Indie icons The Libertines, pop favourites Five and ‘80s legends Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark are set to perform in Plymouth this summer as part of a brand-new music event aiming to bring major festivals to cities often overlooked by touring acts.
The Discovery Festival will arrive in Plymouth from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June 2026, promising a weekend of live music, nostalgia and family-friendly entertainment.
Behind the ambitious project is live events promoter Liz Hobbs, a former world champion athlete whose career has spanned elite sport, broadcasting and some of the UK’s most innovative live music concepts.
Why Plymouth was chosen for Discovery Festival
Plymouth is one of three UK cities selected for the first year of Discovery Festival, alongside Dundee and Darlington.
The aim is to bring high-profile live music to places that often miss out on large touring shows.
Festival founder Liz Hobbs says the concept is about giving audiences access to memorable experiences closer to home.
She also emphasises the value of a festival format where audiences can see multiple artists across a weekend.
From world champion athlete to music promoter
Before entering the world of live entertainment, Hobbs spent more than a decade dominating international water skiing.
She won British, European and world titles, set multiple speed records and retired undefeated in 1987.
Her achievements earned her a nomination for BBC Sports Personality of the Year and later an MBE for services to sport.
After retiring from competition, Hobbs moved into broadcasting, working with organisations including Yorkshire Television, Sky Sports and BBC Radio 2.
Turning sporting venues into live music destinations
Hobbs first spotted an opportunity while working around horse racing venues, which often sat unused outside major race days.
By introducing live concerts alongside race meetings, she discovered a formula that dramatically increased attendance.
“We turned a race meeting that normally attracted just over 1,000 people into 6,000,” she recalls of her early concerts at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
The concept eventually expanded into a touring model bringing concerts to a wide range of sporting venues across the UK — from cricket grounds to rugby stadiums.
What audiences can expect in Plymouth
Visitors to Discovery Festival in Plymouth can expect a weekend of live music, nostalgic ‘80s hits and a family-friendly festival atmosphere.
Alongside headline acts including The Libertines and Five, organisers promise a programme designed to celebrate multiple eras of music.
For Hobbs, the launch of Discovery Festival represents only the beginning of a larger vision.
“This is just the start,” she says.
“I hope each festival grows its own identity, continues to open doors for people and shows that combining music, sport and community works beautifully.”
Discovery Festival 2026 dates
Plymouth: Friday 12 – Sunday 14 June 2026
Dundee: Friday 24 – Sunday 26 July 2026
Darlington: Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 August 2026
For tickets and further information visit the official Discovery Festival website.
