Even though the weather has changed in the UK to cold dark nights, the good news is, festival season is right around the corner, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet for live music in the UK! Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or planning your very first weekend in a field, this is your one-stop shop for everything festival-related. From the biggest rock and pop festivals to hidden gems championing grassroots music, our guide will keep you in the know as line-ups are announced, tickets go on sale, and new experiences are revealed.
Stay tuned for all the latest updates, insider tips, and detailed previews of the best festivals 2025 has to offer. Whether you’re chasing headlining icons, seeking underground talent, or just looking for the perfect atmosphere to soak up the summer, we’ve got you covered. Let’s make 2025 a festival year to remember!
Kendal Calling (Sold Out)
📅 Dates: 31 July – 3 August 2025
📍 Location: Lowther Deer Park, Lake District
🎟️ Tickets & Info
Step into a field of dreams as Kendal Calling celebrates 20 years of music, magic, and memories! This year, the festival pulls out all the stops with headliners Courteeners, Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, and Kaiser Chiefs. Whether you’re belting out Not Nineteen Forever with Courteeners or dancing under the stars to Fatboy Slim’s legendary beats, this milestone promises unforgettable moments.
Joining the party are Scottish rock legends Travis, folk-punk favorite Frank Turner, and indie newcomers The Last Dinner Party, crowned BRITs Rising Star 2024. The lineup continues with the ever-energetic Skindred, soulful songstress Corinne Bailey Rae, and festival staples The Lottery Winners and Scouting for Girls. Comedy meets music as Jason Manford adds laughs to the mix.
Beyond the music, Kendal Calling’s picturesque setting offers a haven of art installations, local food, and family-friendly entertainment. Whether you’re a longtime festival-goer or a first-timer, the atmosphere at Lowther Deer Park is like no other—a perfect blend of community and celebration.
Sound City 2025: Liverpool’s Ultimate Music Discovery Weekend
📅Dates: Sound City+ Conference: Friday, 2nd May 2025 / Festival: Saturday, 3rd – Sunday, 4th May 2025
📍Location: Multiple venues across Liverpool City Centre
🎟Tickets: Available now at soundcity.uk.com
Sound City, the UK’s longest-running showcase festival, returns to Liverpool in May 2025, offering a platform for the most exciting emerging talent across the UK and beyond. Known as the ultimate festival for new music discovery, this year’s event promises unforgettable performances, unmissable venues, and groundbreaking industry discussions.
Headliners & Highlights:
- The Royston Club: Leading the lineup as previously announced headliners.
- Nieve Ella: A breakout indie-rock sensation, fresh from the success of her EP Watch It Ache And Bleed.
- Rianne Downey: Beloved singer-songwriter and special Afternoon Headliner, known for her timeless appeal.
- Overpass: Modern guitar trailblazers set to ignite the stage.
- Panic Shack: Punk energy and unmissable live shows guaranteed to thrill.
- Siobhan Winifred, The Cheap Thrills, Alex Spencer, The Clause, Maya Delilah, and many more rising stars.
Sound City+ Conference:
Taking place the day before the festival, the Sound City+ Conference brings together key industry figures from organizations like BPI, BMG, and UK Music to discuss topics such as artist development, diversity, and the evolving global music market. It’s a must-attend for anyone passionate about shaping the future of music.
Commitment to Diversity:
As the lead UK festival for Keychange, Sound City champions gender equality in music, with 60% of the 2025 lineup featuring female and gender-diverse artists.
Experience Liverpool:
From iconic venues like The Jacaranda and EBGBs to historic spaces like the Arts Club, Sound City turns Liverpool into a vibrant celebration of live music, culture, and innovation.
Lineup So Far:
- The Royston Club, Nieve Ella, Rianne Downey, Overpass, Panic Shack, Siobhan Winifred, The Cheap Thrills, The Clause, Alex Spencer, Maya Delilah, Cliffords, Mandrake Handshake, The Heavy North, Basht, and many more.
Secure your tickets now and discover the future of music this May in one of the UK’s most iconic music cities. Visit soundcity.uk.com for more information.
Shiiine On Weekender 2025: A Decade of Indie Glory
📅 Dates: 28-31st March 2025
📍 Location: Butlins, Skegness
🎟️ Tickets & Info
Celebrate 10 years of indie magic at the Shiiine On Weekender, heading to Butlin’s Skegness from March 28–30, 2025. Known for its unrivaled celebration of alternative music, Shiiine On brings together the best acts from its storied history for a “Greatest Hits” edition that promises a nostalgia-packed weekend like no other.
