Award-nominated independent rock and metal festival, Takedown Festival, has today unveiled the headliners for its 2026 edition.
The festival returns to Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday 3rd April and Saturday 4th April 2026, once again bringing a packed weekend of heavy music to the south coast.
This year’s event will be headlined by PRESIDENT, marking their first ever festival headline slot. The mysterious masked collective have quickly built a reputation as one of the most exciting and unpredictable new forces in heavy music. At Takedown 2026, they step into the headline spotlight for what promises to be the most defining performance of their career to date.
Joining them at the top of the bill are legendary rockers Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, bringing decades of hard rock pedigree built to ignite festival crowds with a special Motörhead set.
Kai and Sarah Harris of Takedown Festival Ltd share, “We’re proud to officially launch Takedown Festival 2026,” said co-directors Sarah and Kai Harris. “This year’s event taps into a powerful moment in metal culture. With younger fans rediscovering the roots of heavy music—especially following the passing of icons like Ozzy Osbourne—we’re honoured to have Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons headline Friday 3rd April with a full Motörhead set. It’s a chance to celebrate a legacy that continues to inspire across generations.”
“On Saturday 4th April, we’re handing the reins to President, one of the most talked-about new acts in UK heavy music. Their April ‘Campaign Trail’ tour sold out instantly, and their debut EP King of Terrors has struck a chord with fans through its cinematic intensity. Their headline set will be a statement, and we’re excited to see them take the Takedown main stage in full force.”
“We’re excited to be able to showcase the evolution of heavy music from (to quote Lemmy) Motorhead’s rock n roll all the way through to cutting edge contemporary alternative metal”
