The Pretenders to play The Great Escape 2023

As well as being the festival to showcase the hottest new acts, Brighton’s Great Escape festival likes to throw in a massive name, and they don’t get much more massive than legendary rock band The Pretenders.

Formed in 1978 and led by iconic vocalist Chrissie Hynde, the band – very excitingly – are set to play at this year’s TGE, in a show presented by The Independent.

As one of the world’s most enduring and influential rock acts, and they will headline The Independent Stage at The Old Market, with an exclusive set on Friday 12th May, and are sure to bring their arsenal of classic belters with them.

Access to the show will be via a festival wristband, subject to the venue’s capacity. So if you wanna check out this iconic band, be sure to get there early as this is sure to be a popular one.

Some of the newer acts on the excellent bill include ace names such as singer-songwriter Billie Marten, glitchy hip-hop lads Sad Night Dynamite, and Aussies Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, as well as London indie-rock duo Sorry and Irish post-punkers The Murder Capital. Alongside the main festival, the Alternative Escape offers completely free gigs in every nook and cranny across the city, and a four-day music industry-led conference will see the music industry’s leading experts talking about the latest campaigns, trends and developments.

The Great Escape takes place across Brighton from 10 -13 May 2023. Tickets for The Great Escape festival start are on sale here.

Words by Jayne Cheeseman.