Rabidfest 2026: The possibilities are endless!

Over the past month or so the Rabidfest team have announced 11 of the 20 bands set to grace the stage at this years incarnation of Oxford’s finest Metal Weekender. As the Sunday night headliner slot remains hidden in plain slight, it’s time for a little idol speculation on who they might have filling the other 9 slots. Then there are another 4 bands for the annual “The Fright Before Rabidfest” show. It will all take place over the weekend of 31st October and 1st November 2026 at The Bullingdon in Oxford, so lets get into it.

But before we do, here’s the line up so far:

Hacktivist (Saturday headliner)
Thrashatouille
Maatkare
Swarm6ix
Black Candy
Devilhusk
The Dead XIII
The Crawling
Novacrow
Dacara
Rattlesnakes
Omegathrone

Let’s begin this moment of madness that’s crazier than a Raised by Owls sketch with a genuine possibility. Divine Chaos have headlined Rabidfest twice in the past, most notably in 2021 and with their incredible new album “Hate Reactor” finally out there in the World, we would love to see the 7 String Thrash machine back on that Devolution Magazine sponsored main stage come November!

Spinefarm Records signings Urne have been going from strength to strength with each passing album, their latest burnt offering “Setting Fire To The Sky” having already taken them around Europe. They’ve just announced a run of shows with The Grey and Moon Reaper for November so could that Sunday night headliner be just what they need?

From the sublime to the ridiculous? How far do you want to go? Big? How about American Technical Death Metal giants Archspire? Their European tour with Crown Magnetar, The Zenith Passage and Analepsy has a gap on 1st November between shows in Bristol and Antwerp. Having done so at Tech-Fest a couple of years back they could reduce The Bullingdon to rubble if they can be pursued to turn their off day into mosh pit madness!

Metallic Hardcore merchants Shoot to Kill were given their live debut by Rabidfest a few years back so with their debut album “Heretic To Yourself” set to arrive this summer, a return to Oxford couldn’t be more timely especially as the city isn’t part of their release tour! What are the chances of Harbinger vocalist Dilan Alves reprising his role on “Beautiful End To A Horrible Tale” as part of that?

One more for good measure? Why not? How about the ArcTanGent Festival bound Forlorn? Their critically acclaimed album “Aether” gave a whole new meaning to Blackened Folk Horror Metal and given the immersive and captivating performances they’re capable of it would be something special (and probably evil) if they were able to be part of this years festival!

We’re proud to be a Media Partner of Rabidfest again this year alongside Red Death Media, Moomin Merchandise, Moshville Times, Moshville Radio, GraphicsFix, TwoFace Promotions, Blackstar Amplification and main stage sponsor Devolution Magazine. The Festival is all for charity and this year the profits will be going to the The Sophie Lancaster Foundation!

Rabidfest will take place at The Bullingdon in Oxford over the weekend of the 31st October and 1st November 2026:

Get your tickets -> https://www.rabidfest.co.uk

Get your merch -> https://shop.rabidfest.co.uk