The Maccabees played their first and only gig in Cornwall fresh off the release of their hit second album, Wall of Arms (May 2009).
An emotional trio of sold-out gigs at Alexandra Palace in 2017 saw the band bid farewell while riding high, before unexpectedly returning to the music scene with much anticipation earlier this year.
This summer has seen the five-piece make a triumphant return, headlining stages at All Points East and Glastonbury, where they were joined by Florence Welch. NME dubbed the latter “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.”
Pinnacles of the 00’s indie music explosion, The Maccabees formed in 2004. Their first album, Colour It In (May 2007), includes the enduring favourite Toothpaste Kisses – their most streamed song on Spotify with over 116 million listens. Straight out the gate, the band toured the US with fellow indie behemoths Bloc Party, with this first album earning a place among NME’s best albums of 2007.
Wall of Arms (May 2009), produced by Markus Dravs (Björk, Arcade Fire, Coldplay), followed, delivering singles Love You Better and No Kind Words. The album was named joint album of the year by Artrocker, sharing the glory with Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ It’s Blitz.
Success continued with third album, Given to the Wild (Jan 2012), which was certified gold in the UK. Single Pelican became a firm fan favourite and was their closing song back in 2017. It was also the spark that brought the band back together after an impromptu performance at Hugo’s wedding in 2020, alongside performances by friends Adele, Florence Welch, Jamie T and Jack Peñate. Pelican was named Best Contemporary Song at the 2013 Ivor Novello Awards.
Marks to Prove it was the final album the band released in 2015 before their amicable hiatus. Reaching number one in the UK Album Chart ensured the group went out (temporarily) on the high they intended.
The Maccabees are the second announcement for the 2026 Eden Sessions. Already confirmed are Pixies (June 26), with many more to be announced.
The Eden Project is a unique cultural venue, combining world-class horticulture and show-stopping artists. As part of the Eden Sessions experience, all ticket holders get two-day access to the gardens and Biomes - on the day of the show and the day after.
Tickets for The Maccabees at the Eden Project on Saturday, July 11, 2026, cost £56 plus a £7.30 booking fee and are available through www.edensessions.com.
Tickets are on sale to Inside Track pass-holders now. The general ticket sale opens at 10:00am on Friday, November 28, 2025.
In September 2019, the Eden Project and global live events company AEG Presents announced a new partnership, Eden Sessions Ltd, to run the Eden Sessions.
In January 2025, Volvo Car UK extended its partnership as the Presenting Partner of the Eden Sessions and Official Electric Car Partner of the Eden Project.
