Bristol is no stranger to big names on its music scene. It’s spawned huge names in its own right, has a plethora of venues playing host to both new local talent and international superstars, and festivals and events that are staples in the South West’s music scene.
In 2025 alone, we can look forward to BRIT, Grammy and Mercury Prize winning artists from all corners of the world, as well as indie legends celebrating decades-long careers, and much much more. Because of this, we have put together a bit of a list of some of the biggest names heading to a Bristol stage this year.
We still have line-ups for Ashton Gate’s music series and BS3 to be announced, among others. But here’s who we know of so far, when and how you can get tickets…
Festivals
Forwards
Forwards Festival takes place at the Downs on August 23 and 24 this year. The line-up includes the likes of Barry Can’t Swim, Ezra Collective, Confidence Man, Orbital, English Teacher, Happy Mondays, Doechii, Jorja Smith, The Last Dinner Party, Olivia Dean, and more.
Bristol Sounds
Bristol Sounds takes place from June 25-29 at the Amphitheatre this year. The line-up includes Supergrass, Kaiser Chiefs, Texas, Olly Murs, The Fratellis, Goldie Lookin Chain, Stereo MC’s, Sleeper, Cast, and others.
Siren
Siren takes place at the Amphitheatre from July 25-27. Bloc Party, Hedex, Sasha and John Digweed, are all among the line-up for 2025.
Love Saves The Day
Love Saves The Day takes place at Ashton Court on May 24-25, with a line-up that includes the likes of Nia Archives, Overmono, Giggs, Ghetts, Shy FX, Groove Armada, Andy C, Skream & Benga, Wilkinson, and more.
Bristol Pride
Bristol Pride Day takes place at the Downs on Saturday, July 12, with names including Cascada, Ultra Nate, Anthony Lexa, Jason Kwan, and more still to be announced. Brooke Lynn Hytes will be headlining the Cabaret Stage.
Dot to Dot
Taking place at various venues across the city on May 24 and 25, Fat Dog, The Horrors, Lapsley, Sprints, and more are among the line-up for Dot to Dot this year.
Good Times Live, Chipping Sodbury
This music event series will see the likes of Jools Holland, Billy Ocean, Skunk Anansie, Gabrielle, Scouting for Girls, Craig David, Will Young, Natalie Imbruglia, and more on the line-up.
Kisstory
The first wave of the Kisstory 2025 event at Motion, will see Oxide & Neutrino, Sweet Female Attitude, and more.
Bristol Beacon
You can find the full diary of events at Bristol Beacon on its official website. But here are some of the big names to grace the stage in 2025:
- Matt Goss – March 8
- Kim Wilde – March 16
- The Darkness – March 24 (sold out)
- Spiritualized – March 29
- Primal Scream – March 31
- Skunk Anansie – April 1 (sold out)
- Deacon Blue – April 2
- Olly Alexander – April 6
- Ocean Colour Scene – April 9 (sold out)
- Mike and The Mechanics – April 10
- Finneas – April 22
- Manic Street Preachers – April 26 (sold out)
- Goldie – April 26 (sold out)
- The Flaming Lips – May 5 (sold out)
- The Waterboys – May 22
- Sophie Ellis-Bextor – June 8
- Billy Ocean – June 11
- Lord Huron – September 18
- Jason Mraz – October 8
- Feeder – October 9
- Level 42 – October 11 (sold out)
- Larkin Poe – October 19
- The Stranglers – October 28
- Rick Wakeman – October 29
- The Stylistics – November 3
- Adam Ant – November 10
- Saxon – November 13
- Tony Hadley – December 7
- Jools Holland – December 21
O2 Academy, Bristol
You can find the full diary of events at the O2 Academy on its official website. But here are some of the big names to grace the stage in 2025:
- Badly Drawn Boy – March 14
- Stiff Little Fingers – March 21
- Loreen – March 23
- Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls – April 16 (sold out)
- Craig Charles – May 3
- Martin Kemp – May 10
- Jo Whiley – May 16
- Public Image Limited – May 22
- Heaven 17 – November 20
- The Wailers – December 4
- Electric Six – December 5
Motion & Marble Factory
You can find the full diary of events at Motion on its official website. But one of the big names to grace the stage in 2025 includes:
- Peter Hook & The Light – April 17
SWX
You can find the full diary of events at SWX on its official website. But some of the big names to grace the stage in 2025 include:
- Doves – March 14 (sold out)
- Rebecca Black – March 17
- Lola Young – March 24 (sold out)
- The Lathums – March 25
- Lordi – April 9
- Soccer Mommy – May 7
- Blondshell – September 8
- Sonique – October 10
- Black Grape – December 6
Thekla
You can find the full diary of events at Thekla on its official website. But some of the big names to grace the stage in 2025 include:
- Lucia & The Best Boys – March 13
- The Hoosiers – March 28 (sold out)
- Toploader – April 16
- The Moonlandingz – May 14
- Showhawk Duo – May 30
- Natty – June 21
- Michael Shannon – August 26
Prospect
You can find the full diary of events at Prospect on its official website. But one of the big names to grace the stage in 2025 includes:
- Annie Mac Before Midnight – March 22