Deer Shed After Dark
New for this year at Deer Shed Festival, the Wilderwild expands into the evening with magical after-dark sessions. Slip on a pair of silent headphones and step into an immersive nighttime world of sound, nature and imagination. Put the kids to bed and head out to the Wilderwild for adult-only sessions late into the night. These unique experiences offer a calm, atmospheric way to explore the festival landscape under the stars together.
The Maze Runner
When Thomas wakes up trapped in a huge, shifting maze alongside a group of other boys, his memory of the outside world is gone, except for puzzling dreams of a mysterious organization called W.C.K.D. To survive, he and the others must piece together fragments of his past while deciphering the vast maze’s hidden clues.
Join us for The Maze Runner, a thrilling adaptation of James Dashner’s best-selling novel, exploring friendship and the fight for freedom.
The Dark Room
Take a step into The Dark Room, the world’s only live-action video game coming to you at this year’s Big Top. Watch this hilarious part improv comedy, part retro gaming; the show that lures the audience into an interactive world full of deathtraps, puzzles and lots of laughs. With thousands of possibilities - no two shows are the same. The creator John Robertson will blend audience interactions and storytelling into a high-octane experience that has been sold out at The Edinburgh Fringe, Glastonbury, PAX, and around the world. Laugh, play, and survive…if you can.
Boko Yout
When Joshua Idehen tells you to pay attention, you listen — and when he tips Boko Yout, you get to the front.
Led by Paul Adamah, the band’s self-styled Afro-Grunge fuses punk-funk drive, jagged alt-rock and fearless experimentation — music that feels like a riot and a ritual in equal measure.
Their 2025 debut GUSTO (via Hoopdiggas Recordings) — a concept record framed as therapy sessions with fictional Dr. Gusto — dives into ego, anxiety and artistic autonomy with explosive, introspective force.
Already one of Europe’s most vital live acts, they don’t just play — they detonate.
No favourites… but they’re one of mine for 2026. See you at the front.
La Sécurité
La Sécurité make music like you’re rummaging through someone’s slightly cracked dream — dreamy synthscapes, slow-building grooves, and a vibe that feels somewhere between nocturnal and nostalgic. Their sound drifts: sometimes shimmering and soft, sometimes tinted with claustrophobic tension, always pulling at something unspoken.
They don’t try to hand-feed you songs so much as invite you to sink into them — hazy vocals, echoing sound layers and a mood that hovers just off-centre. It’s music for quiet transport, or maybe for dancing in the half-light.
There’s a subtle power to La Sécurité’s style: unflashy, moody, and deceptively delicate — but once it wraps around you, it’s hard to shake off. We’re thrilled to see them at Deer Shed. Let yourself drift, and let them take you somewhere different.
The Labyrinth Masquerade Ball
Deer Shed Darlings, you have been invited to attend the mysterious and magical movieoke cinema event at Deer Shed this year. “The Labyrinth Masquerade Ball,” hosted by the Goblin King himself, will guide you on the “Rules of the Labyrinth” — who to cheer for, who to boo & who to wolf whistle (Jareth, obviously!). All will be made crystal clear at the offing, including an audience-wide sing-along to “Dance Magic.”
Dress to impress — masks are a must, it is a masquerade ball after all!
Patrick Monahan
Patrick Monahan is back for Deer Shed 2026, hosting not one but two of our mixed bill comedy line ups. Get ready for a whirlwind of laughter.
The irish-iranian tee-sider is famous for his high energy, charming comedy and effortlessly smooth audience interactions. Making him an audience favourite with Deer Shedders over the years. Patrick blends timely humour with his joyful storytelling leaving crowds in stiches.
Whether it's leaving crowds in stitches observational gags or spontaneous snippets , he'll have you hooked front he beginning.
Stewart Lee
Some say Stewart Lee is the greatest living comedian. Personally, I think he is too, so that's that.
We are going to need a bigger tent.
Hard to know what to say in light of this, except to say that collectively Deer Shed is delighted that Stewart has agreed to do some stand-up for us in July. It is quite an honour.
A short preview, but sometimes more is unnecessary.
