Kneecap, Sleaford Mods and Kitty Amor kick off Electric Castle 2026

For 13 years, festival-goers in search of an unconventional live music experience have flocked to Bánffy Castle—a 16th-century fortress in the heart of Transylvania—for Electric Castle. Each summer, the lineup boasts an extensive selection of genres from across the globe, spanning pop, indie, dance, rock, hip-hop, and beyond.

This year, the historic grounds are set to host major acts including Twenty One Pilots, The Cure, Teddy Swims, and Wet Leg. True to its reputation as a 24-hour festival, the music never stops throughout the weekend. As the gates opened on July 16, the atmosphere was electric, setting the stage for a weekend of magic and mayhem.

Sleaford Mods Deliver a Punchy Opening

Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn of Sleaford Mods set a high bar for the weekend with a performance at the Hangar stage. The duo navigated their set with a mix of levity and sharp social commentary, drawing heavily from their latest release, The Demise of Planet X. Highlights included tracks like ‘Megaton’ and ‘No Touch,’ while their cover of Pet Shop Boys’ ‘West End Girls’ provided a memorable moment for the crowd.

Kitty Amor Brings Afro House to the Woods

Deep within the festival grounds, the Hideout Stage—a hidden treehouse-like venue—hosted a standout set from Kitty Amor. As a leading voice in the modern Afro House scene, Amor commanded the crowd with an intoxicating blend of deep, African electronic house music. Her set, which included her summer-defining single ‘Shine A Light,’ solidified her status as one of the genre’s most innovative ambassadors.

Kneecap Bring Energy and Solidarity

The Belfast trio Kneecap brought a powerful, politically charged performance to the stage. With a message of solidarity for Palestine and Lebanon, the group delivered a muscular set that resonated deeply with the audience. Tracks like ‘Smugglers & Scholars’ and ‘Get Your Brits Out’ whipped the crowd into a frenzy, proving that their message transcends borders.

SG Lewis Closes with Disco Glamour

To round out the opening festivities, SG Lewis brought high-octane disco energy to the Booha stage. Known for his collaborations with artists like Dua Lipa and Robyn, Lewis showcased his immense musical range, keeping the energy high with a set that was both unpredictable and endlessly danceable.