Waterworks has unveiled the official set times for its landmark 2026 edition, Waterworks Extended, transforming The Cause in London into the home of a continuous 36-hour celebration of underground electronic music and UK club culture. Taking place on September 12–13, the expanded format introduces longer operating hours, extended DJ sets, enhanced production, and an immersive multi-stage experience while maintaining the thoughtfully curated programming that has become synonymous with the festival.
Making full use of The Cause’s diverse collection of dancefloor spaces, Waterworks Extended gives artists the opportunity to play longer sets, allows sound systems to reach their full potential, and creates an environment where the festival’s carefully crafted musical journey can unfold at its own pace.
Festival co-founder and Love International founder Dave Harvey explained the vision behind the expanded concept:
“Waterworks was started to put the focus on the underground artists at the heart of UK club culture, something we didn’t see happening at that time, or at least not in the way we had envisaged it. We think this will be a really special show that London has not seen before, giving opportunities to have longer sets and 36-hour programming alongside unique production and lighting upgrades.”
True to its roots, Waterworks continues to celebrate the breadth and diversity of progressive dance music by bringing together respected pioneers, long-time collaborators, and forward-thinking artists from across the underground spectrum.
The lineup features standout performances from Bradley Zero & Erol Alkan, Christian AB & Craig Richards, Eris Drew, Midland, Leon Vynehall, Raresh & Sonja Moonear, OK Williams & Skee Mask, Daniel Avery, Djrum, DJ Storm, Objekt, Ruff Sqwad, Tim Reaper, Carré, Shy One, and NIKS. Live performances from Reptant, Alex Kassian, Manami, and Decius Soundsystem further expand the weekend’s musical offering.
Festival booker and co-founder Simon Denby emphasized the festival’s commitment to showcasing the city’s evolving creative landscape:
“This year we’re excited to dig deeper and go further into the incredible breadth of talent that makes up London’s sonic palette. It is a joy to plumb the depths of these ever-changing scenes and shine a light on some of the formidable artists we love—from the originators to those instigating the next steps in the journey. Waterworks has always been a love letter to London’s multi-faceted underground, and we are excited to start the next chapter.”
Community remains central to the Waterworks identity, with the festival once again partnering with influential collectives and organizations deeply embedded within the UK’s underground music culture. Sunday will feature stage takeovers from Keep Hush, Outlook Festival, DaMetalMessiah, EC2A, and Rupture, highlighting the artists, sounds, and communities that have shaped the country’s club and soundsystem heritage.
Meanwhile, Dave Harvey’s Love International will take over The Gallery from the moment doors open on Saturday through Sunday afternoon, delivering around-the-clock programming throughout the weekend. Resident Advisor also joins the celebration by marking its 25th anniversary with a full takeover of The Warehouse, including a special collaboration with UK bass culture archivist DaMetalMessiah, whose in-depth explorations of grime and dubstep history have become widely respected throughout the scene.
The programming reflects Waterworks’ longstanding relationships with like-minded festivals and communities across Europe, reinforcing its commitment to thoughtful curation, artistic collaboration, and underground culture. Those creative partnerships continue to shape the festival’s identity while strengthening connections between local and international scenes.
Sound quality and production remain at the heart of the Waterworks experience. Significant investment in audio systems, stage design, lighting, and venue layout ensures every dancefloor offers its own distinct atmosphere, creating immersive spaces where audiences can fully connect with the music throughout the weekend.
Hosted at one of London’s most progressive grassroots venues, Waterworks Extended represents the festival’s most ambitious evolution to date. By combining marathon programming, carefully curated lineups, and an unwavering dedication to underground electronic music, the 2026 edition promises an experience that encourages festivalgoers to slow down, settle in, and fully immerse themselves in 36 hours of continuous musical discovery.