IN PICTURES: SAMA Paisley Takeover 2026

After a year off, SAMA Paisley Takeover returned in a refreshed and re-imaged format, bringing live music back into the heart of the town. This year introduced new elements including an outdoor stage in collaboration with Paisley Food and Drink Festival, alongside a music industry programme designed to create space for conversation, connection and exchange.

We welcomed a strong delegation from Quebec City, Belfast, London, Norwich and across Scotland, with organisations including Killer B Music, Pop Up Music, Wild Paths, Le Phoque Off, Raven Afrikulture, Rock and Metal Alliance and more joining the programme.

Across the weekend, the weather held, the artists delivered, and the energy across Paisley felt genuinely special with performances from Kai Reesu, Alice Faye, Dara Dubh, SLIX, Wends and more.

A huge thank you to all of the artists, venues, delegates, partners and audiences who supported the festival, alongside our dedicated events team Claire Renfrew, Liam Young, Karin Bezchlebova, Carmina Gray and photographer Anni Cameron, whose work captures the spirit of the weekend. We also extend our thanks to Renfrewshire Council for their support in making the event possible, as well as Musicians’ Union, La Mesa, Whitebox, YEW and Drygate.

We look forward to returning in 2027!

DAY 1