Hanwell Hootie Set for Musical Takeover of the Town
Free one day festival expected to attract tens of thousands
A previous year's Hanwell Hootie
April 16, 2026
Hanwell is gearing up for one of the biggest days in its cultural calendar as the Hanwell Hootie returns on Saturday 9 May, promising a full-scale musical takeover across the town. The free one-day festival, now a major annual event, is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors for a celebration of live music, community spirit and local talent.
Last year’s Hootie attracted around 30,000 revellers, and organisers say this year’s line-up is one of the strongest yet. Performances will take place in pubs, community venues and outdoor spaces, including the popular Viaduct Meadow stage, creating a town-wide soundtrack from midday until late.
Among the main-stage headliners are The Gospel and Daytime TV, who have previously supported the Kaiser Chiefs, the indie band best known for their chart-topping hit Ruby. They will be joined by rising local favourites Sterling Press, whose members grew up in Hanwell and attended Drayton Manor School.
Guitarist Ed Higgins, 25, said the band’s connection to the festival runs deep. “I remember being taken to the Hanwell Hootie when I was around 11 and thought it would be fun to play there. The organisers have been really supportive and gave us our first slot when we were 17. This will be our fourth appearance.”
Fresh from an “amazing year” touring in America and Europe, the band say performing on home turf still feels special. “It’s exciting to play live right on your doorstep, in front of family and friends and where we were writing and recording songs,” Higgins said. “It’s cool to represent the musical history of Hanwell and be a part of Marshall Amps continuing that legacy.”
The Hootie prides itself on championing emerging artists, and this year it is expanding that mission by giving stage time to three high-school bands from the borough — Drayton Manor, Elthorne Park and Twyford. The festival is run entirely by volunteers, who aim to keep music accessible and inclusive.
Co-founder and music director Andy McRobbie said: “It’s a privilege to see so much emerging talent, and we’re doing everything we can to curate a festival that supports new artists and brings the community together through live music – it’s a great leveller.”
The Hanwell Hootie began in 2013 as a tribute to Jim Marshall, the legendary founder of Marshall Amplification, who lived and worked in Hanwell and became known as “The Father of Loud”. The first festival marked the anniversary of his death and included the unveiling of a plaque at the Hanwell clock tower. Since then, the event has grown into one of west London’s most distinctive music festivals.
The Hootie continues to be supported by local organisations, including Ealing Council and Marshall Amplification, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022.
Full details of the line-up, timings and venues are available on the festival website.
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