The Full Festival Lineup and Schedule as Crossed Wires Reveals Final Headliners for 2026

Right then, the final list of names for this year’s massive Crossed Wires podcast festival has just landed, and it’s looking bigger than ever. The whole thing is returning to Sheffield this summer, taking over the city from Thursday 2nd July to Sunday 5th July 2026. This isn't just any event; it's shaping up to be the world's biggest podcast party. The latest announcement adds some seriously big hitters to the line-up, including the iconic comedy actor Paul Whitehouse, spooky storyteller Danny Robins, and the hosts of the deliciously gossipy British Scandal, Alice Levine and Matt Forde. Whether someone is into true crime, comedy, science, or just figuring out life, this festival seems to have it covered. Getting tickets early seems like a very smart move.

The final big names are here

The Crossed Wires team has just revealed its final headline acts, adding even more star power to an already impressive list. For a start, BAFTA-winning actor Paul Whitehouse is bringing the smash-hit podcast I'm ADHD! No You're Not to the stage. He’ll be joined by his wife, Dr Mine Conkbayir MBE, for a funny and honest look at their neurological differences. They’ve even promised a special celebrity guest who also has ADHD, so expect some brilliant, unfiltered chat.

If spooky stories are more the vibe, then prepare for chills. The creator of the hit play 2:22 A Ghost Story, Danny Robins, is back in Sheffield with a live version of his terrifying podcast, Uncanny: Cold Cases. He’ll be taking over the haunted Lyceum Theatre for a night of seriously gripping storytelling about historical hauntings. And for those who love a bit of real-life drama, the British Scandal podcast is coming to town. Hosts Alice Levine and political comedian Matt Forde will be digging into the human stories behind the biggest scandals that have rocked the UK. Nothing is off-limits.

There's also something for anyone trying to navigate that chaotic decade of life: the twenties. Jemma Sbeg is bringing her number one psychology podcast, The Psychology of Your 20s, to the festival. It's a must-see for anyone in their twenties, or for any parent trying to understand what on earth is going on. For sports fans, Sheffield’s own boxing world-champion Johnny Nelson will be hosting That Boxing Show, full of insider stories and expert fight analysis. And for the younger podcast fans, Fun Kids Science Quest will be on hand to explore the coolest stuff in science, from dinosaurs to deep space. This is a science lesson that will definitely not be boring.

What else is on at the festival?

These new headliners are joining a line-up that was already jam-packed with talent. The four-day festival has a huge range of live shows. Kicking things off on Thursday 2nd July is a special opening show with Greg James and Alice Levine, called A Night of Mistakes!, which sounds exactly as chaotic and brilliant as you’d expect. Throughout the weekend, attendees can catch candid conversations about life's setbacks with Elizabeth Day on How to Fail, or get unfiltered advice on modern life from Angela Scanlon and Vicky Pattison on their show, Get A Grip: Bras Off.

For those interested in the world around them, journalist Ash Sarkar will be unpacking current affairs in If I Speak, and politician Zack Polanski is hosting Bold Politics to discuss progressive ideas. And of course, there’s plenty of comedy, with shows from JaackMaate, The Elis & John Show, and Sara Pascoe. The festival isn’t just about sitting and listening, either. On Saturday night, the All My Friends After Party promises a huge disco, so it might be wise to pack some comfy dancing shoes alongside the podcast-listening ears. The sheer variety ensures that every podcast fan will find something they love at this July festival.

Something for everyone in Sheffield

The Crossed Wires festival is more than just a series of shows; it's a city-wide celebration of all things audio. Last year, the event brought 25,000 people to Sheffield, and this year is set to be even bigger. Alongside the ticketed headline events, the BBC Sounds Fringe is returning for a second year, offering a bunch of free shows from top BBC podcasts. BBC Radio 4 will also be taking over a stage, with acts to be announced soon. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover new favourites without spending a penny.

The whole event is a massive party for podcast lovers. Co-founder Dino Sofos shared his excitement, saying, "Are we in for a treat this summer! Huge names, cult favourites and future classics all heading to Sheffield for the biggest podcasting party in the world. We can’t wait. Grab your tickets before it’s too late!” The atmosphere is sure to be buzzing with special guests, DJ sets, and fan events happening across the city all weekend. This is one podcast event you don't want to miss.

How to get your tickets

Feeling the buzz? Getting tickets for the Crossed Wires podcast festival is straightforward. The pre-sale for mailing list subscribers has already happened, but the general sale for all shows goes live on Friday, 27th March at 11am. With so many huge names on the bill, from Paul Whitehouse discussing ADHD to Danny Robins investigating Uncanny: Cold Cases, tickets for the headline shows are expected to sell out pretty quickly. It's best to head over to the official website, CrossedWires.Live, to sign up for updates and be ready when they go on sale. Don't miss the chance to be part of this incredible celebration of podcasting in Sheffield this July.

A full rundown of the podcast line-up

With so many shows packed into one weekend, here’s a handy guide to what’s on, when, and where. It’s a huge list, with something happening every day of the festival.

• Greg James and Alice Levine (+ friends): A Night of Mistakes! – Thursday 2nd July – City Hall

• The Psychology of Your 20s with Jemma Sbeg – Friday 3rd July – Playhouse Theatre

• Get A Grip: Bras Off with Angela Scanlon & Vicky Pattison – Friday 3rd July – Memorial Hall

• JaackMaate's Happy Hour – Friday 3rd July – City Hall

• How to Fail with Elizabeth Day – Saturday 4th July – City Hall

• If I Speak with Ash Sarkar & Moya Lothian McLean – Saturday 4th July – Playhouse Theatre

• That Boxing Show with Johnny Nelson – Saturday 4th July – Playhouse

• The Elis & John Show – Saturday 4th July – City Hall

• All My Friends After Party – Saturday 4th July – Ballroom

• British Scandal with Alice Levine and Matt Forde – Sunday 5th July – Lyceum

• I'm ADHD No You're Not with Paul Whitehouse – Sunday 5th July – Playhouse Theatre

• Uncanny: Cold Cases with Danny Robins – Sunday 5th July – Lyceum

• The Blindboy Podcast – Sunday 5th July – City Hall

• Bold Politics with Zack Polanski – Sunday 5th July – Crucible Theatre

• Fun Kids Science Quest – Sunday 5th July – Playhouse Theatre