Discovery Festival returns to Plymouth with ‘80s Calling!'

The headline acts have been announced for Discovery Festival 2026, with organisers confirming that the festival will return to Plymouth’s Central Park for a three-day event in June, starting with a major celebration of 80s music.

The first line-up announcement is for ‘80s Calling!’, taking place on Saturday 13 June 2026, with Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) top of the bill, joined by special guests Level 42 and Kim Wilde.

Also performing are Nik Kershaw, Johnny Hates Jazz and Altered Images, promising what organisers describe as “an amazing day of music” packed with nostalgic hits.

Discovery Festival said the Plymouth date follows successful 80s Calling events in Colchester, Dundee and Darlington, with the tour now bringing its retro-themed show to the South West.

OMD - widely regarded as electronic synth pioneers - have sold more than 40 million records worldwide over the past four decades and are known for chart success and experimental albums including "Organisation" (1980), “Architecture and Morality” (1981) and “Dazzle Ships” (1983). Festival organisers said the band’s set will be “full of energy and loaded with their hits”.

Level 42 will also bring their jazz-funk sound to Central Park, performing fan favourites including Lessons in Love, Something About You and Running in the Family.

Meanwhile, pop icon Kim Wilde, the UK’s most charted female solo artist of the 1980s with 17 Top 40 hits, is set to perform tracks including Kids in America, Cambodia and You Keep Me Hanging On.

The wider line-up includes Nik Kershaw, Johnny Hates Jazz and Altered Images, completing a day designed to celebrate what organisers call “the best decade in music”.

Liz Hobbs MBE, CEO of Discovery Festival Ltd, said: “We’re over the moon to be returning to Plymouth this summer after a few years away; we are delighted to bring Discovery Festival to this wonderful city. Our first announcement of 80s Calling brings a fantastic line-up that celebrates the very best of the decade.

“From iconic headliners to feel-good classics, there’s something for everyone - whether you lived through the era the first time around or are discovering these songs for the first time.

“We can’t wait to see festival-goers embrace the spirit of the day, dust off the neon, rock the leg warmers, and sing along to all the hits. Let’s have a party!

“There will truly be something for everyone and if you like to do it in style there will be a limited capacity exclusive VIP Garden from which to enjoy the shows with private bar and ‘posh loos’ too!

“The next two announcement will be coming very shortly so keep your eyes peeled and make sure you have signed up to www.discoveryfestival.co.uk for the cheapest tickets available.”

Tickets for Discovery Festival will include 1-day, 2-day and 3-day weekend options, with prices starting from £45 plus fees, and upgrades available. Accessible tickets will be available.

Tickets are available via Discovery Festival, Ticketmaster and Eventim.