Molly McGuinness
Following a sold-out Fringe run and a Best Newcomer nomination at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, Salford-born Molly McGuinness has quickly become one of the most exciting new voices in comedy. Her debut show SLOB, combines razor-sharp wit with brutally honest storytelling, covering everything from awful hospital food to beginning a relationship in intensive care after contracting the rare and life-threatening Lemierre’s Disease. Before that, life was all about buffets and Meat Loaf at the local pub — until everything changed overnight. We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Molly to Deer Shed for the first time as part of this year’s brilliant comedy line-up.
Niki Stevens
Niki Stevens is usually busy behind the scenes looking after the artists onsite - but this year we thought we’d ask if she’d have time in her schedule to pop back to the Wilderwild for a Fire Side Session. She said yes, obviously!
Her amazing sets capture the heart of every Deer Shedder in attendance, and we can't wait to welcome her back to the fireside!
Night Swim
Experience the magic of wild swimming under the stars with our first Night Wild Swim Session at Deer Shed! This enchanting session offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the River Swale after dark, guided by the soft glow of luminous floats (provided).
Perfect for all abilities, this session combines the thrill of night swimming with the relaxed and supportive atmosphere Deer Shed is known for. Whether you're a seasoned wild swimmer or new to the experience, swimming under the night sky is a truly unforgettable adventure.
All sessions include qualified supervision, safety floats, and lifeguards. After your swim, warm up with shared indoor changing facilities, showers, and unlimited hot tea. For 16+. All swimmers must be able to swim 50m competently. Make sure you bring Swimwear, towel, and a float (if possible).
Hench Wench Silent Ceilidh Band
After last year’s festival, I made it my mission to find the perfect act for a late-night silent ceilidh — and The Hench Wenches were exactly what Wilderwild needed. To make it happen, we’ve extended the Wilderwild opening hours for what might become the best late-night session Deer Shed has ever seen.
Known for their pioneering Trad HIIT workout (10am Saturday), The Hench Wenches bring relentless energy, infectious music, and glorious ceilidh chaos at any hour of the day or night. Expect spinning strangers, stomping feet, huge laughs, and step-by-step dance calls — no experience or partner needed, just plenty of energy.
Silent Line Dancing Disco with Jonnie One Biscuit
Step into the midnight glow for a Line Dancing Disco Silent Headphones session with Jonnie One Biscuit at Deer Shed. Slip on your headphones, choose your channel, and follow the calls as the dancefloor transforms into a late-night country disco under the stars.
Expect boot-scooting classics, unexpected remixes, neon energy, and plenty of laughs as beginners and seasoned dancers move together in perfect silent harmony. Jonnie One Biscuit keeps the tempo high with infectious charisma, easy-to-follow moves, and a soundtrack packed with feel-good favourites. It’s part hoedown, part rave, and completely unforgettable after dark for anyone chasing festival magic beyond bedtime.
Across the Tracks
Across the Tracks have been soundtracking dancefloors and festivals since starting as a Manchester club night in 2005. From funk and soul foundations, they’ve grown into a melting pot of house, disco, indie, breaks, hip-hop, electro, R&B and pop gems.
We’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve danced along to an Across the Tracks DJ set. Like Deer Shed, they’re all about discovering great music while revisiting classics to create the perfect party atmosphere. This year, they’ll be opening our Friday arena on the In The Dock Stage with thie kind of set guaranteed to get everyone moving.
Secret Fire Side Sets
The secret fire sessions are becoming a staple of the Deer Shed programme - a bit of spontaneity never hurt anyone right? Who can remember that beauty of a set from none other than Jacob Alon last year.
This year we will be continuing the tradition, selecting a few acts from our music programme and getting them to do surprise performances from our Wilderwild Fire side.
These sets won’t be in the programme, but we might drop a few hints on socials... you’ll just have to wait and see who’s there on the day.
Rory Hoy
Rory Hoy will need no introduction to regular Deer Shedders.
He has been spinning the 1s and 2s at the festival for many years — practically part of the team at this point. His speciality is whipping late-night crowds into an absolute frenzy with upbeat DJ sets that keep the energy levels sky high.
If you haven’t gone to bed already, this is not to be missed. Rory is also known for writing his own tunes and authoring an acclaimed book on the history of Big Beat. Catch him on Sunday night in the In The Dock Tent as he closes the festival.