After an electrifying sold out debut, Upclose is back for its second edition, once again transforming Spaarnwoude-Park into a pulsing sanctuary of sound, connection, and collective movement on May 17 and 18, 2025. This newest festival offering by Awakenings is billed as an ode to the dance floor, capturing the raw essence of dance floor culture: sweaty, steamy, and intimate, where the front row feels like the only row and every beat connects the crowd. Building on the momentum of its first, sold-out, edition, organisers say this year’s festival dives even deeper into the progressive and niche edges of techno,…
Author: Andy Lenthall
After a site move in 2024 and further appearances in the UK Festival Awards shortlists, 3 Wishes Fairy Festival have introduced early bird pricing for 2025. A mystical time, the Winter Solstice has been set as the deadline for reduced rate access to their world of fairy frivolity and friendship, where the simple rule is: be nice. A recent feature in the Guardian has increased interest in the magical happening. Founder, Karen Kay said after the UK Festival Awards, acknowledging a tough 2024 for many, that the site move and extended capacity has meant that the friends and volunteers that…
Electric Castle returns in 2025 for another unforgettable five days of 24hr non-stop music and magic in Transylvania. The first wave of artists sets the stage for one of Europe’s most exciting festival lineups: Justin Timberlake, Queens of the Stone Age, Justice, and Bicep present Chroma AV DJ Set, are the leading names of a stacked bill. Outside the vibrant city of Cluj-Napoca, the grounds of Banffy Castle will once again come alive, between 16-20th July 2025. American superstar Justin Timberlake will be making his Romanian debut at Electric Castle next summer. One of the best-selling pop artists of all…
As preparations get underway to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Keswick Film Festival, organisers are inviting film lovers to nominate their favourite movies from the festival’s past 25 years, with the top ones being selected for special showings at the anniversary festival in March 2025. The Festival has attracted an incredible range of movies over the years, amongst them Oscar winners, family films and documentaries. The list includes the likes of: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Amelie, Whale Rider, Million Dollar Baby, No Country for Old Men, 12 Years a Slave, Manchester by the Sea and Rocks, with the full list…
With the 14th edition of the European Festival Awards set to take place on January 15th in Groningen, The Netherlands, the European Festival Awards is proud to announce that this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Juhani Merimaa, one of the most respected and influential figures in the Finnish Music industry with a career that spans over five decades. He has been involved in running Finland’s most legendary music venue Tavastia Klubi since the 70’s up until year 2023 when he stepped down from the position of promoter and CEO. He has also had a central role in the…
Sunny Side Festival 2025 is bringing world class house and techno talents to the gorgeous island of Malta from 16-18th May 2025. Taking place in the beautiful heart of the Mediterranean, this community minded gathering is a perfect blend of music, culture, and travel to paradise with phase one headliners including Ryan Elliott, Mathew Jonson (live), Sweely (live), Christian AB, PARAMIDA, BASHKKA, Aline Umber, Bruno Schmidt, Jonny Rock, Hostom (Varhat) (live), Mike Shannon (live), Lamache and many more. We chat to festival owners Luke, Danny (UJ/DV) and Tracy Bakala about the 2025 edition. Can you share a bit about your…
AEG Presents have announced another headliner for The Warwick Sessions 2025: multi-GRAMMY Award-winning, diamond-selling band Train will top the bill on Wednesday 2nd July, with special guests Squeeze. They join previously announced headliners The Stranglers (Friday 4th July)and Elbow (Sunday 6th July), taking over St Nicholas’ Park near one of the UK’s most historic sites,Warwick Castle, next year. Since their formation in 1994, internationally acclaimed, diamond-selling band Train has been captivating audiences across the globe with their signature blend of rock and pop. Known for their critically acclaimed catalog of chart-topping smash hits like ‘Drops of Jupiter’, ‘Hey, Soul Sister’…
American Express presents BST Hyde Park announces its next 2025 headliner, the renowned, x6 GRAMMY-nominated pop powerhouse Sabrina Carpenter will be headlining in Hyde Park on Saturday 5 July. Sabrina will be joined by special guests Clairo and beabadoobee, with the full line-up still to be announced. Tickets go on general sale at 10am GMT on Wednesday 11 December. Reigning queen of the charts Sabrina Carpenter’s headline BST Hyde Park show comes hot on the heels of the incredible success of her No.1 album Short n’ Sweet, which topped the charts in 19 countries including the Billboard 200 and UK…
Bilbao BBK Live is set to make an unforgettable return in 2025, taking place from 10th to 12th July 2025 in Kobetamendi, Bilbao. The first wave of headliners includes pop royalty Kylie Minogue, Brit-Pop icons Pulp, King of Calm and Smoothness Michael Kiwanuka, the record-breaking, empowering Raye and the acclaimed Spanish singer Bad Gyal. Bilbao BBK Live 2025 will also welcome the likes of Alice Phoebe Lou, Amyl And The Sniffers, Bicep presents CHROMA AV, The Blessed Madonna presents We Still Believe, Jalen Ngonda, Jessica Pratt, L’impératrice, Makaya McCraven, Nathy Peluso, Obongjayar, Sofie Royer, Wunderhorse and more. With outstanding acts…
Bloodstock Festival, together with fellow Catton Park events Bearded Theory and the Derbyshire Sausage and Cider Festival, are shining a spotlight on the enormous positive impact these long-standing events have on the local economy. A recently commissioned independent survey carried out by Bluegrass Research reveals that these three award-winning festivals contribute over £16 million annually to the regional economy, amounting to £160 million over the next decade. However, this vital economic contribution is under threat due to ongoing infrastructure challenges, particularly the state of the historic Chetwynd Bridge – the primary access route to Catton Park and its surrounding communities. Chetwynd Bridge, a Grade II*-listed…