PRESIDENT and Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons Announced for Takedown 2026

With the Autumn evenings drawing in, it’s expected that several festival announcements will be popping up in the coming weeks and months. Today, Portsmouth’s Takedown Festival has announced its two headliners. Taking place at the Guildhall on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April 2026, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons will close out the opening night with a special Motörhead set. The following night will see the much-talked-about PRESIDENT headline their first festival.

“We’re proud to officially launch Takedown Festival 2026,” said Takedown co-directors Sarah and Kai Harris. “This year’s event taps into a powerful moment in metal culture. With younger fans rediscovering the roots of heavy music—especially following the passing of icons like Ozzy Osbourne—we’re honoured to have Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons headline Friday 3rd April with a full Motörhead set. It’s a chance to celebrate a legacy that continues to inspire across generations.”

“On Saturday 4th April, we’re handing the reins to President, one of the most talked-about new acts in UK heavy music. Their April ‘Campaign Trail’ tour sold out instantly, and their debut EP King of Terrors has struck a chord with fans through its cinematic intensity. Their headline set will be a statement, and we’re excited to see them take the Takedown main stage in full force.”

“We’re excited to be able to showcase the evolution of heavy music from (to quote Lemmy) Motorhead’s rock n roll all the way through to cutting edge contemporary alternative metal”