Tents and Tunes: Stereoboard's Ultimate Guide To Festival Season 2025
Monday, 12 May 2025
Written by Huw Baines & Maddy Howell
It seems to come around sooner every year, but festival season almost upon us. It’s time to dance, mosh, sweat, puke and preen in the presence of close friends and thousands of total strangers. Here’s our one-stop guide to some of the biggest and best events 2025 has to offer.
// Slam Dunk //
With another stacked line up locked, loaded, and ready to go, the UK’s biggest pop-punk party is back for its annual twin-city takeover. Making their Slam Dunk debut in style as headliners, Florida’s finest A Day To Remember will bring the riffs and roaring singalongs of latest full-length ‘Big Ole Album Vol. 1’ to our shores for the first time, along with all the classics we know and love. For more nostalgia kicks, don’t miss As It Is celebrating their 2015 breakthrough debut ‘Never Happy, Ever After’ and the mighty Alkaline Trio barrelling through the hits. Bristolian nu-metal shoegazers Split Chain and Nashville's breakout punks Winona Fighter, meanwhile, represent the alternative scene’s vibrant new era. MH
When? South, May 24 / North, May 25 Where? Hatfield Park / Leeds Temple Newsam Headliners: A Day To Remember, Neck Deep, Electric Callboy Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Electric Callboy, Alkaline Trio, Split Chain
// Wide Awake //
Looking for something a little different? Cementing its status as London’s most forward-thinking one-dayer, Wide Awake may be your thing. Returning to Brockwell Park with a genre-defying line-up, this year will bring a headline set from Irish-language rap provocateurs Kneecap, while elsewhere you can catch CMAT’s emotional folk-pop, English Teacher’s razor-sharp post-punk storytelling, techno pioneer Daniel Avery, and punk rabble-rousers Mannequin Pussy. The festival’s mission to champion the weird, wonderful and sonically bold, with rising acts like SPRINTS, Snõõper, and HiTech also on the bill. MH
When? May 23 Where? Brockwell Park, London Headliners: Kneecap Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Mannequin Pussy, Sprints, Gurriers
// Mighty Hoopla //
Mighty Hoopla bursts back into Brockwell Park this summer with two euphoric days of glitter, empowerment and unfiltered pop brilliance. A celebration of queerness, community and camp in its most joyful form, 2025’s edition welcomes headline sets from pop queens Ciara and Kesha, with JoJo, Jamelia, Loreen, and Pixie Lott also bringing hit-packed catalogues to the party. With Kate Nash performing alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, plus appearances from Eurodance favourites Vengaboys, G Flip, and Lemar, the weekend’s already unbelievably stacked, and that’s before you factor in the drag shows, cabaret collectives, comedy, and mass karaoke antics. MH
When? May 31 – June 1 Where? Brockwell Park, London Headliners: Ciara, Kesha Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Jamelia, Kate Nash, Adore Delano
// Download //
Now fully committed to redefining what a Donington bill can look like, Download is stepping forward with its most eclectic line up yet. A trio of first-time headliners top the bill as Green Day will bring their timeless catalogue of punk-rock anthems to the hallowed turf, masked metal innovators Sleep Token look to make history with their biggest performance to date, and nu-metal icons Korn close things out in brilliantly chaotic style. With alt-rock favourites Weezer and Jimmy Eat World, punk revolutionaries Sex Pistols — now fronted by fearless frontman Frank Carter — and even pop-rock heartthrobs McFly also set to perform during the weekend, it’s another bold declaration from the festival that’s shaking up the future of heavy music. MH
When? June 13-15 Where? Donington Park, Leicestershire Headliners: Green Day, Sleep Token, Korn Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Spiritbox, McFly, Karen Dió
// Lido //
Landing in Victoria Park with a fresh series of one-day events this June, Lido is one of the newest additions to the summer festival calendar. Taking place across two consecutive weekends, a one-two-punch of trip-hop icons Massive Attack and Jamie xx’s club residency The Floor will kickstart the party. Genre-spanning hardcore festival Outbreak will then head down south to open the second weekend, with Turnstile, Danny Brown and Alex G topping the bill, before Charli xcx throws it back to Brat summer and the dreamy ambience of London Grammar closes things out. With curated support slots across each day and a line-up that celebrates countless genres, Lido promises some of London’s finest sun-soaked singalongs of the year. MH
When? June 6-15 Where? Victoria Park, London Headliners: Massive Attack, Jamie xx, Charli xcx, Turnstile, London Grammar Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: The Japanese House, Knocked Loose, Danny Brown
// Outbreak //
Speaking of Outbreak, following its London bow the hardcore fest will return to Manchester for another round of spinkicks and pile ons. Knocked Loose will be back for more brutality at the top of the bill, with shoegaze legends Slowdive set to show the kids how it’s done and Alex G in line to provide something more exploratory and, dare we say it, mellow. Elsewhere, there’s a nice balance between emo and brutality, with Sunny Day Real Estate on one side and Splitknuckle on the other. HB
