Crossed Wires has revealed its first wave of acts for 2026 as the festival prepares for a four-day run in Sheffield next July.
The event will take place from 2 July to 5 July and follows a year in which attendance doubled, prompting organisers to add an extra day of live shows, talks and activities.
This expansion is set to bring thirty-five thousand people into the city, strengthening Crossed Wires’ position as the biggest podcast festival in the world this year.
Its growth continues a strong period for the event after appointing Greg James as Creative Director and securing a gold win at the Audio Production Awards last week for its contribution to supporting the UK podcast industry.
The first announcement includes Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball, How to Fail with Elizabeth Day, The Blindboy Podcast, If I Speak with Ash Sarkar and Moya Lothian McLean, Get A Grip with Angela Scanlon and Vicky Pattison, and Bold Politics with Zack Polanski.
Additional shows heading to Sheffield include Sara and Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club, Nick Cope’s Family Show, Story Shed, Get A Grip: Bras Off and The Screen Rot Podcast, with more names to follow in the next announcement.
BBC Sounds will return with its free Fringe programme, again based in the Cole Brothers building after a successful 2025 run.
New this time, is the arrival of BBC Radio 4, which will take over a theatre space at Montgomery Hall to host talks, performances and live recordings throughout the weekend.
The partnership follows a series of standout moments at last year’s festival, including a world-first Monty Python performance from Michael Palin on day one and a surprise Shipping Forecast reading by Jarvis Cocker.
Organisers say 2026 will bring even more opportunities for audiences to discover new shows, meet fellow fans and experience the growing podcast community rooted in Sheffield.
Events will run across key venues including City Hall and the Crucible, all within walking distance, with live recordings, after-parties and an expanded Fringe planned across the four days.
Greg James, Creative Director of Crossed Wires said: “Last year I ended up on stage with comedy hero (and Sheffield local) Michael Palin, which was a dream come true. That set an outrageously high bar for my new job as Crossed Wires’ Creative Director.
“The whole weekend went by in a flash but was so enjoyable and the city was at its very best. I loved it so much. And because we had such a great time, we’re going bigger in 2026.
“Four days means more show, more silliness, more surprises and more chances for people to fall in love with something unexpected. Get yourself to Sheffield – it’s going to be fun.”
Dino Sofos, co-founder of Crossed Wires added: “We’re thrilled to see so many of the UK’s biggest podcasters and platforms joining us next summer.
“The line-up is more ambitious than ever, and our partners are growing their presence. It’s brilliant to see BBC Radio 4 taking over its own venue and filling it with their most high-profile talent – all for free! And this is only the first wave; there’s plenty more to come.
“There’s nothing else like Crossed Wires in the world – like the Edinburgh Fringe, this is becoming a magnet for podcast fans and the industry alike.”
Sign up at CrossedWires.Live now to access pre-sale on Wednesday 10 December. General sale on Thursday 11 December.
