The 2025 line-up is a bold statement of direction that suggests a festival looking to set trends rather than follow them.

A few weeks have passed since the first wave of names dropped. There were plenty more than got a mention on Jack Saunder’s Radio One show, and, overall, this announcement really raised some eyebrows. Facebook responses have included many calling it the worst line-up ever, but all that really reflects is that the Facebook crowd is not who this is being targeted at. The Festival clearly has no interest in repeating past glories. Those looking for older bands will be more drawn to Victorious Festival on the same weekend, Truck Festival, or for a more consistently heavy line-up Download Festival in June.

Getting Travis Scott, Hozier, Bring Me The Horizon and Chappel Roan on UK exclusive contracts is an absolute coup. Travis Scott is not everyone’s cup of tea but he has a significant following and this will be the only place you can see him in Europe in 2025. This will very much cement Bring Me The Horizon’s UK headliner status following their sub-headline set in 2022 and topping Download Festival in 2023. Hozier has been pushed up perhaps a place too far, however he has the tunes and the stagecraft to win over the doubters. Chappel Roan absolutely owned 2024 and there will be many desperate fans getting themselves a day ticket for what should be a triumphant performance. A number of 2024 line-ups at smaller festivals this year owed a lot to the 2023 Reading and Leeds line-up, and I would not be surprised to see imitation of elements of the 2025 line-up elsewhere in 2026. A lot of younger bands and exciting talent are being pushed through here, and those taking the time to explore the bands they are not familiar with will find something to enjoy whatever their taste.

Australian guitar talent is well represented with Amyl and the Sniffers, The Chats and Royel Otis all featuring. The last of those offering a more laid-back approach to counteract the high-energy garage punk assault of the first two. Early noughties survivors are catered for through Bloc Party (the first band playing the new ‘Icons’ slot), The Kooks and Enter Shikari.

The status of The Chevron Stage would seem to be in some doubt as there is a much less obvious set of artists to fill that setting across the three days. It would surprise me if they abandoned it after one year. However, given the high number of complaints this year caused by the Chevron Stage sound overpowering the artists on the Main Stage, some sort of alteration would seem inevitable.

Grabbing my interest are several of my favourite bands including Soft Play and Wunderhorse. Rudim3ntal could be an exciting dance alternative wherever they are programmed. High Vis and Lambrini Girls are both likely to carry on boosting their growing reputations. Becky Hill will cement her place as a festival favourite, anyone who witnessed her great 2023 show will be keen to come back for more.

There is a lot of interesting young talent like Sofia Isella, The Linda Lindas, The Dare and Nieve Ella. This is an exciting start, and I am sure there will be plenty more to catch the eye on the next couple of announcements.