Scissor Sisters will headline Barcode Festival 2026 as the grocery industry’s flagship one-day music and fundraising event returns to Kenwood House on 2 July.
Organised by GroceryAid, the festival is expected to bring together more than 6,000 professionals from across grocery retail, FMCG and the wider supply chain. Ticket sales are now live, with the event continuing its dual focus on high-profile entertainment and raising funds to support grocery workers facing financial, emotional and practical challenges.
This year’s line-up on the Bulldog Main Stage, sponsored by Edgewell, is led by Scissor Sisters, fresh from their 2025 reunion tour and a widely praised Glastonbury performance. They will be joined by dance act Faithless, returning to the stage for their first live shows in eight years, and Isle of Wight indie band Wet Leg. Crowd participation will also be a key feature, with MASSAOKE delivering its signature live-band karaoke experience.
A second stage, sponsored by Mondelez, will debut at the 2026 event, expanding the festival’s entertainment offer. The line-up includes grocery industry DJ Naeem, The Beatles Dub Club, Drag Race UK star Ella Vaday, and a closing Ibiza-inspired set from Cameron Jack.
Barcode has established itself as one of the largest annual gatherings of the UK grocery sector, combining live music with brand activations, networking and hospitality. The event offers suppliers and brands a platform to showcase new product development, deliver sampling and engage directly with senior retail decision-makers. More than 600 commercial contacts from 18 major UK retailers are expected to attend.
For retailers and suppliers alike, the festival also serves as a team-building and recognition opportunity, with many companies hosting dedicated hospitality areas to reward staff and strengthen relationships in a more informal setting.
The 2025 edition attracted 6,000 attendees, including over 1,000 retail colleagues, and featured 118 brand activations. It raised more than £1.4 million for GroceryAid, underlining the sector’s ability to combine commercial engagement with charitable impact.
Kieran Hemsworth, chief executive of GroceryAid, said the 2026 event would build on that momentum. “We’re excited for this year’s incredible line-up at Barcode, including Scissor Sisters, Faithless, Wet Leg and MASSAOKE. With live music throughout the day, we’re set for a brilliant celebration of the grocery industry.
“Barcode encapsulates the vibrancy and creativity of the grocery sector, whilst giving back to the industry. Not only does the event provide a unique opportunity to showcase products to thousands of industry colleagues, increase connections, reward colleagues, and have a good time; it raises vital funds, ensuring even more grocery workers can access the help they’ve earned.”