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ESNS26: Eurosonic Noorderslag 2026
ESNS announces first 40 names for 40th anniversary edition
Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) has today revealed the first 40 European artists for its 40th anniversary edition. Among the names are two Dutch acts nominated by NPO 3FM: Hiqpy and Lenny Monsou. The showcase festival and music conference will take place from 14–17 January 2026 in Groningen. And of course, we’ll be back soon with more exciting updates!
ESNS 2026: First Line-up Announced
Get ready for a historic edition! In 2026, ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) celebrates its 40th birthday, promising an unforgettable festival. For four decades, Groningen has been the place where the future of music is unveiled — and this anniversary edition will be bigger than ever.
To kick off this incredible milestone, the very first 40 artists have just been announced! This selection represents the cream of emerging talent from across Europe. From groundbreaking pop to raw guitars and innovative electronic acts — these 40 names are just the beginning of the most diverse line-up to date. Get ready to be surprised and inspired by the sound of the future.
Line-up: First 40 Artists ESNS 2026
Want to get a taste of the first 40 artists revealed for Eurosonic 2026? Then read on! The list may look endless, but it really is exactly 40 names. Click the links to visit each artist’s official website or social media profile — the perfect way to get a sneak preview of Eurosonic 2026.
- Abor & Tynna (Austria)
- Becky Sikasa (Scotland)
- Benni (Belgium)
- BIJI (Sweden)
- Carpetman (Ukraine)
- Coca Puma (Italy)
- DasRADIAL (Luxembourg)
- Della (Cyprus)
- Elín Hall (Iceland)
- FIDJU KITXORA (Portugal)
- Hiqpy (Netherlands)
- Ise (Belgium)
- Jazzbois (Hungary)
- Kaat Van Stralen (Belgium)
- Katarsis (Lithuania)
- Ki Klop (Croatia)
- Lenny Monsou (Netherlands)
- Linda Elys (Switzerland)
- Llum (Spain)
- Léonie Pernet (France)
- Madhouse Express (Czechia)
- mariin k. (Estonia)
- Mattiu (Switzerland)
- Maustetytöt (Finland)
- Me And My Devil (Bulgaria)
- MOIO (Ireland)
- Mortòri (Switzerland)
- Muryel (Germany)
- Nadia Kadek (England)
- Nejc Pipp & Co. (Slovenia)
- Omasta (Poland)
- snuggle (Denmark)
- Sodl (Austria)
- the clumps (Norway)
- Tolstoys (Slovakia, Germany)
- Turbo Trans Turisti (Serbia)
- Valeria Stoica (Romania, Moldova)
- Xcellence (Greece)
- Yoa (Switzerland)
- ZeMe (Latvia)
Check the line up op de officiële website van Eurosonic.
What the first line-up tells us about ESNS26
The first 40 names for the anniversary edition of ESNS form a musical map of Europe and immediately underline the new ‘Europe Calling’ mission. The selection spans the entire continent, from Elín Hall (Iceland) to Della (Cyprus). Within this wide geographical spread, we find a melting pot of genres. Just look at the Dutch selection: the energetic indie of Hiqpy contrasts beautifully with the soulful songs of Lenny Monsou. This diversity continues with the retro-pop of Maustetytöt (Finland) and the irresistible jazz-hip hop fusion of Jazzbois (Hungary).
The line-up is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Intriguing names like Turbo Trans Turisti (Serbia) and Madhouse Express (Czechia) already promise unforgettable shows. Meanwhile, artists such as Mattiu (Switzerland), who sings in his native language, highlight the cultural richness this 40th edition is set to celebrate. It’s an adventurous and promising start to what ESNS26 will bring.
ESNS26 Europe Calling – a new manifesto
In recent years, ESNS has placed the spotlight on one country each edition. Now, in a time of rising geopolitical tension, ESNS introduces Europe Calling: a manifesto focusing not on individual countries, but on a shared cultural movement. Music and cultural exchange take center stage as a unifying force.
Words from the ESNS organization
Anna van Nunen, general director of ESNS, emphasizes that the anniversary is all about looking forward: Forty years of ESNS is not only about looking back, but above all about our mission for the coming decades: to connect European artists with audiences and professionals across borders. Europe Calling represents music as a unifying force in a world that is constantly changing.
Fonk – Audio: ESNS announces first 40 names for 40th anniversary edition
Program & diversity
Robert Meijerink, head of program and booker of ESNS, on the first 40 names: These first 40 artists showcase the immense creativity coming from every corner of Europe; from intimate singer-songwriters to innovative electronic acts and powerful live bands. They bring exactly the kind of energy and creativity that ESNS is known for.
The full line-up will be revealed step by step. Ticket sales for ESNS26 start on Thursday 25 September 2025. Delegate Passes are already available via esns.nl. More info and prices can be found here: ESNS 2026 Delegate Pass.
Book your hotel for Eurosonic 2026 at StayinGroningen.com
Stay in Groningen is an official partner of Eurosonic Noorderslag. Book your hotel through our platform and directly support the local creative scene: a share of every booking goes to young creators. This matches perfectly with the goals of ESNS. Support talent close to home while enjoying ESNS and Groningen to the fullest. We work with a range of wonderful hotels in Groningen to ensure you have an unforgettable stay.
Practical information ESNS 2026
- Event: Eurosonic Noorderslag 2026 (ESNS26)
- When: 14–17 January 2026
- Where: Groningen — various locations
- First 40 names announced: including Hiqpy and Lenny Monsou (NL)
- Ticket sales start: 25 September 2025
About Stay in Groningen
On behalf of the hotels, hotspots, and hospitality industry in Groningen, we connect visitors with the best our city has to offer. Groningen boasts beautiful hotels, top restaurants, countless cultural highlights, and of course a vibrant scene of local creators. We do this with passion and a social heart! As an official Eurosonic partner, we invite you to book with us: comfortable, local, and with impact. Be Social, Book Local.
