The Great Escape Festival is such a hotbed of music that it even has its own overflow area, suitably titled The Alternative Escape. Plenty of upcoming talent play shows that can often be attended by those with and without tickets, which is pretty handy as the main festival has now sold out. Following our ten recommended acts to catch at The Great Escape 2016, here's some more to catch at The Alternative Escape:
Ben Hobbs (Friday, 7pm, The Mesmerist)
Arguably the standout name at the annual (and consistently excellent) Killing Moon Records shindig, Hobbs' electronic-infused pop may prove to be as successful as the similarly inclined Jack Garratt, who we caught at KM's 2014 showcase.
EAT FAST (Friday, 5.20pm, East Street Tap / Friday, 10.50pm, Mucky Duck)
The artists formerly known as EAT play some of their first ever shows as part of The Alternative Escape, celebrating the release of their scuzzy recent debut EP, 'Fenham Dread(lock)'. And presumably revealing their identities in the process.
Harper (Saturday, 2pm, The Black Lion)
One of the most popular artist appearing at The Alternative Escape, with over half a million views on her YouTube videos. And deservedly so. Pop stardom awaits.
Hilang Child (Saturday, 12.40pm, North Laine Brewhouse)
Back at the 2014 edition of this festival, I was mesmerised by the quiet majesty of Ed Riman's atmospheric music. The perfect act to ease you into your final day at The Great Escape.
Majik (Friday, 7.15pm, North Laine Brewhouse)
The London duo lit up the blogosphere in 2015 with the smooth grooves 'Save Me' and 'It's Alright', and join the likes of ISLAND and Cash+David on one of the strongest Alternative Escape bills.
RIVRS (Saturday, 20.30, The Black Lion)
Having already released material with Kitsuné and now signed to Charli XCX's offshoot Vroom Vroom Recordings, this electronic duo are on the rise.
Find more info at greatescapefestival.com.