Headlining this anniversary special are indie heavyweights The Wonder Stuff, Ash, Peter Hook & The Light, and Inspiral Carpets, delivering legendary sets that span decades of anthems. Joining them are fan favorites like Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, 808 State, Glasvegas, and The Wedding Present, alongside dance icons Utah Saints and Dub Pistols, ensuring every genre of alternative music is represented.
The festivities extend beyond live performances. Expect vibrant club nights, captivating film screenings, and lively comedy sets. Dive into music culture with exhibitions, quizzes, and even pool parties, creating a festival experience that’s as eclectic as its lineup.
Shiiine On has built a legacy as the go-to event for fans of indie and alternative music. Past festivals have hosted legends like Echo & The Bunnymen, Happy Mondays, and Ocean Colour Scene, solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone of the indie calendar.
Packages include three nights of on-site accommodation at Butlin’s Skegness, making this a stress-free festival escape. Whether reliving your youth or discovering these acts for the first time, Shiiine On’s inclusive and electric atmosphere welcomes all music lovers.
Tickets are on sale now at shiiineon.com. Book early to secure your spot at this unmissable milestone celebration.
Slam Dunk 2025: The UK’s Biggest Independent Rock Festival Returns
📅 Dates: 24th May, Hatfield & 25th May, Leeds
🎟️ Tickets & Info
Mark your calendars for May 24th and 25th, 2025, as Slam Dunk Festival makes its triumphant return to Hatfield Park (Saturday) and Temple Newsam, Leeds (Sunday). Known as the ultimate celebration of rock, pop-punk, metal, and alternative, this year’s edition promises to be the biggest yet, with an electrifying lineup guaranteed to blow you away.
Headlining the festival are A Day To Remember, Electric Callboy, and Neck Deep, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend. The recently announced final wave of acts includes alt-rock titans Finch, ska-punk heroes Streetlight Manifesto, anthemic rockers Twin Atlantic, and Manchester’s own powerhouse duo Hot Milk. Add to the mix the chaotic brilliance of Wargasm, the genre-defying energy of Kid Bookie, and the timeless ska fun of The Aquabats and Save Ferris, and you have a lineup for the ages.
Spotlight on Fresh Talent and Iconic Legends
Slam Dunk is renowned for blending iconic scene veterans with the hottest rising stars. This year, emo legends Home Grown and ska trailblazers Bad Cop Bad Cop join the party, while breakout stars like NOAHFINNCE, Sophie Powers, and South Arcade are set to deliver unforgettable performances. Fans of punk, metalcore, and alt-pop will revel in the diversity of acts like Landmvrks, Scowl, Imminence, and I See Stars.
Look out for the dynamic sounds of newcomers Lake Malice, Sweet Pill, and Winona Fighter, while cult favorites like Millionaires, Heart Attack Man, and Free Throw bring their signature energy to the stage.
Tickets & After-Parties
Tickets are flying, with limited Final Release General Admission and VIP packages available starting Saturday, November 9th. Don’t miss the chance to secure your spot—visit slamdunkfestival.com for tickets and details.
The festival doesn’t stop when the last band plays. Slam Dunk’s legendary after-parties are back!
- South: Party in Camden’s iconic venues like Electric Ballroom, Dingwalls, and The Black Heart, or head to The Forum at the University of Hertfordshire, Slam Dunk’s former stomping ground.
- North: Leeds’ Merrion Street comes alive with events at The Key Club, Belgrave, and more.
For fans attending both dates, Slam Dunk is offering seamless coach and hotel packages, including baggage drops, comfortable accommodations, and breakfast—so you can rock all weekend without the hassle.
A Legacy Like No Other
Since its inception in 2006, Slam Dunk has solidified its reputation as the UK’s go-to festival for the rock, punk, and alternative scenes. Described as “one of the UK’s most exciting young festivals” by NME and “a festival favorite” by The Hoot Leeds, it continues to evolve, uniting fans across two epic locations.
With a history of hosting icons like Paramore, Fall Out Boy, and Bring Me The Horizon, alongside rising stars, Slam Dunk has become a cornerstone of the festival calendar.
Prepare for two full days of genre-defining music, wild after-parties, and unforgettable memories. Tickets are available now at slamdunkfestival.com—grab yours before it’s too late!
DocksFest 2025: Cleethorpes’ Biggest Music Extravaganza Returns
📅 Date: Saturday, 5th July 2025
📍 Location: Meridian Showground, Cleethorpes
🎟️ Tickets & Info: www.docksfest.com
After an award-nominated debut, DocksFest is back for its second year, promising an even bigger and bolder celebration of music, community, and culture. Held at the stunning Meridian Showground in Cleethorpes, this one-day festival is a must-attend event for music lovers across the UK.
