S pring has sprung, bucket hats are back, and the imminent return of UK festivals can only mean one thing: The Great Escape . After 20 years, the Brighton shindig has grown into an unofficial curtain-raiser for UK festival summer, spotlighting the hottest emerging artists from around the globe across 35 venues. Alongside a conference programme and The Alternative Escape’s free showcase events, the seaside city will be overflowing with live music this week, kicking off tonight (May 13) as viral duo Angine De Poitrine headline NME ’s opening beach party . READ MORE: The NME 100 Gig Guide: The Great Escape Edition Global stars including Haim , Little Simz and Sam Fender all cut their teeth at The Great Escape, while NME has previously been first in line to see ArrDee , Girl In Red and BRITs Critics’ Choice winner Jacob Alon .…