The Colour Fest 14 is not only the most important independent festival in southern Italy: it is a wide-open window on the world. The 2026 edition, scheduled 11, 12 and 13 August on Riviera dei Tramonti in Lamezia Terme, brings to Calabria an international cast of the highest calibre, with artists from Germany, France, England, Holland and Poland. Names that fill clubs and festivals throughout Europe and that, in many cases, play for the first - and only - time in southern Italy.

Here are the international artists who make Color Fest 14 unmissable.

Apparat live - 11 August

Apparat, born Sascha Ring, is one of the most revered names in contemporary electronics. A Berliner by adoption, born in Quedlinburg in 1978, in a career spanning more than 20 years he has built up a sonic universe ranging from minimal techno to orchestral ambient, including compositions that have moved millions of people around the world - his music has also become famous as soundtrack of the Netflix series “Dark”. Half of the project Moderat together with Modeselektor, Apparat is back in 2026 with the new album “A Hum Of Maybe”, made with long-time collaborator Philipp Johann Thimm and released on Mute Records: a record that fuses modular textures, intricate electronics and a magnetic vocal presence.

His live performance at Color Fest will be the Apparat's first time ever in Calabriaan immersive experience, a sonic journey through the tracks of the new album and the classics of his production. A rare and precious event for southern Italy.

James Holden & Wacław Zimpel - 11 August

When the British electronics manufacturer James Holden meets Polish clarinettist and composer Wacław Zimpel, something that transcends genres was born. Holden, a cult figure in the London electronic scene since the early 2000s with his Border Community label, is renowned for an approach to music that combines improvisation, modular synthesisers and hypnotic structures. Zimpel brings with him the depth of the Eastern European musical tradition and a mastery of wind instruments that cuts across jazz, minimalism and contemporary music.

Together, the two create live sets that elude any definitionacoustic trances, ever-changing soundscapes, moments of pure musical ecstasy. The image attached to the festival says it all: “What listening to this live show will entail, you cannot know yet. When you see it, you will be amazed. It's addictive.” A live performance that at Color Fest will be a’unique experience for the Calabrian public.

Sébastien Tellier - 12 August

Sébastien Tellier is a living legend of French music. A Parisian, born in 1975, he has spanned a career spanning more than two decades, building a unique sonic imagery: dreamy, sophisticated pop imbued with French touch, psychedelia and cinematic romanticism. Those who know him know that his albums - from “Politics” a “Sexuality”, up to “Domesticated” - are complete sensory journeys. Those who do not yet know him are about to discover one of the most iconic and visionary artists of the European music scene.

Tellier arrives at Color Fest with only two Italian dates in 2026. After years of pursuit by the festival organisation, the French maestro will finally take the stage at the Riviera dei Tramonti. A milestone for the Color Fest and an unrepeatable opportunity for the public in southern Italy.

Yīn Yīn - 12 August

From Maastricht, in the south of the Netherlands, comes one of the most exciting and infectious bands on the European scene: the Yīn Yīn. The Dutch quartet fuses irresistibly funk, disco, psychedelia and south-east Asian sounds, creating a sonic cocktail that makes any audience move. Born from a jam session in a dance school in 2017, they have quickly conquered the stages of festivals such as Lowlands, Fuji Rock, Roskilde and Trans Musicales.

In January 2026, they released their fourth album, “Yatta!”, their most mature and overwhelming work to date: a record that draws on Italian disco, surf and cosmic funk, recorded live to capture the band's energy live. On stage, Yīn Yīn turn every concert into a collective party. Rhythm, quality and infectious sounds, all by the seaWhat more can you ask of your summer?

Django Django - 13 August

I Django Django are a piece of British contemporary music history. Formed in London but with Scottish roots, since their eponymous debut album in 2012 - nominated for the Mercury Prize - they have built an artistic path through art-rock, synth-pop, psychedelia and tribal rhythms, always with a visionary attitude and a unique ability to make the audience dance. Four studio albums have confirmed them as one of the most creative and unpredictable bands on the international indie scene, from “Born Under Saturn” a “Glowing in the Dark” until “Off Planet”.

Their live show is an enthralling experience, a flow of energy and melodies that does not leave you standing still. At Color Fest 14 they will play the 13 August, closing the festival with one of the most eagerly awaited concerts: you just have to decide whether to go barefoot or in comfortable shoes.

Deadletter - 13 August

I Deadletter are the British band of the moment. Born in Yorkshire and transplanted to London, led by charismatic frontman Zac Lawrence, have conquered the European post-punk scene with devastating live energy, edgy lyrics and the unmistakable saxophone presence that sets them apart from any other band of their generation. After their acclaimed debut “Hysterical Strength” (2024), they released in February 2026 their second album “Existence Is Bliss” on So Recordings: twelve tracks that expand their sound towards new wave atmospheres and electronic experimentation, without losing an ounce of ferocity.

With over 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and a series of sold out in Italian clubs, Deadletter are a live force to be reckoned with. The Color Fest finally brings them to the south: we will stand and sing.

A festival that speaks the language of the world

Six international artists from five different countries - Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Poland - bringing the best of the European music scene to Calabria. Alongside them, an equally extraordinary Italian cast that includes Cosmo with its concert in the morning, The Zen Circus, La Niña, Dimartino, C'mon Tigre, All Phenomena and many others.

The Colour Fest, reached its fourteenth edition, once again confirms its vocation: to be a bridge between Calabria and the rest of the world, a place where avant-garde music meets the beauty of the Mediterranean. With over 60% of the public from outside the region, the festival has become a national benchmark for those seeking authentic and out-of-the-ordinary musical experiences.

Colour Fest 14 - Summer on a Solitary Beach
11, 12, 13 August 2026
Lungomare Falcone e Borsellino - Riviera dei Tramonti, Lamezia Terme (CZ)
Tickets and subscriptions available at colourfest.co.uk/tickets-info