The inaugural festival was held in Manchester in February of 2014, with the BBC using their music-forward station Radio 6 Music to gather artists that fit their profile of alternative music beyond the typical commercialism of Radio 1. Speaking in 2014, Bob Shennan who was at the time controller of Radio 2 and 6, said “The BBC Radio 6 Music Festival brings a wonderful 6 Music line up of performances to music fans – one which reflects the fantastic range of artists that BBC Radio 6 Music offers listeners every day.”

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In a similar nature to Radio 1’s One Big Weekend event, the 6 Music Festival used to travel to different cities each year. 2014 in Manchester had Damon Albarn headlining, 2015’s in the Newcastle area had locals Maxïmo Park, and the 2016 iteration brought Primal Scream to Bristol. Since 2023, the festival took a permanent residence at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse, with last year’s offering including Ezra Collective and Mogwai.

For 2026, they’ve done things a little differently, moving away from the larger halls to something more intimate. The event is taking place across multiple independent venues around the sprawl of Greater Manchester, including the primary venues Band on the Wall, YES, and Eccles Town Hall Ballroom. Radio 6 DJ Nick Grimshaw, who will also be making appearances throughout the week, said to the BBC “These independent spaces are vital for culture and a space where artists are given the freedom to take risks, grow, and truly flourish. I can’t wait.”

This year’s 6 Music Festival starts at 7PM on Wednesday the 25th of March, running until Saturday the 28th. The biggest name on the bill are London indie rockers Bloc Party, who have undergone a renaissance in recent years and become one of the most in-demand bands on the live touring circuit. Also at the top of the list are The Horrors, who hail from Essex. Their brooding, dark brand of gothic-touched rock has been a big hit with festivals across the UK for years now.

Among the other acts are Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett, Leeds post-punks Yard Act, and this year’s BRITs Critics Choice Award winner Jacob Alon. There are BBC Introducing performances from some of the brightest talents, as well as DJ sets from Nick Grimshaw, Steve Lamacq, Beth Ditto and Lambrini Girls.

The current list of artists, venues, and stage times can be found here. Tickets go on sale on Thursday the 12th of February for each venue from links here, only costing a bargain price of £16 at face value. For audiences at home, coverage will be available on BBC Radio 6 Music and through the BBC Sounds website.

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This year sees Swedish House Mafia return to Creamfields with a highly anticipated Saturday headline set on the Arc Stage, reaffirming their status as electronic music royalty. They’re joined by international heavyweights David Guetta, Martin Garrix, and Fisher, each promising high-energy sets designed to keep the crowd moving into the night. Fans of underground sounds will be spoilt with performances from techno powerhouse Amelie Lens, house innovator Jamie Jones, and eclectic tastemaker Four Tet, while UK favourites like Fatboy Slim and Camelphat are set to bring their trademark energy to the stage.

 

 

 

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One of the most exciting exclusives this year is Anyma, who will deliver a UK-only performance blending music with his stunning audiovisual art. Rising Scottish star Ewan McVicar is also poised for a career-defining moment as he closes the brand-new HALO stage: a 360-degree outdoor arena designed for total immersion. Across more than 30 stages, over 300 artists will represent every corner of the electronic spectrum, from trance and drum & bass to house, techno, and everything in between.

The sheer scale of the event, with its sprawling stages, dazzling light shows, and pyrotechnics, creates a sensory overload that festival-goers describe as unlike anything else in the UK. The Arc Stage, with its towering design and jaw-dropping production, remains the beating heart of the festival, while intimate arenas tucked away across the site ensure that even underground sounds get their moment to shine. The new Electric Forest stage, nestled in woodland-inspired décor, adds a fresh twist for 2025, offering ravers a chance to dance under the trees to world-class DJs.

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Sustainability also remains on the agenda, with the Cleanfields initiative encouraging festival-goers to keep camps tidy and recycle responsibly. While the focus is squarely on the music, Creamfields continues to evolve into a more environmentally conscious event, ensuring its legacy for future generations of dance fans.

Launched in 2022, the Rock N’ Roll Circus is expanding with events in both Norwich and Sheffield this year, though due to other touring commitments, Queens of the Stone Age will only be playing the Sheffield leg of the festival. Their venue, the Don Valley Bowl, has a capacity of 7500, and will be the third time the venue has hosted the festival in as many years.

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Announcing the second night on their Instagram page, Queens of the Stone Age shared an updated poster which said, “new date added due to phenomenal demand,” as well as listing their support acts across both nights. They will be joined by Viagra Boys, Jehnny Beth, Big Freedia and more across both nights, with Shame and The Murder Capital as two new acts joining them on their second date.  

Festival director Ali O’Reilly said: “The response to Queens of the Stone Age’s first show was incredible. Tickets flew out in record time, and we are excited to give fans another chance to get tickets to see this huge show. It’s an honour to bring one of the greatest rock bands of our generation to Sheffield for not just one, but two nights at Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus. With support from Viagra Boys and The Murder Capital, these shows are going to be something truly special.”

This is going to be insane. Need to get to this. — Andy McElwaine (@andymcelwaine) February 21, 2025

 Queens of the Stone Age have only played in Sheffield once before, visiting the South Yorkshire city to play the Leadmill in 2000. Their return comes as part of a wider European tour, which kicks off 12 July in Slovakia. Their Rock N’ Roll Circus appearance will be the last in the continent before they return to their native US.

The band hasn’t played live since July 2024, though they haven’t released any new music in that time either. Their 2024 setlists comprised mostly of material from three albums: 2023’s ‘In Times New Roman…’, and more classic albums ‘Songs for the Dead’ and ‘…Like Clockwork’. Fans shouldn’t expect any major changes to the setlist; however the circus atmosphere and the intimacy of the venue will make it an unmissable night still.

Though the band hasn’t played in the UK since a Download Festival appearance in June 2024, founder and frontman Josh Homme was one of many musical figures who came together in December to celebrate the life of Mark Lanegen. Lanegan played with QotSA between 2001 and 2005, and introducing the evening, Homme said, “Mark would have pretended to hate this, but he would have loved to see you all here tonight.”

Despite being a relative newcomer to the festival circuit, Rock N’ Roll Circus has drawn some major headline acts in its short history. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds headlined in 2022 and 2023, and the festival has attracted the likes of the Libertines, Natalie Imbruglia, and Gilbert O’Sullivan, as well as one of Sheffield’s finest exports, Richard Hawley, as support acts.

With its eclectic mix of live music and circus performances, Rock N’ Roll Circus has established itself as one of the most unique festivals in the UK. With their first performance selling out in record time and a festival like no other, fans wanting to see Queens of the Stone Age on their second date should act fast. Tickets can be found here.

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Boardmasters itself first launched in 1981 as a surf competition before shifting into a full-scale music festival, making it one of the most unique events on the UK festival circuit. Held across two locations, Fistral Beach, where world-class surfing competitions take place, and Watergate Bay, the main site for music performances. The festival offers a combination of action sports and live music that attracts thousands of festival-goers each year. Over the years, it has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Florence + The Machine, Gorillaz, and Kings of Leon, while still staying true to its surf and skate cultural roots.

Kicking off Friday, first headliner RAYE has had a monumental rise over the past few years, cementing herself as one of the most exciting artists in the UK. After breaking free from major label constraints, she took full creative control of her music, leading to the release of her critically acclaimed debut album ‘My 21st Century Blues’. The album saw her explore deeply personal themes while showcasing her ability to blend R&B, dance, and soul influences effortlessly. Tracks like ‘Escapism’ and ‘Oscar Winning Tears’ became huge hits, solidifying her place in the industry and the charts. 

The Prodigy will be bringing their high-energy, genre-defining electronic sound to Boardmasters, promising an electrifying performance that closes the festival on Sunday. With a career spanning over 30 years, they remain one of the most influential acts in electronic and rave culture. Their iconic tracks, including ‘Omen’, ‘Breathe’, and ‘Smack My B***h Up’, have shaped the landscape of electronic music, inspiring generations of artists. Even after decades in the industry, The Prodigy still deliver some of the most intense live performances, complete with pulsating bass, immersive visuals, and an energy that never fades.

Saturday’s headliner Central Cee has quickly become one of the biggest names in UK rap, gaining worldwide recognition for his unique blend of drill, melodic hooks, and sharp lyricism. With chart-topping hits like ‘GBP’, ‘Doja’, and ‘Commitment Issues’, he has carved out a distinct sound that continues to push the boundaries of the genre. His recent collaboration with RAYE on ‘Moi’ saw him experiment with UK garage influences, proving his versatility beyond drill and rap. Central Cee’s rapid rise has made him one of the most in-demand artists for festivals, and his performance at Boardmasters will undoubtedly be a crowd-puller. 

Beyond the headliners, the festival boasts a incredible supporting lineup featuring a mix of indie, pop, electronic, and rock acts. London Grammar, Nelly Furtado, Wet Leg, Kaiser Chiefs, and Krept & Konan are just a few of the names set to perform, ensuring a fantastic weekend of music. 

With such a strong set of artists, Boardmasters 2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest editions of the festival yet. From RAYE’s emotional and genre-blending performance to The Prodigy’s intense electronic anthems and Central Cee’s hard-hitting rap, the festival promises something for every music fan. Against the backdrop of Newquay’s beaches and surf culture, Boardmasters continues to solidify itself as one of the UK’s most exciting festivals, offering a perfect mix of live music, summer energy, and unforgettable performances. 

Tickets have already gone on sale and information can be found here. 

The drum and bass hitmakers will bring their riveting and electrifying production to All Points East-goers, celebrating the summer at London’s Victoria Park with energy and thrills.

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Saul Milton (Chase) and Will Kennard (Status) have collaborated together since the early 2000s, bringing both fresh and compelling perspectives to modern jungle and dnb music. They have produced tracks for some of the biggest names in music, including: Rihanna, Becky Hill, Dizzee Rascal and Example (to name a few). Most recently their track with Stormzy, ‘BACKBONE’, exhibited a seamless crossover between electronic music and grime. It climbed the charts, peaking at number 1 – marking not only the pair’s first number one hit but earnt them two BRIT nominations at this year’s awards, for ‘Song Of The Year With Mastercard’ and ‘Best Dance Act’. This is monumental given the ‘Disconnect’ duo won their first BRIT only last year for ‘Producer of the Year’ following their contributions to their seventh album ‘2 RUFF – Vol. 1’ .

Chase & Status commented on the news of their headline set at All Points East this year, stating: “Bringing RTRN II Dance to Victoria Park this summer is massive for us and to do it with these artists is super exciting for our home town. We’re ready to bring the energy and make it a night to remember with everyone who’s been on this journey with us”.

Prior to the announcement the duo assisted in the curation of event, hand selecting their special guests. Overmono, Sammy Virji and Nia Archives will be performing exclusive sets during the build up to Chase & Status’ headline show. More guests are set to be added to the lineup soon.

CHASE & STATUS. RTRN II DANCE LONDON.
Overmono. Sammy Virji. Nia Archives.
All Points East.
Saturday 16 August 2025.

Get access to the presale at https://t.co/zgJ4p583GW

General sale starts at 10am Thursday 13 February.

Payment plans, VIP packages and team tickets are… pic.twitter.com/zgKtxztuGZ

— All Points East (@allpointseastuk) January 30, 2025

Their appearance at All Points East adds to an already extensive schedule for 2025. The pair will be heading on tour in February performing a handful of shows in Mexico, Japan and the US, before embarking on a UK arena tour throughout April and May.

American Express cardholders will be able to access an exclusive presale on February 10 (until 9am GMT on February 12), where artist presale will begin on February 12 at 10am GMT before general sale on February at 10aam GMT.

More information and tickets can be found here.

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Sam Fender’s headline slot is no surprise. With two Number 1 albums already under his belt, he’s set to release his highly anticipated third album, ‘People Watching’, in February. Fender’s summer tour doesn’t kick off until June, meaning fans at the Big Weekend will be among the first to hear the album’s new material.  

Blossoms are still riding high after their Number 1 album ‘Gary’, released last year, and Wet Leg, who headlined at 2023’s Big Weekend, make a return to the festival after three years of extensive touring.  

Lola Young knocked Gracie Abrams off the top of the UK Charts last week with her hit ‘Messy’, and featured on Tyler, The Creator’s October album, ‘CHROMAKOPIA’. Myles Smith played the  Music Introducing stage at last year’s Big Weekend, and called it a “dream come true” to return to the festival. Smith was also shortlisted for the BBC Introducing Sound of 2025 Award, eventually coming 4th.

This year’s Big Weekend marks the event’s first return to the North West since 2007, when it was held in Preston. Liverpool’s iconic Sefton Park will play host this year, as part of a busy first half of the year which will also see the park hosting a candlelight concert and a DJ set from Danny Rampling.  

The format has changed over its two-decade-long history, with stages coming and going, but if the previous years are to be repeated, then fans will be treated to four different stages. With the Main Stage, Future Sounds, Dance Stage, and BBC Introducing, there will be plenty of acts to see for fans of all genres.

Quality lineup so far guys

— John Hamilton (@stigcocard) January 28, 2025

BBC Radio 1’s Head of Station, Aled Haydn Jones, said: “We’re thrilled to bring Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025 to Liverpool. Liverpool’s vibrant music scene and rich history make it the perfect setting for this iconic event. It’s set to be an unmissable weekend.” 

Taking place over 23-25 May, the festival lines up with the final day of the Premier League season. With Liverpool Football Club on track to lift the trophy, the city could become euphoric, making the weekend even more special for those lucky enough to attend. 

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Tickets for the Big Weekend used to be free, but this changed in recent years, with 2024’s tickets costing £34 all in. They are released in batches and will prioritise local residents first. This approach has led to the BBC saying the event brings superstars to your doorstep, and it’s hard to argue with them when they have Sabrina Carpenter performing in Luton, and The Jonas Brothers in Dundee. 

The Big Weekend kicks off the UK’s festival season and is followed by the likes of Download Festival and Glastonbury in the following month. The first phase of tickets can be expected to be released toward the end of March and anybody wanting to snag a ticket should keep an eye out for any announcements.

The festival has taken place annually, since 2006, in Dorset at the Larmer Tree Gardens and showcases an eclectic range of music, from independent rock and folk to electronic and world music. With six stages, End of the Road Festival have hosted many exclusive and unforgettable sets since its ascension. Their stages have seen boundary-breaking rapper Little Simz, indie-rock band Yard Act, Australian rock band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and punk duo Lambrini Girls take the stage over the last four years.

Taking place between August 28 and 31 next year, the festival witnesses huge demand each year, having sold out on every single year since its inaugural edition in 2006. Currently Early Bird, Tier 1 and Tier 2 tickets have sold out, however, the third and final tier are on sale now, and can be accessed here.

After releasing his sixth studio album, ‘Mahashmashana’ at the end of November, American musician Father John Misty was one of the first acts to be announced in End of the Road Festival’s star-studded 2025 lineup. Having been in the industry since the early noughties, Father John Misty has become renowned for his unconventional performance style and ironic lyricism throughout his discography. He recently established a younger generation of fans having obtained a viral hit on TikTok, the single ‘Real Love Baby’ originally released in 2016, resurfaced on TikTok earlier this year and currently have almost half a million videos under its sound. Father John Misty’s set at End of the Road Festival will showcase his much loved tracks along with newly released songs from his latest album.

Joining Father John Misty, Self Esteem will grace the stage with her empowering experimental pop anthems. With over a decade’s worth of experience within the music industry, Rebecca Lucy Taylor known professionally as Self Esteem, has developed a captivating artistry which surrounds lyricism with a profound vulnerability and realism against the backdrop of punchy rhythms and powerful instrumentation. Her sophomore album, ‘Prioritise Pleasure’ released in 2021 further catapulted Self Esteem into stardom due to its thought-provoking and relatable lyrics presented within an energetic pop manner. A stand-out track ‘I Do This All The Time’ reveals the complexity surrounding being human – the triumphs and the heartaches – Taylor urges herself and listeners to remain hopeful due to the track’s deeply conversational lyrics and tender composition.

Caribou, Sharon Van Etten, Moonchild Sanelly and many other exciting acts will join Self Esteem and Father John Misty in next year’s edition of the End of The Road Festival. An event all indie rock and folk listeners will love.

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The festival has an electrifying lineup of legendary artists. Headlining the event are pioneers of electronic music, Kraftwerk, who promise to deliver a mesmerising audiovisual performance, blending futuristic soundscapes and hypnotic beats with iconic tracks like ‘Autobahn’ and ‘The Model.’ Meanwhile, Billy Idol, with his legendary hits like ‘Rebel Yell’ and ‘White Wedding,’ will bring pure rock energy and nostalgia. Adding to the magic, the iconic Happy Mondays will bring their infectious Madchester grooves to the stage, delivering crowd-pleasers like ‘Step On’ and ‘Hallelujah’. Their blend of alternative rock, funk, and acid house will no doubt get people grooving. Together, these artists will create an incredible experience, making this festival a truly memorable celebration of music.

The festival is also offering more than just music. Forever Now is featuring The Echo Chamber, a unique stage dedicated to exploring the cultural movements and narratives behind the music. The stage has been curated by music journalist and musician John Robb and will host artist panels, interviews, and discussions which allow fans to feel connected to their favourite artists. The festival takes inspiration from its US counterpart, The Cruel World Festival, which has become a beloved gathering for fans of the genre in the US. Forever Now seeks to recreate that success in the UK, offering a platform that highlights the rich history of alternative music while also introducing new audiences to a range of acts.

@cruelworldfestival Cruel World lineup is here… passes on sale Fri Oct 25th #cruelworld #bluemonday ♬ original sound – cruelworldfest

Tickets for Forever Now go on presale on December 5, 2024. The general sale is set to be released on December 6, 2024. Tickets will include access to the festival’s main stages and activities and they are reported as a starting price of £85. VIP packages are also available, which offer enhanced experiences such as early entry and dedicated areas. Given the talk surrounding the lineup and the excitement of a sister festival, tickets are expected to sell out quickly.

The festival is set in Milton Keynes’ iconic National Bowl, and with two primary music stages, the event promises to attract fans from across the UK. Forever Now is destined to be a stop-off for anyone passionate about individuality and creativity.

The festival blends legendary acts with newer voices whilst also allowing for cultural exploration in the alternative genre, Forever Now captures the timeless spirit of post-punk and alternative music. The introduction of this new festival ensures that the genre’s legacy continues to thrive for generations to come in the UK.

For any questions and updates, please visit the festival’s official website here.

For ticket information, you can click here.

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In the past, it had featured artists such as Jess Glyne, Olly Murs and Chase & Status. Over their website, organizers have described the past 12 editions as an unforgettable journey.

“For 12 incredible years, Sundown Festival has been Norwich’s ultimate summer send-off. What started as humble beginnings grew into a five-stage camping festival, partnering with iconic music brands and artists, surviving a pandemic, and even taking Sundown to Malta. It’s been an unforgettable journey.” They stated on their website before going to thank the fans and their energy: “a huge thank you to our fans — you’ve been the heartbeat of Sundown”.  

The festival had first taken place in 2013, after it was renamed from “Norfolk Spectacular”. At its earlier editions, it had artists such as Rita Ora and JessieJ performing; in 2014, Chase & Status took the stage and the day after was followed by Ellie Goulding. Chase & Status played the festival various times. In more recent editions, Shawn Mendes, Zara Larsson, Clean Bandit, Sean Paul and Raye graced the stage. The festival had also been brought to Malta in recent years. 

Last year’s edition saw Tom Grennan and D-Block Europe headlining, with acts such as Kenya Grace, Mahalia and Flowdan performing throughout the day.

The news of Sundown’s cancellation comes after many other small UK festivals have cancelled their upcoming edition. Sundown’s organizers have blamed the need to cancel on rising costs of production and the rising cost of living; these reasons impacted their ability to deliver the high standards which they had created in the previous editions. 

This year alone, more than 70 festivals were cancelled or postponed. According to the Association of Independent Festivals, ever since 2019 a total of 204 have been cancelled for different reasons, mostly related to the pandemic and the subsequent financial difficulties brought by it. Back in June, over 50 festivals had been cancelled for the 2024 edition and the number keeps increasing.

In order to prevent the cancellation of more festivals, AIF has created an initiative to support and preserve smaller – “five percent for festivals” – venues and festivals.  

50 UK festivals have now announced a postponement, cancellation or complete closure in 2024.

Without intervention, it’s expected that the UK will see over 100 festivals disappear in 2024

Read here https://t.co/xOUG2LeZUU pic.twitter.com/PJYQ3ExEA3

— AIF (@AIF_UK) June 24, 2024

It is unclear now whether Sundown Festival will be revived in the upcoming years, but it is becoming clear that small venues and festivals are suffering from the economic crisis and the future of live music, especially for smaller artists, is at stake.

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Forest Live takes place every summer in the forests of England and is partially organized and supported by Forestry England. This year, four forests are set to become stages of the festival: Cannock Chase Forest, Delamere Forest, High Lodge Thetford Forest and Westonbirt Arboretum. Forestry England uses the proceeds from the ticket sales to fund their projects, the welfare of forests and the planting of trees. After the 2023 edition, Forest Live revealed that in the festival’s 23 years, more than two million people have attended the festival, and this enabled the Forestry England to plant more 7.4 million trees.

This year, once again, the public is invited to attend and enjoy music while supporting the planet and ensuring the welfare of our British forests. So far the headliners announced are the following: Snow Patrol, Sting, The Script, Elbow, Blossoms, James and Rag’n’Bone Man.

These acts will perform in the different sites where the festival takes place; for example, Snow Patrol will be playing Delamere Forest and Westonbirt Arboretorum, whilst The Script is set for High Lodge and Westonbirt Arboretorum. Sting will play Westonbirt Arboretorum and Cannock Chase Forest.    

Tickets are available starting on the Forest Live website and each concert has a different price, depending on the artist performing as well as the venue. VIP tickets are also available and they include a great view of the stage, luxury facilities and exclusive bars and foods.

Forest Live was first held in 2001, as a way to raise money to protect forests; some of its first headliners included the likes of Ed Sheeran and Motorhead. Over the years, the organizers have chosen sites with bigger capacities and the festival has grown bigger and bigger. Last year, names such as Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Nile Rodgers and CHIC and Van Morrison performed.  

 

 

 

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Tickets for Forest Live will be available to purchase for general sale here on November 15, but you can also register here for pre-sale before the 14 of November