The Maccabees Announced for Eden Sessions July 2026

Seventeen years after their much-loved 2009 show, The Maccabees are heading back to the Eden Sessions. The band will play on Saturday, 11th July 2026, during what will be the Eden Project’s 25th year.

A Long-Awaited Return

The Maccabees last appeared in Cornwall in 2009, shortly after releasing their second album Wall of Arms. They later bowed out with three sold-out shows at Alexandra Palace in 2017 before making a surprise return earlier this year.

This summer saw them back on major stages, including All Points East and Glastonbury. At Glastonbury they were joined by Florence Welch, with NME calling it “their most euphoric show to date”.

Simon Townsend, Eden Sessions director, said: “We’re enormously excited to welcome back The Maccabees to the Eden Sessions stage. Their show in 2009 was unforgettable and this one promises to be no less special. To have them back to perform during our 25th year makes it even more meaningful.”

Their Rise Through the Indie Years

Formed in 2004, The Maccabees became a key part of the 00’s indie scene. Their debut album Colour It In (May 2007) featured Toothpaste Kisses, now their most streamed track with more than 116 million plays. Early success included a US tour with Bloc Party and recognition in NME’s best albums of 2007.

Wall of Arms followed in 2009, produced by Markus Dravs. It delivered singles Love You Better and No Kind Words, and was named joint album of the year by Artrocker.

Their third album, Given to the Wild (January 2012), went gold in the UK. The single Pelican became a crowd favourite and was their closing song during their farewell shows in 2017. It was also the moment that eventually brought them back together, after an impromptu performance at Hugo’s wedding in 2020 that also featured Adele, Florence Welch, Jamie T and Jack Peñate. Pelican won Best Contemporary Song at the 2013 Ivor Novello Awards.

The band’s final album before their hiatus was Marks to Prove It in 2015, which reached number one in the UK Album Chart.

Eden Sessions 2026

The Maccabees are the second act confirmed for Eden Sessions 2026, joining Pixies who will play on 26th June. More artists will be announced.

The Eden Project continues to host performers alongside its gardens and Biomes, with tickets including two-day access to the site as part of the Sessions experience.

Tickets for The Maccabees at the Eden Project on 11th July 2026 are priced at £56 plus a £7.30 booking fee and are available at the Eden Sessions website. They are on sale now to Inside Track pass-holders, with general sale opening at 10am on Friday, 28th November 2025.

In 2019, the Eden Project partnered with AEG Presents to create Eden Sessions Ltd. Volvo Car UK extended its partnership as Presenting Partner of the Eden Sessions and Official Electric Car Partner of the Eden Project in January 2025.