The Great Escape Festival 2025

Words and photos by Rachel June

Brighton, May 14–17

This May, Brighton’s shoreline is about to shake – not with waves, but with the sound of hundreds of emerging artists taking over the city for The Great Escape Festival 2025.

Known as the UK’s foremost new music festival, The Great Escape is where your next obsession takes the stage before they hit the big time. Spanning genres, venues, and countries, it’s a three-day deep dive into what’s next in music. Whether you’re into soul, punk, drill, indie, R&B, jazz, or something you’ve never heard before – this is where you’ll find it.

450+ artists. 35+ walkable venues. One unforgettable seaside takeover.

Discover new music across Brighton’s iconic venues, packed with industry officials and gig lovers galore. The Great Escape is as much about discovery as it is about connection. Beautiful Brighton Beach calls your name, helping you to relax with a Greggs sausage roll (not sponsored) and your drink of choice. Watch the waves and escape the busy town by breathing in the refreshing sea air.

Expect showcases from labels, collectives, and gig lovers from around the world, a stacked conference programme for industry heads and artists, the legendary Alt Escape for more DIY and underground talent, plus sunshine (hopefully), sea air, and non-stop music energy.

The Spotlight Shows at The Great Escape Festival will feature Rizzle Kicks and Pete Doherty, with an exciting lineup of artists including Jordan Adetunji, Van Son, Lynks, The K’s, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, MOIO, The Moonlandingz, Black Fondu, Westside Cowboy, Donny Benét, RUBII, Luvcat, Chloe Slater, The Orchestra (For Now), CATTY, corto.alto, Sirens Of Lesbos, Miss Kaninna, Tia Gostelow, Laundromat Chicks, HotWax, WRKHOUSE, Welly, Vraell, AGGRASOPPAR, Goetia, Jo Hill, namesbliss, SOFY, Armlock and more, discover here.