When? June 14-15 Where? BEC Arena, Manchester Headliners: Knocked Loose, Slowdive, Alex G Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Spy, Terror, Fleshwater
// Parklife //
When it comes to celebrations, this year’s don’t get much bigger than Parklife’s huge 15th anniversary bash. Returning to Manchester’s Heaton Park, there’s something for everyone on this genre-blurring line-up. With headliners including chart-topping hip hop icon 50 Cent, avant-pop sensation Charli xcx, and the soulful Jorja Smith, the weekend also promises electronic genius from Peggy Gou and Bicep, a comeback from dubstep pioneers Skream & Benga, and some high-octane sets courtesy of Rudimental and Confidence Man. MH
When? June 14-15 Where? Heaton Park, Manchester Headliners: 50 Cent, Charli xcx, Jorja Smith Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Confidence Man, FLO, Skream & Benga
// Glastonbury //
The jewel in the crown returns to Worthy Farm for another bout of vibes and primetime-ready TV moments, with The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo taking on headliner duties. As always the rest of the bill is a genre-agnostic sprawl, taking in Turnstile’s boundary-pushing hardcore, Pa Salieu’s fluid rap, Overmono’s transportive electronica and Japanese Breakfast’s pitch-perfect indie-pop. This year’s glitzy legends slot, meanwhile, will be filled by none other than Rod Stewart. HB
When? June 25-29 Where? Worthy Farm, Pilton Headliners: The 1975, Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Turnstile, Japanese Breakfast, The Big Moon
// BST Hyde Park //
There is some serious star power in this year’s line up, with a couple of Glasto bill-toppers in Olivia Rodrigo and Neil Young, but the main event at BST Hyde Park is set to be Sabrina Carpenter and Zach Bryan’s two-night stands. Also set to pitch up at the Great Oak Stage are folk-pop titan Noah Kahan and soul icon Stevie Wonder, with Jeff Lynne’s ELO poised to close proceedings by bringing down the curtain on their illustrious story with their final show. HB
When? June 27-July 13 Where? Hyde Park, London Headliners: Olivia Rodrigo, Zach Bryan, Sabrina Carpenter, Noah Kahan, Neil Young, Stevie Wonder, Jeff Lynne’s ELO Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Clairo and Beabadoobee (w/ Sabrina Carpenter), Dermot Kennedy (w/ Zach Bryan)
// Wireless //
Celebrating 20 years in 2025, Wireless has handed over the reins to Drake for three nights of high-gloss good times and uniquely tailored sets alongside a string of guests. Opening with a bill featuring Drizzy, Partynextdoor and Summer Walker, attention will then turn to a line up under the umbrella of Drake and the Mandem. Sunday’s festivities, meanwhile, will have your man Aubrey joined by Burna Boy and Vybz Cartel, with further names set to be announced. HB
When? July 11-13 Where? Finsbury Park, London Headliners: Drake Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Drake, probably.
// TRNSMT //
TRNSMT has become a reliable mid-summer throwdown in recent times and this year looks like it’ll be similarly potent. 50 Cent, Biffy Clyro and Snow Patrol will headline, but there are a few folks waiting in the wings (Fontaines D.C., Gracie Abrams, Wet Leg, Inhaler) who’ll have one eye on conquering those sorts of heights in the next few years. Elsewhere, there’s a hench dance line up and a three-day splurge of new music across the BBC Introducing stage. HB
Each summer Latitude provides a laid-back slice of festival fun and this year’s set to be no different. There’ll be singalongs aplenty as Sting and Snow Patrol headline either side of a set by Fatboy Slim that’ll (weather-permitting) allow a few thousand Birkenstock-clad feet to lose control. Further down the poster you’ll find a starry comedy offering — led by Greg Davies, Bridget Christie and Reggie Watts — and some indie-pop gems in the form of Hamish Hawk, Låpsley and Jasmine.4.t. Rowdiness, meanwhile, will come courtesy of Lambrini Girls and Sprints. HB
A haven for all things extreme, Bloodstock’s 2025 edition is an absolute monster. Trivium, Machine Head and Gojira will rain fire from the top of the bill, with a stacked supporting cast ranging from Creeper’s glossy goth-punk theatrics to an early voyage by Mastodon’s newly-reconfigured lineup and Obituary laying out some of the most formative blueprints in death metal. It perhaps wouldn’t be a bad bet to consider Heriot’s main stage set on Saturday as the weekend’s star-making slot following the unleashing of their debut LP ‘Devoured by the Mouth of Hell’. HB
When? August 7-10 Where? Catton Park, Derbyshire Headliners: Trivium, Machine Head, Gojira Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Heriot, Creeper, Mastodon
// ArcTanGent //
ArcTanGent has become a byword for medium-scale forward-thinking rock fests. Its latest edition is stocked to the gills with proggy mayhem and abrasive noise, with headliners Wardruna, Karnivool and Tesseract (there’s one more to come so watch this space) rubbing shoulders with noise-rock icons Melvins, instrumental post-rock powerhouses Pelican and a revamped Kylesa, who’ll bring their blend of sludge and psych-derived hooks to the party. You will also be well fed and watered by a host of independent traders. HB
