Shillong, October 27: American rapper Nelly, Swedish electronic duo Galantis and Indian singer Darshan Raval are among the latest artists added to the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026. UK EDM act ALT EGO and singer Elliot James Reay have also joined the bill. The organisers announced the full line-up on Tuesday. The new names join Khalid, Swae Lee and Boys Like Girls, who were announced earlier as the festival’s first international headliners. The festival will be held on November 20 and 21 at Madan Kurkalang, Bhoi Rymbong, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya, India which the organisers have made its new permanent venue.
This year’s theme is “Year of Generations”. Each day has a line-up aimed at a different generation, with Y2K-era icons on the first day and Gen Z stars on the second. The organisers said they want a festival that brings audiences of all ages together through music.
Nelly will headline the opening day on November 20. The rap and R&B star is known for hits such as “Hot in Herre”, “Dilemma” and “Ride wit Me”. He will share the stage with American pop-rock band Boys Like Girls, known for “The Great Escape”, “Love Drunk” and “Two Is Better Than One”, and Darshan Raval, known for Hindi pop, romantic songs and Bollywood playback music. ALT EGO, whom the organisers described as the UK’s fastest-growing EDM act, will close the night.
Khalid will headline the second day on November 21. The pop and R&B singer, a seven-time Grammy nominee, is known for “Location”, “Young Dumb & Broke” and “Talk”. He will be joined by Swae Lee, the multi-platinum artist behind “Sunflower” from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and “Unforgettable”, and Elliot James Reay, a young performer known for his Elvis-inspired look and retro rock-and-roll style. Galantis, known for “Runaway (U & I)” and “No Money” and for collaborations with Britney Spears and David Guetta, will close the festival.
The festival will open a day early with an International Music Summit on November 19, held with India International Music Week. Festival promoters, record labels, booking agents and other industry professionals from around the world will be invited. The summit will feature panel discussions, workshops and interactions with artists from the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP). It is open to all artists and musicians from the State and aims to connect local talent with the international music industry.
This year’s edition introduces Cherry Blossom FIT CHECK, a fashion and self-expression contest with a total prize pool of ₹20 lakh. Festival-goers can take part online and at the venue, and winners will be announced on the Main Stage. Other attractions include a Red Bull Fan Zone, MMA, arm-wrestling, cosplay and lifestyle experiences.
Single-day tickets start at ₹2,500, including taxes, and are available only on www.rockskitickets.com. According to the organisers, the venue has been planned for large events, with several entry and exit points, parking and a traffic and mobility plan. They added that it offers easier access for audiences from Jowai, Assam and neighbouring States.
The organisers said the festival has become a major tourism brand for Meghalaya, drawing visitors from across India and abroad. Last year it won Music Festival of the Year at EEMAX Global. The 2025 edition featured Jason Derulo, The Script, Tyga, Diplo, Nora Fatehi and Aqua. The festival is produced by Rockski EMG.
