Discovery Festival 2026 announces Headline acts for 80s Calling!

Discovery Festival is heading to Plymouth in June 2026 for a 3 day festival - promising unforgettable music and a party atmosphere.

And it’s time to dig out those leg warmers and neon accessories because ‘80s Calling is going to be more feel-good and nostalgic than ever for the first of 3 announcements!

Taking place on Saturday 13th June amazing artists include synth pop duo Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), jazz funk powerhouses Level 42, and pop legend Kim Wilde.

Packed with huge bands and even bigger hair, it’s not to be missed by fans of the best decade in music! 

Adding even more 80s magic, chart-topping icon Nik Kershaw, smooth-pop favourites Johnny Hates Jazz and new wave legends Altered Images promise non-stop nostalgia and sing along moments to complete the day.

Having already taken over Colchester, Dundee and Darlington, 80s Calling! now heads to Plymouth, promising a jam-packed day of iconic hits not to be missed.

Over the past four decades — give or take a decade break — OMD have sold over 40 million records worldwide, establishing them as electronic synthesiser pioneers and one of Britain’s best-loved pop groups. Having pioneered their genre combining massive chart success with experimentation on albums such as "Organisation"(1980) “Architecture and Morality” (1981) and “Dazzle Ships” (1983). OMD set is full of energy and loaded with their hits, so bring your dancing shoes as this is a performance you won’t want to miss this summer.

Level 42, the jazz-funk powerhouses whose slick musicianship and infectious grooves made them one of the UK’s biggest acts of the decade. With hits like Lessons in Love, Something About You and Running in the Family, they’re renowned for their tight live performances and feel-good energy. Fans can expect a show full of punchy basslines, soaring melodies and all the hits that shaped a generation.

Kim Wilde, the UK’s most charted female solo artist of the 1980s with 17 Top 40 hits including ‘Kids in America’, ‘Cambodia’ and ‘You Keep Me Hanging On’, will be bringing her iconic anthems to Central Park this summer. A defining voice of the decade, her performance will deliver unforgettable memories and nostalgia.

Our iconic line-up includes Nik Kershaw, the hitmaker behind ‘Wouldn’t It Be Good’ and ‘The Riddle’, pop legends Johnny Hates Jazz, creators of the chart-topping ‘Shattered Dreams’ and new wave icon Altered Images, whose ‘Happy Birthday’ is an 80s classic. Together, they promise a high energy trip through the decade’s biggest hits.

Liz Hobbs MBE, CEO of Discovery Festival Ltd said:

“We’re over the moon to be returning to Plymouth this summer after a few years away, we are delighted to bring Discovery Festival to this wonderful city. Our first announcement of 80s Calling brings a fantastic line-up that celebrates the very best of the decade.

“From iconic headliners to feel-good classics, there’s something for everyone - whether you lived through the era the first time around or are discovering these songs for the first time.

“We can’t wait to see festivalgoers embrace the spirit of the day, dust off the neon, rock the leg warmers, and sing along to all the hits. Let’s have a party!

There will truly be something for everyone and if you like to do it in style there will be a limited capacity exclusive VIP Garden from which to enjoy the shows with private bar and ‘posh loos’ too!

The next two announcement will be coming very shortly so keep your eyes peeled and make sure you have signed up to www.discoveryfestival.co.uk for the cheapest tickets available”

Fans are encouraged to sign up to the Discovery Festival mailing list at www.discoveryfestival.co.uk to receive exclusive updates, early access to tickets and the latest news on line-ups and event information.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Plymouth’s biggest weekend of live music!

Tickets go on sale Friday 30th January at 10am with 1-day, 2 day and 3 day weekend tickets available.

Early Bird tickets are available for exclusive subscribers at www.discoveryfestival.co.uk so make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity.