London’s KEW THE MUSIC concert series has announced Craig David presents TS5, The Human League, UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell, Alison Moyet and more for its 2025 edition. This week-long festival of picnic concerts takes place in the UNESCO World Heritage site, Kew Gardens, in southwest London, and has become a staple of the capital’s summer music scene. Recognised as one of the UK’s most stunning summer concert venues, the event attracts music lovers of all ages. Uniquely for an outdoor festival, attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drinks or enjoy the open-air bars and street food stalls.…
Author: James Robertson
Marking its 15th anniversary, FOCUS Wales 2025 delivered its most ambitious and confident edition to date. Over three days, 260 artists performed across 21 stages throughout Wrexham, filling venues with creative intensity that captivated both audiences and industry delegates alike. “This year truly felt like a significant step forward for the event,” explains Andy Jones, Co-founder, Director and Head of Music for FOCUS Wales. “It was our biggest lineup yet, and every venue I stepped into was alive with energy. The crowds were buzzing, and delegates were genuinely thrilled by the sheer quality of the fresh, world-class talent.” The festival…
In recent years, art and activism have become an increasingly central part of the programme at Roskilde Festival – the independent, non-profit Danish festival that will run for the 53rd time this summer. For 2025, topics such as overconsumption, diversity, accessibility for minorities, and the potential of celebration as a form of protest are among the themes festival participants will encounter in the Art & Activism programme. “We’ve made a dedicated effort to create an Art & Activism programme that engages festival participants with some of the most pressing matters of our time — and does so in a variety…
Shambala has revealed its full lineup and stage splits ahead of its 25th anniversary. Ninja Tune stalwart Romare will deliver a DJ set masterclass, fusing his signature mix of jazz, funk, soul, and global rhythms. Distinctive UK grime voice, Manga Saint Hilare, and genre-melting turntablist DJ Yoda also joins the pack, along with New Zealand’s electronic powerhouse Lady Shaka. UK breakbeat legends Freestylers and bassline veterans Dub Pistols will also face off in a titanic soundclash. Other additions include Nubiyan Twist Soundsystem, which promises a brass-heavy, sunshine-soaked performance, and Daraa Tribes will bring their electrifying fusion of ancestral sounds and Saharan…
Vision for Sustainable Events and Julie’s Bicycle are running a second national program supporting local authorities to introduce environmental assessment of events using the groundbreaking Green Events Code of Practice (GECoP). The GECoP is a nationally consistent assessment framework supported by The Local Authority Event Organiser (LAEOG), Arts Council England, and the Event Industry Forum (EIF), publisher of the Purple Guide. The program was trialled in 2024 with 10 local authorities, including Bristol, Reading, Liverpool, and Manchester implementing GECoP environmental standards at over 60 events, with over 2.3 million visitors, varying from small community events to large festivals like Parklife…
The line up for The Foolhardy Folk Festival curated by acclaimed English folk singer Beans on Toast sees him bringing some of his favourite performers to join him for an uplifting celebration of folk music at Nottingham’s Arboretum. Grace Petrie, The Young’uns, Funke and the Two Tone Baby, Ruth Lyon, Nick Parker, Ben Brown, Ann Liu Cannon, Leo Baby, Emily Alice…and Beans on Toast will be performing himself. Once again, it will be a family friendly celebration of music, trees and revelry in the beautiful city centre Arboretum Bandstand and Park from 12 midday. Alongside the wonderful music, there will…
Roskilde Festival unveils the final 14 additions to its 2025 lineup, completing a whopping program featuring 185 acts from 45 countries – and offering a potent reminder of why it remains one of Europe’s most essential summer destinations for music lovers and culture seekers alike. Newly added names include beloved Danish noise-pop duo The Raveonettes, Brazilian legend Seu Jorge, rising UK star Rachel Chinouriri, thrilling soul outfit MRCY and acclaimed experimental composer Astrid Sonne, who will present a bespoke live show crafted specifically for Roskilde Festival. Local participants will no doubt have their eyes on Danish hip-hop duo Kenny, as…
Muse have been announced as a headline act at Poland’s 2025 Open’er Festival. The English band join a set of previously confirmed acts, including Linkin Park, Massive Attack, Nine Inch Nails, Gracie Abrams, Doechii, Justice and more. Muse have become known for their immersive and engrossing live music spectacles. Having headlined festivals such as Reading & Leeds, Glastonbury and Coachella, the band have cemented themselves as an act that prides itself on its live performances. Open’er Festival 2025 takes place in Gdynia between 2–5 July, 2025. Open’er Festival, which was awarded the Best Major Festival at the European Festival Awards…
The International Nightlife Association (INA) has announced its elevation to Full Member status within the Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations in Consultative Relationship within the United Nations (CoNGO). This milestone comes just four months after the INA achieved Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in January, reflecting the organisation’s growing impact and dedication to responsible global nightlife advocacy. This recognition marks a historic moment, as the INA becomes the first and only organisation representing the global nightlife sector to achieve both consultative and full membership with CoNGO. This upgrade acknowledges the INA’s active engagement in UN…
South Facing Festival is set to deliver an incredible day of hip-hop royalty as one of the most influential and celebrated MCs in hip-hop history announces an unforgettable all-day event, and their only London festival appearances this summer. Legendary rapper Busta Rhymes will take the stage for a one-of-a-kind performance, bringing decades of hits, high-energy performances, and undeniable star power to Crystal Palace park, alongside some iconic names in hip-hop. Arguably one of the greatest rap and hip-hop MCs to ever grace the mic, Busta Rhymes has built a legacy of lyrical excellence, rapid-fire delivery, and chart-topping success. Since the…