Discovery Festival presents 80's Calling!

Discovery Festival heads to Darlington for 2026 - 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.

Taking place on Saturday 8th August 2026 amazing artists include jazz funk powerhouses Level 42, synth pop legend Marc Almond and Sheffield synth pioneers Heaven 17.

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, breezy groove makers Haircut 100 , smooth-pop hitmakers Go West and 80s chart queen Jaki Graham join the legendary line-up, promising non-stop nostalgia and sing-along moments

Following a hugely successful 2025, that drew thousands of people to Darlington, ‘80s Calling is part of a weekend of music magic with thousands of music fans expected to flock to Darlington for another action-packed event.

With a whole new line-up at ‘80s Calling for 2026 it’s going to be a jam-packed day of hits.

Leading the way are Level 42, the jazz-funk powerhouses whose slick musicianship and infectious grooves made them one of the UK’s biggest acts of the decade.

Mark King, Level 42 lead vocalist and bassist “We are thrilled to be able to party with everyone at Discovery Festival next August at Mowden Park for a fantastic day of music from the best decade, the ‘80s!”

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.

We’re thrilled to announce, Marc Almond the voice behind Soft Cell’s iconic hits Tainted Love and Say Hello, Wave Goodbye, as well as solo chart-topping song Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart, will join Level 42 on the 80s Calling! line-up.

Almond is one of the most enduring and theatrical figures of 80s synth-pop. Expect a performance full of drama and unmistakable style as he brings his signature sound to Mowden Park.

He said: “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that ’80s Calling is heading to Darlington.

“The 80s were a wild, beautiful time. They were bold, glamorous and unashamedly fun — and it’s a joy to bring some of that magic back for one night.

“I can’t wait to step on stage and see it all unfold. Let’s party like it’s 1981.”

And with world-class artists lined up for Friday night and Sunday still to be announced, make sure to keep a close eye on updates in the coming weeks.

Liz Hobbs MBE, CEO of Discovery Festival Ltd said:

“We’re over the moon to bring 80s Calling back to Darlington in 2026 with a 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!”

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.

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