The Line-Up So Far
The 2025 bill is already buzzing with excitement, featuring headliners Ash and Maximo Park, joined by rising stars Corella, Coach Party, and local legends EVER and Last of the Wonder Kids. Expect electrifying performances from Ash, famed for their festival anthems like “Girl From Mars” and “Shining Light,” alongside Maximo Park’s indie-rock classics “Apply Some Pressure” and “Books From Boxes.”
A Stage for Local Talent
True to its roots, DocksFest 2025 will shine a spotlight on the thriving Grimsby music scene. The main stage will feature EVER, whose alt-rock sound has made waves globally, and Last of the Wonder Kids, bringing their garage psych riffs and fuzzed-out melodies. Plus, the VIP Tent Acoustic Stage will host stripped-back sets from more local artists, making this a celebration of both international stars and homegrown talent.
Beyond the Music
DocksFest isn’t just about the music. It’s a full sensory experience, combining incredible live performances with a vibrant mix of street food vendors, craft beer stalls (curated by Docks Beers), and a festival atmosphere hosted by Grimsby’s own comedian, actor, and presenter Lloyd Griffith.
What to Expect
Building on the success of its 2024 launch, which saw over 4,000 attendees and nods from the UK Festival Awards, DocksFest 2025 aims to put North East Lincolnshire firmly on the live music map. Festival co-founders Will Douglas and Chris Gadd promise a show-stopping headliner announcement soon, alongside surprises that will make this a can’t-miss summer highlight.
Plan Your Trip
With its picturesque coastal location, Cleethorpes offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend getaway. Pair your DocksFest experience with the town’s sandy beaches, lively bars, and local attractions for a summer escape to remember.
Tickets for DocksFest 2025 are on sale now—secure your spot at docksfest.com or via SeeTickets. 🎶
Tramlines 2025
The wait is over—Tramlines Festival 2025 is bringing an incredible lineup to Hillsborough Park from July 25th to 27th. Headlining this unforgettable weekend are Pulp, The Reytons, and Kasabian, supported by an eclectic mix of chart-toppers, indie icons, and rising stars.
- Friday: Sheffield legends Pulp headline and curate the day’s lineup, featuring Spiritualized, Hot Chip (DJ Set), Baxter Dury, Oracle Sisters, and local favorites I Monster.
- Saturday: The Reytons take the spotlight, joined by Franz Ferdinand, Rizzle Kicks, Natasha Bedingfield, Jake Bugg, and Sheffield’s own The Rosadocs.
- Sunday: Brit-rock icons Kasabian close the festival, with support from The Last Dinner Party, The Lathums, Sigrid, Scouting for Girls, and The Sherlocks.
Tramlines also announced over £30,000 in grants to local charities and teased the lineup with creative hints across Sheffield, including Tramlines-branded Henderson’s Relish bottles.
Tickets: Pre-sale begins at 6pm on November 28th, with general sales starting at 12pm on November 29th via the Tramlines website.
Get ready for an epic weekend celebrating music, community, and Sheffield pride!
Parklife 2025: First Wave Lineup Announced!
Dates: 14th–15th June 2025
Location: Heaton Park, Manchester
Tickets:
- General Sale: Opens Friday 29th November 2024 at 10 AM
- Pre-Sale: Available Thursday 28th November 2024 at 10 AM (sign up at parklife.uk.com)
- Prices: Weekend tickets £135 (price rise in January); Day tickets £89.50 (available January with full lineup announcement).
Parklife, Europe’s largest city festival, returns to Manchester’s Heaton Park for another epic weekend of music and culture. The first preview of the 2025 lineup has dropped, promising a summer spectacle like no other.
Headlining the festival:
- Charli XCX: Pop and electronic icon, fresh off her Grammy-nominated album Brat, is set to deliver an unforgettable performance.
Joining her on stage are must-see acts:
- Confidence Man: Renowned for their electrifying live shows.
- Interplanetary Criminal: A local Manchester favorite and UK Garage pioneer.
- Salute: Bringing house, UKG, and euphoric rave vibes.
- DJ Heartstring: Berlin-based trance duo known for high-energy remixes.
- Plus a stellar lineup of party-starters including KI/KI, Girls Don’t Sync, Prospa, Chaos in the CBD, and more.
With many more artists to be announced in January, Parklife 2025 is shaping up to be the ultimate festival experience. Secure your tickets early to lock in the best prices and prepare for an unforgettable weekend in Manchester!
For presale registration and full details, visit parklife.uk.com.
The Setlist & The Script 
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