats’ most iconic and beloved tracks, and it’s a staple of their live sets. Expect a massive singalong when it’s played!

Q2: Is “Chasing Cars” guaranteed to be in Snowpatrol’s setlist? A2: While no festival setlist is ever guaranteed 100%, “Chasing Cars” is Snowpatrol’s signature song and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s virtually a certainty that they will perform this timeless anthem.

Q3: What is The Wombats’ typical performance style like? A3: The Wombats are known for their incredibly energetic and fun live shows. Expect a lot of interaction with the crowd, enthusiastic stage presence, and a vibrant atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to sing and dance.

Q4: Does Snowpatrol often play older material alongside their newer hits? A4: Yes, Snowpatrol have a rich and diverse back catalogue. They are excellent at balancing their massive hits from albums like ‘Final Straw’ and ‘Eyes Open’ with fan-favourite tracks from their more recent releases, offering a comprehensive journey through their career.

Q5: Are there likely to be any special guest appearances from either band? A5: While it’s always exciting to imagine, festival setlists are usually curated with the headline artists’ performances in mind. Special guest appearances are rare and not typically advertised in advance for these specific headliners.

Q6: What kind of atmosphere can I expect from Snowpatrol’s performance? A6: Snowpatrol’s performances are known for their emotional depth and sincerity. While they deliver powerful, anthemic moments, there’s also a sense of intimacy and connection that Gary Lightbody fosters with the audience, creating a truly moving experience.