Returning with its most expansive line-up yet — once again curated by BBC Radio 6 DJ Gilles Peterson — We Out Here blurs genre lines whilst celebrating a broad musical heritage. This year, headliners include Mercury Prize-winner Michael Kiwanuka and the exclusive Rotary Connection 222, a one-off orchestral tribute to legendary producer and soul musician Charles Stepney. Elsewhere, Chicago rapper and activist Noname brings her highly acclaimed 'Sundial' album to UK shores, while Theo Parrish leads the DJ offering with an impressive eight-hour extended set. With the festival also marking 40 years of The Bristol Sound with appearances from Smith & Mighty, Daddy G, and DJ Nature, as well as a whole host of wellness activities and family events, there’s plenty to immerse yourself in across 15 stages and four incredible days. MH
When? August 14-17 Where? Wimborne St Giles, Dorset Headliners: Michael Kiwanuka, Rotary Connection 222 Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Noname, KOKOROKO, Jalen Ngonda
// Green Man //
If you’re looking for a festival experience that feels like a true escape from reality, Green Man is perhaps the answer. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, its line-up blends indie royalty, electronic pioneers, and boundary-pushing newcomers, with headliners including sardonic charmers Wet Leg, euphoric electronic legends Underworld, and Brooklyn art-rock masters TV On The Radio. Add in Beth Gibbons’ (of Portishead fame) haunting solo work, Wunderhorse’s grunge-tinged indie excellence, and Perfume Genius’ emotionally charged art-pop and Green Man 2025 is pure magic, once again. MH
When? August 14-17 Where? Glanusk Estate, Bannau Brycheiniog Headliners: Kneecap, Wet Leg, Underworld, TV On The Radio Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Los Campesinos!, Horse Jumper Of Love, Divorce
// All Points East//
Over the past few years All Points East has become a fixture of London’s summer despite the intense competition, taking over Victoria Park for a multi-weekend mix of vibey electronica and sleek indie-rock. In 2025, that means headline sets from Chase and Status and Barry Can’t Swim followed by Raye and a reunited Maccabbees, with a stellar supporting cast spanning Nia Archives, Shygirl, Doechii, Dry Cleaning and Nilüfer Yanya. HB
When? August 16-24 Where? Victoria Park, London Headliners: Chase and Status, Barry Can’t Swim, Raye, The Maccabees Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Doechii, Dry Cleaning, Nilüfer Yanya
// Forwards //
Blending cutting-edge music with vital conversation, Forwards will return to Bristol this August bank holiday weekend. The bill topped by the jazz-infused house grooves of Barry Can’t Swim, Mercury Prize winners Ezra Collective, and rising indie-rock stars The Last Dinner Party, the festival also boasts the Bristol debut of Grammy-winning rapper Doechii. With neo-soul from Olivia Dean, funk courtesy of Moonchild Sanelly, and the community spirit of Hackney collective The Silhouettes Project also on display, plus thought-provoking discussions at The Information stage, there’s an unforgettable weekend to be had here. MH
When? August 23-24 Where? The Downs, Bristol Headliners: Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Doechii, Jorja Smith, The Last Dinner Party Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Mount Kimbie, Moonchild Sanelly, Snapped Ankles
// Reading and Leeds //
With headliners spanning from pop sensation Chapell Roan to Sheffield metal royalty Bring Me The Horizon, Reading and Leeds 2025 promises an unforgettable weekend for all manner of music fans. Reflecting the ever-evolving state of the scene with additional headline sets from Travis Scott (his only European festival set of the year) and Irish folk-rock maestro Hozier, the undercard is equally diverse, featuring everything from Ladbroke Grove’s own AJ Tracey and electronicore pioneers Enter Shikari to indie stalwarts The Kooks and Bloc Party. With emerging talent like The Linda Lindas and House Of Protection also ready to bring their A-game, you’ll have an especially tough time navigating those pesky clashes this year. MH
When? August 21-24 Where? Richfield Avenue, Reading / Bramham Park, Leeds Headliners: Hozier, Chappell Roan, Bring Me The Horizon, Travis Scott Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Bloc Party, House Of Protection, Good Kid
// End of the Road //
It falls to End of the Road to put something of a full stop on festival season, and every time it seems to rise to the occasion. This year’s immaculately curated bill will be topped by Caribou, Father John Misty, Self Esteem, and Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory, with experts in shoegaze, alt-pop, post-punk, electronica and weirdo psych-rock also to be found in big letters at the top of the poster. Further down there’s a rich seam of oddball Americana, with Good Looks and Ryan Davis and the Roadhouse Band both worth your time. HB
When? August 28-31 Where? Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset Headliners: Caribou, Father John Misty, Self Esteem, Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory Stereoboard’s Must-See Acts: Good Looks, Ryan Davis and the Roadhouse Band, C.O.F.F.I.N.
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