Desertfest will return to Camden in May 2026 for its 12th edition, with London heavy metal band Green Lung confirmed as the first headliner.
Since launching in 2012, the festival has become a fixture in the UK’s heavy music calendar, focusing on stoner rock, doom, psych and heavy rock. Its multi-venue format makes use of Camden landmarks such as the Roundhouse, the Electric Ballroom, and The Black Heart, providing a mix of large stages and intimate club settings. Alongside its London base, Desertfest has expanded internationally, with editions in Berlin, Antwerp and New York.
Green Lung’s headline performance will coincide with the band’s 10th anniversary. The group, who have gained a reputation for blending classic heavy metal with elements of folk and psychedelia, trace their beginnings back to Desertfest itself. Three founding members first met during the 2016 festival.
In a statement, vocalist Tom Templar described the show as a career milestone:
“Back at Desertfest 2016, our guitarist Scott, drummer Matt and ex-bassist Andrew met in the hallowed confines of the Black Heart, and over a few ales decided to form the band that would go on to become Green Lung. Ten years later, we couldn’t be more honoured to be headlining the festival. This will undoubtedly be the biggest moment of our career to date and an opportunity to take our stage show to heights we’ve always dreamed of. It’s also a testament to the power of the incredible London heavy rock scene that launched us, and we can’t wait to bring together friends and fans old and new to celebrate a decade of the Lung at the Roundhouse.”
The festival has also confirmed the first wave of other performers. Texan stoner metal band The Sword will make an exclusive UK appearance, while San Diego’s Earthless return for a one-off UK show. Swedish trio Truckfighters, who performed at the inaugural Desertfest in 2012, are also on the bill. Completing the initial announcement are Capricorns, the London-based progressive doom group who helped define the underground heavy scene in the 2000s and will play their first live show in 18 years.
Two further headliners and additional acts are due to be announced in the coming months.
Tickets for Desertfest London 2026 are on sale now and can be accessed here.
