Press Release: ESNS announces first 40 artists for 40th anniversary edition

Date: September 9, 2025
Location: Groningen, The Netherlands

Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), Europe’s leading showcase festival and music conference, proudly announces the first 40 European artists for its 40th anniversary edition, taking place from 14–17 January 2026 in Groningen. This milestone edition highlights four decades of discovering and launching Europe’s most exciting new talent.

A historic milestone: 40 years of ESNS

For forty years, Groningen has been the beating heart of Europe’s live music scene every January. To mark this unique anniversary, ESNS presents an even stronger mission under the banner Europe Calling – a cultural manifesto focusing on unity, collaboration and the power of music to connect across borders.

First 40 names for ESNS26

The first wave of artists reflects the extraordinary creativity of Europe today, from intimate singer-songwriters to genre-defying electronic pioneers and powerful live bands. Among the confirmed acts are Hiqpy and Lenny Monsou, two Dutch artists nominated by NPO 3FM.
 

• Abor & Tynna (Austria)
• Becky Sikasa (Scotland)
• Benni (Belgium)
• BIJI (Sweden)
• Carpetman (Ukraine)
• Coca Puma (Italy)
• DasRADIAL (Luxembourg)
• Della (Cyprus)
• Elín Hall (Iceland)
• FIDJU KITXORA (Portugal)
• Hiqpy (Netherlands)
• Ise (Belgium)
• Jazzbois (Hungary)
• Kaat Van Stralen (Belgium)
• Katarsis (Lithuania)
• Ki Klop (Croatia)
• Lenny Monsou (Netherlands)
• Linda Elys (Switzerland)
• Llum (Spain)
• Léonie Pernet (France)
• Madhouse Express (Czechia)
• mariin k. (Estonia)
• Mattiu (Switzerland)
• Maustetytöt (Finland)
• Me And My Devil (Bulgaria)
• MOIO (Ireland)
• Mortòri (Switzerland)
• Muryel (Germany)
• Nadia Kadek (England)
• Nejc Pipp & Co. (Slovenia)
• Omasta (Poland)
• snuggle (Denmark)
• Sodl (Austria)
• the clumps (Norway)
• Tolstoys (Slovakia, Germany)
• Turbo Trans Turisti (Serbia)
• Valeria Stoica (Romania, Moldova)
• Xcellence (Greece)
• Yoa (Switzerland)
• ZeMe (Latvia)

Quotes from ESNS

Anna van Nunen, General Director of ESNS: Forty years of ESNS is not only about looking back, but about our mission for the future: to connect European artists with audiences and professionals across borders. Europe Calling stands for music as a unifying force in a constantly changing world.

Robert Meijerink, Head of Program & Booker: These first 40 names show the immense creativity from every corner of Europe – from intimate singer-songwriters to innovative electronic acts and powerful live bands. They bring the energy and diversity that make ESNS unique.

Ticket sales

Ticket sales for ESNS26 open on Thursday 25 September 2025. Delegate Passes are already available via esns.nl.

Book your stay with Stay in Groningen

Stay in Groningen is an official partner of Eurosonic Noorderslag. Book your hotel via our platform and support local creativity: a share of every booking directly supports young creators. Discover our curated selection of hotels and enjoy ESNS to the fullest in the heart of Groningen.

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Practical Information

• Event: Eurosonic Noorderslag 2026 (ESNS26)
• Dates: 14–17 January 2026
• Location: Groningen, The Netherlands – various venues
• First 40 artists announced: including Hiqpy & Lenny Monsou (NL)
• Ticket sales start: 25 September 2025