First female artist to headline Main Stage ‘one of the proudest moments in Humber Street Sesh history’
East Yorkshire singer-songwriter Fiona-Lee(Image: humberstreetsesh.co.uk)
Award-winning grassroots music festival Humber Street Sesh has announced East Yorkshire singer-songwriter Fiona-Lee as the Main Stage headliner for 2026. Returning to Hull Marina on Saturday, August 1, Humber Street Sesh will showcase more than 100 acts across multiple stages, celebrating the very best emerging music from the region and beyond.
Topping this year’s bill is one of the UK’s most exciting rising artists, whose journey is closely intertwined with the festival itself. An East Yorkshire lass, Fiona-Lee is no stranger to Humber Street Sesh.
Having first performed on the festival’s Acoustic Stage, she returned in 2025 to deliver a standout set on the BBC Introducing Stage. Now, she makes history as the first female artist to headline the festival’s Main Stage.
According to Capitol Records, Fiona-Lee combines powerful live vocals, strong storytelling and indie-rock sensibilities to create guitar-driven anthems that resonate with audiences far and wide. In an interview with Atwood Magazine earlier this month, Fiona-Lee named Bruce Springsteen, Alanis Morissette, Sinéad O’Connor and Radiohead among her biggest musical inspirations.
Her critically acclaimed second EP, Every Woman, showcases her confessional song writing and resilient feminine power, shaped by challenging formative experiences. With regular airplay on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6 Music, Fiona-Lee has established herself as one of the country’s most exciting emerging artists.
Her first headline tour included a sold-out performance at Hull’s legendary New Adelphi Club earlier this year, underlining her commitment to supporting grassroots music venues and communities. Daniel Mawer, festival booker, said: ”We’re buzzing to have Fiona-Lee as our Main Stage headliner for 2026.
“In recent years she’s supported and toured with artists including CMAT, James, Paul Weller, Tom Grennan and The Amazons. She’s also performed at Glastonbury, The Great Escape and Live at Leeds, and this summer will take to the stages of Reading and Leeds Festival.
“To see her return home to headline Humber Street Sesh feels incredibly special.” The festival’s Main Stage is supported this year by long-term festival sponsors Hull Business Angels.
Pete Adams, office managing partner in Hull at RSM UK, said: “We’re proud to stand alongside our fellow Hull Business Angels in sponsoring Humber Street Sesh for a tenth year. Events like this show the real impact businesses can have when they get behind culture – helping to create opportunities, champion talent and bring communities together in a genuinely inclusive way.
“Humber Street Sesh is a powerful example of what’s possible when the business community invests in the cultural life of the city. We’re delighted to support a main stage that continues to raise the bar – bringing standout artists like Fiona-Lee to Hull.
“It’s that partnership between business and culture that keeps the city thriving.” Fiona-Lee’s story embodies the mission of Humber Street Sesh: championing grassroots music, providing a platform for emerging artists and shining a spotlight on the next generation of talent.
Mark Page, festival director, said: “Fiona-Lee’s journey with us began in 2018 on the Acoustic Stage when she was still a teenager, and we’ve taken immense pride in watching her career flourish ever since. Last year’s performance on the BBC Introducing Stage was a real pinch-me moment for everyone involved.
“To now see Fiona-Lee and her band headline our Main Stage will be one of the proudest moments in Humber Street Sesh history and for our entire team.” Humber Street Sesh 2026 takes place at Hull Marina on Saturday, August 1, from noon until 11pm.
Tier 2 tickets (limited availability) cost £25 plus booking fee and are available now via humberstreetsesh.co.uk and SeeTickets. Tier 2 wristbands (limited availability) cost £25 plus booking fee and are available from selected outlets – see website for details.